Christmas Carols

The tradition of caroling and Christmas carols is believed to have originated in England when wandering musicians would travel from town to town, visiting castles and homes of rich people, and giving impromptu performances. Some also believe that singing carols at Christmas likely came from the group of angels, shepherds, and Wise Men who visited Jesus at his birth, because they worshiped the holy child, sang, and proclaimed praises unto Him. After their visit, they continued their proclamations in the street.

The origin of the word “carol,” however, is thought to come from the word “caroller,” which is a French word that describes a circle dance with singers. From the twelfth through the fourteenth centuries, the carol was highly popular as a dance song. The use of carols then evolved to festivals where they were sung as processional songs. Others were included as part of religious mystery plays in Europe.

Some traditional qualities of a carol are that the words expressed should celebrate a topic that is seasonal, have verses and a chorus arranged alternately, and have music that is suitable for dancing. Although many of the carols that are now popular at Christmas time are very old, there are others from earlier times that didn't survive.

During the 17th century, when the Protestants, led by Oliver Cromwell, were in power in England, many Christmas carols were banned and some were never heard again. The Christmas carols that survived the Protestant Reformation period didn't become very popular again until some time between the mid-19th century to the start of the 20th century.

Many of the Christmas carols that were banned, and early Christmas carols in general, had lyrics that expressed joyous and merry themes instead of the serious, somber words found in church hymns. During the time when carols were banned, some composers and musicians wrote non-religious songs that had highly varied choral music, which they called carols, for Christmas.

After Christmas carols again became popular and many of those songs were re-arranged with new Christian lyrics and used by the church. Making changes to Christmas carols continues in a different way today with pop artists singing the carols to different tunes and melodies to give them a style that characterizes the particular artist. Having Christmas carols with tunes of contemporary or popular music means that they are also more likely to survive because younger listeners will be interested in hearing music performed by their favorite singers.

The popularity of Christmas carols in the United States increased in the 19th century, as it did in England, because many of the traditions related to Christmas came to the United States from England. The United States and England also have closely linked religious observances, which also accounts for the popularity and similarity of Christmas carols that are enjoyed in both countries.

Today, radio stations are the first to play Christmas carols, usually starting in mid-November, to signal the coming season. At the start of December, when the Christmas season officially begins, malls and other retail establishments begin to pipe Christmas carols and songs through their places of business.

The singing of carols at churches, schools, and by groups performing at malls will be a common sight starting in early to mid-December. Carol singing as a part of Nativity plays and concerts at churches and schools is usually in full swing by mid-December as the Christmas season gets into high gear and the countdown to Christmas Day begins.

Whether it's the traditional tunes or popular makeovers of Christmas carols that you enjoy, listening to them is part of an old Christmas tradition. Any version of a Christmas carol can serve the purpose of putting you in a festive mood for Christmas. The music may even inspire you to dance, just like the music of original carols was meant to do.

Christmas Music

Christmas music, in the form of carols, songs, stringed or instrumental renditions, is constantly heard during the Christmas season. Music forms the background against which everything else takes place to make the Christmas season different from all others. Christmas music plays such a significant role that during the entire season, other popular music temporarily disappears from radio. That may be the reason for all the different types of Christmas music - sacred, secular, popular, and traditional - that have emerged throughout the years.

Popular and secular renditions of Christmas music have been developed by musical artists and performers who “make over” classic styles of Christmas music with their own personal touch. One reason for popular makeovers of Christmas music may be because regular popular music is not heard much during the holiday season, so pop musicians and artists do Christmas music to keep their voices always in earshot of their fans and the general audience. It could also be that they want to capitalize on the popularity of Christmas music.

Whatever the reason, it has become a trend for popular musical artists to release new Christmas, or holiday, music albums during the season. Since variety is the spice of life, it means there are more variations of secular, sacred, classical or traditional, and popular renditions of Christmas music to be heard.

Music at Christmas time is important to create the right mood. The prevalence of Christmas music is what helps to create the special holiday feeling or spirit that is present everywhere and among everyone. Everyone has particular Christmas songs and carols that are favorites, maybe for the melody, the lyrics, or because they are reminders of special memories.

The most popular Christmas song is said to be “White Christmas,” which is popular even in warm and tropical climates where people sing of “dreaming of a White Christmas,” which in reality they would not want. Other popular Christmas songs and carols are: Away in a Manger, which tells the Nativity story in song; O Holy Night; Silent Night; Joy to the World; Hark the Herald Angels Sing; and Angels We Have Heard on High.

All of these songs are sacred and are all about the story of Jesus' birth. Also of note is Handel’s majestic “Hallelujah Chorus,” which is a favorite that choirs like to sing because of the splendor embodied in the music. Nat King Cole's “Chestnut Roasting On an Open Fire” is a classical favorite. It defies categorization as it isn't sacred but is also not considered secular like a song such as “Sleigh Ride.”

Among secular Christmas songs, there are also funny ones such as “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The availability of a wide Christmas music selection makes it possible to choose songs for different occasions, such as for general use at home, for a fun or informal party, or for a formal dinner. As an example, selections can be made to create the right mood at the start of a party, followed by more lively music when the party is in full swing, and then selections to slow down the pace when the party is nearing its end.

It's also important to note that professional groups such as choirs, symphonies, and orchestras will also record performances of Christmas music on albums. For the very serious and critical music aficionados, these albums will provide wonderful listening pleasure and also make good Christmas presents. Listening to music from these groups is a way of enjoying their performances if you don’t get the opportunity to attend a live concert by the professional group.

Whatever selections of Christmas music are made, it's likely that it will create a festive mood and spirit among all who hear the music.