‘Jingle bells and… something about a red-nosed reindeer…’
Come December and we all start humming along to Christmas Carols. The most common ‘Jingle Bells’ tune is hardwired into our brains. It is the sound you would associate with snow falling, the sound of all 80’s and 90’s Christmas shows and the sound of something delicious roasting in the oven.
Did you know: Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago, but these were not Christmas Carols. They were pagan songs, sung at the Winter Solstice celebrations as people danced round stone circles (The word carol originally meant to dance to something). The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, usually taking place around December 22. The word Carol actually means dance or a song of praise and joy! Carols used to be written and sung during all four seasons, but only the tradition of singing them at Christmas has really survived.
All time favourite Christmas Carols (as listed by top40.about.com) includes:
The Christmas Song (also revered to as ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire’ from the lyrics) – by Nat King Cole (1961)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – by Judy Garland (1944)
O Holy Night – sung by Celine Dion (1998)
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – more recently made popular again by Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi (2003)
Everyone has their favourite Christmas song that creates that feel-good family festive cheer. What is your favourite carol?
