You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall e most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names ey never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games en one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
“Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” en how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer You’ll go down in history”
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names ey never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games en one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say “Rudolph, with your nose so bright Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” en how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer You’ll go down in history”
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Johnny Marks
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer lyrics © Word Collections Publishing
‘What is your favorite Christmas song?’
“My favorite Christmas song is Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms because of the beat, it gets me in the spirit of Christmas.”
“My favorite Christmas song is Silent Night by Frank Sinatra because of the nostalgia it brings, it’s always been a classic.”
“My favorite Christmas song is “Where are you Christmas” by Faith Hill. I love how the song captures the subtle grief of saying goodbye to what once was, but also shifts in tone to remind us Christmas still exists–as long as there is still love in your heart.”
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland is my favorite Christmas song. I just like how sentimental and warm it is.”
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” has been recorded by many artists over the years. It was written in the 1940s by composers Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. e song was featured in the movie “Meet Me in St. Louis” and sung by Judy Garland, who immortalized it. More than 10 years a er Garland introduced the world to the song, Frank Sinatra released a Christmas album to revitalize his music career and wanted to include “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” though he asked composer Martin to tweak the lyrics to give it a lighter tone. Martin obliged, and the newer version has since widely become the standard.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light, From now on our troubles Will be out of sight.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Make the yuletide gay, From now on our troubles Will be miles away.
Here we are as in olden days, Happy golden days of yore, Faithful friends who are dear to us, Gather near to us, once more.
rough the years we all will be together, If the fates allow,
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
Here we are as in olden days, Happy golden days of yore, Faithful friends who are dear to us, Gather near to us, once more.
rough the years we all will be together
If the fates allow, Hang a shining star upon the highest bough,
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
Written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane Lyrics courtesy of Azlyrics.com
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Despite its title, the popular carol “O, Christmas Tree” was not originally a Christmas song. According to the University Libraries at e Ohio State University, the modern lyrics to the song referenced the evergreen tree as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness. Also sung and o en referred to as “O Tannenbaum” (“tannenbaum” is the German word for “ r tree”), “O, Christmas Tree” is based on a traditional German folk song that can be traced back several centuries, though the modern lyrics have been credited to German composer Ernst Anschütz, who wrote the now widely recognizable words in 1824.
O Christmas Tree O, Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us.
ey’re green when summer days are bright;
ey’re green when winter snow is white.
O, Christmas Tree, O, Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, You give us so much pleasure!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, You give us so much pleasure!
How o at Christmas tide the sight, O green r tree, gives us delight!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, You give us so much pleasure!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us. ey’re green when summer days are bright; ey’re green when winter snow is white.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us!
Lyrics courtesy of LyricsforChristmas.com
“Away In a Manger” is a popular Christmas carol that has endured for well over a century. One of the rst known appearances of the song was in the journal e Christian Cynosure in 1882, which indicates it is now more than 140 years old. at publication titled the hymn ”Luther’s Cradle Song,” and a brief description of the song preceding the lyrics indicates it was written by the German religious reformer Martin Luther. However, the University Libraries at e Ohio State University note that historians have since dispelled that notion, with some suggesting the song was written to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Luther’s birth (the reformer was born in 1483). Regardless of its authorship, the song remains a popular and moving hymn that can be heard far and wide during the holiday season.
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, e little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. e stars in the sky looked down where he lay, e little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
e cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love ee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask ee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with ee there.
With lyrics based on the French song “Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” is a beloved and instantly recognizable Christmas carol. e origin of the original song remains unknown, though the English translation, which is considered a derivative work since the lyrics are not a direct translation, is credited to 19th century Roman Catholic priest James Chadwick.
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song?
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
See Him in a manger laid Jesus Lord of heaven and earth; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, With us sing our Savior’s birth.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Author unknown
Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsforchristmas.com
Originally titled “Carol of the Drum,” the song eventually known as “ e Little Drummer Boy” was written in 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis, who was a classical music composer and teacher. It rst was recorded by the Trapp Family Singers and tells the story of a poor boy who had no gi to o er the Baby Jesus. Mary agrees to let him play his drum as a gi . One of the more notable recordings of the song was a collaboration by David Bowie and Bing Crosby for a 1977 television special, which interwove “ e Little Drummer Boy” with “Peace on Earth.”
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum,
A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum.
Our nest gi s we bring, pa rum pum pum pum,
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum, I am a poor boy, too, pa rum pum pum pum.
I have no gi to bring, pa rum pum
pum pum, at’s t to give our King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum,
On my drum.
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum,
e ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum.
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.
en He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum, Me and my drum.
Written by Katherine K. Davis
Lyrics courtesy of Christmassongs.net
“Christmas Time Is Here” is a song written for the 1965 television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which was one of the rst animated specials produced for network television in the United States. Along with singing carols and baking cookies, watching classic Christmas specials is part of many families’ holiday traditions. Two versions of the song appeared on the album that was released in conjunction with the TV special: an instrumental version by the Vince Guaraldi Trio as well as a vocal version sung by choristers from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in San Rafael, Calif.
Christmas time is here Happiness and cheer Fun for all that children call eir favorite time of the year.
Snow akes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes Of love and dreams to share.
Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the reside And joyful memories there.
Christmas time is here We’ll be drawing near Oh, that we could always see Such spirit through the year Oh, that we could always see Such spirit through the year.
Written by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson
Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsforchristmas.com
On the rst day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree
On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
ree French hens
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four calling birds
ree French hens
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
On the h day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Five golden rings
Four calling birds ree French hens
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
ree French hens
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds ree French hens
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
ree French hens
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds ree French hens
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds ree French hens
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds ree French hens
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
On the twel h day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds ree French hens
Two turtle doves and A partridge in a pear tree
“ e First Noël” (also known as “ e First Nowell”) is among the oldest songs now sung as a Christmas carol. e song is believed to be of Cornish origin, which means it can be traced to an ethnic group associated with the historic county of Cornwall in southwest England. According to Classichistory.net, historians believe “ e First Noël” was written as early as the 13th century. During that time, Miracle Plays that depicted Biblical stories were very popular in Europe, and “ e First Noël” is believed to have been inspired by those plays. e song tells the story of the birth of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew.
e rst Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in elds as they lay; in elds where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
ey looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
And by the light of that same star three Wise Men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
is star drew nigh to the northwest, o’er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
en entered in those Wise Men three, full reverently upon the knee, and o ered there, in his presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
Christmas carols can be heard far and wide from anksgiving weekend through Christmas Day. “ e 12 Days of Christmas” is one of the most recognizable carols, and for good reason, as the popular song can trace its history back several centuries. Researchers have traced the earliest printed version of the poem on which the song is based all the way back to 1780. at’s three years before the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which o cially ended the American Revolutionary War. e song has long been suspected to have been a way for Catholics in Britain to teach their children the catechism, as the 1700s was a controversial period for Catholicism in the country. However, no documentary evidence exists in support of that theory, and many historians feel it is inaccurate. Others indicate that, while 1780 is likely the rst time the poem was printed, the poem is likely much older than that, with origins potentially in France or Scotland. What is known is that the version many people recognize today, namely in song form, can be traced to the early twentieth century, when English singer and composer Frederic Austin rst popularized the melody for the song. Austin performed that version of the song beginning in 1905, and it was rst published in 1909.
December is lled with opportunities to make magical memories, particularly for families with young children. Christmas commands a lot of thought and attention, and parents know such e orts are worth it to see smiles on children’s faces. Stories help set the holiday scene and enable children to hold tight to all of the magic. Whether they are read together as a family or children read them on their own, these literary works can enhance special holiday moments.
• “ e Gi of the Magi” by O. Henry: is story tells the tale of a young married couple who have to sacri ce in order to buy Christmas presents for one another.
• “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens: No Christmas season would be complete without reading (or watching) “A Christmas Carol.” When three ghosts visit Ebenezer Scrooge, he learns an important lesson about charity, friends and family.
• “ e Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear: A Christmas Book for Kids” by Stan and Jan Berenstain: Kids of all generations have grown up reading Berenstain Bears books. is volume has Mama and Papa showing Sister and Brother that the true meaning of the holiday is about giving.
• “Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree” by Robert Barry: When Mr. Willowby’s tree arrives for Christmas, it is too tall for his parlor. He must cut o the top so it will t, and that top is passed along again and again to spread holiday cheer.
• “ e Greatest Gi ” by Philip Van Doren Stern: Written in 1943, this story is about a man named George who is contemplating his life while standing on a bridge on Christmas Eve. is tale became the basis for the classic lm, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
• “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss: Famed children’s writer Dr. Seuss was a master of imbuing life lessons in his stories and this book is no di erent. Isolated and angry, the Grinch learns to appreciate his neighbors in Whoville and comes to realize that Christmas is about being with loved ones and not material gi s.
• Gospels of Matthew (1 and 2) and Luke (1 and 2): Families can read about the birth of Jesus Christ, whose birth is primarily narrated in these passages. Matthew focuses on the ful llment of Old Testament prophecies, while Luke speaks to the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, Christ’s birth and visits from shepherds.
1. Sugar Cookie - Mickey Guyton
2. Christmas Movie - Pentatonix
3. Coming Home is Christmas - From “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie”
4. Christmas Looks Good On You - Natalie Grant
5. All I Need (feat. Meghan Trainor) - Scott & Mark Hoying, Meghan Trainor, Scott Hoying
6. Christmas Is Groove - Marcia Hines
7. Merry Christmas, Babe - Eric Benét
8. Christmas Love Song - Willie Nelson
9. cozy you (christmas) (feat. Hohnen Ford) - aron!, Hohnen Ford
10. Snowing in Paris - Pentatonix, Jojo
11. Happy Holidays - Anaïs Reno
12. Good to See You - Straight No Answer, John Splithoff
13. Dream a Dream of Christmas - Lydia Luce
14. With You - Sherwin Gardner
15. Holiday Dream - Jamra
16. Christmas is on Its Way - Andrew DeLong, Emily Lim
17. e Christmas Song - Cheery & Bright - Elysia Biro
18. Christmas in California - David Archuleta
19. White Christmas (Arr. Aragón) - Yuniet Lombida Prieto, e Sarahbanda
20. Wouldn't Be Christmas - Lady A
21. Holiday In - Brandon Heath, Rachel Purcell
22. Christmas Time Is e Right Time - Acantha Lang
23. Rockin' Around e Christmas Tree / Jingle Bell Rock - Moonalice
24. Counting Down e Days - Brad Paisley
25. Unexpected Christmas - October London, Unexpected Christmas
26. Go, Tell It On the Mountain - Chris Blue
27. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Jill Barber
28. It Can't Be Christmas - Tom Grennan
29. Sing We Now of Christmas - Down East Boys
30. Save A Little Christmas For Me - Mickey Guyton
31. at Spirit Of Christmas - Larry Fleet
32. Blue Christmas - Rosie Darling
33. My Favorite Time Of Year - Peter's Version
34. Christmastime Is Here - Mia McIntosh
35. Joy To e World - Tamar Braxton, Unexpected Christmas
36. Someday at Christmas - e Accidentals, Kaboom Studio Orchestra
37. Santa, Did You Get My Letter? - Olivia Van Goor
38. Santa Claus is Comin' To Town - Brandon Wisham
39. Let's Get Together is Christmas - Steve Mandile
40. Pinecones - Kenny Hayes
41. I'm So Glad You're Here - Forest Blakk
42. Joy Over ow - Mirriam K Musonda-Salati
43. All the ings I Know About Christmas - Nils Landgren
44. At Christmas Time - Jake Shimabukuro, Pure Heart
45. Merry Christmas, Darling - Stella Cole
46. White Christmas - elma & James
47. Silver Bells - Pentatonix
48. Christmas in Belfast (Sláinte!) - Rend Collective
49. EVERY SEASON - MORGXN
50. Made With Love - Melissa Carper List courtesy of Spotify.com
