We do Christianistmas at our house the whole-hogged Waldorfy way, with the wreath and Advent candles and calendar, and every evening we sit around after dinner and read a dorky Advent story and sing a carol (the choice rotates to each in turn, beginning with the youngest), and finish with the number of verses of “People, Look East” corresponding to the week of Advent we’re in.
We also observe the Twelve Days, so, apart from what the fat man brings, we get to take advantage of the post-Christmas deals.
My favorite Christianistmas carol is “The Holly and the Ivy,” perhaps because of that deep-dyed, lingering Celtic strain of paganism, or perhaps because I have a delicious internal snigger everytime I get to belt out “the playing of the merry organs.”
What’s your favorite, and why?
I’m partial to ‘Lo, A Rose ere Blooming’
But also, ‘I heard the Bells on Christmas Day’
Old-ish school, there.
Oh Holy Night.
It’s a beautiful song that captures why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.
“Little Saint Nick” if only for the line, “Christmas comes this time each year.” (Well DUH!)
Also, the Springsteen version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” just to hear Clarence do the Santa laugh.
My favorite is ‘Little Drummer Boy’ because it illuminates the spirit of giving rather than gifts themselves.
There are quite a few versions of The Holly and the Ivy on YouTube Dan. This one’s by Vannessa Williams.
I’ve always liked God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, this variation by Ian Anderson and orchestra is enjoyable.
This is the greatest Christmas song ever. I like to sit in the family room with just the Christmas lights on and listen to it cranked on my killer speakers. It gives me chills every time.
“Good King Wenceslaus”. Kinda sums up the season and the spirit.
I don’t know if it qualifies as a carol, but my favorite Christmas song is, well, THE Christmas Song, as sung by Mel Torme. Second favorite: Santa Baby sung by Eartha Kit.
I had never heard the Holly and the Ivy before, but I liked it–definitely for the paganism. I love Celtic music.
Agreed, if sung by someone who can, you know, sing.
There was a clip that did the rounds last year or the year before, that my wife and I dubbed “Oh Holy $#!t” because it was a deliberate hatchet job. Had to be. People who really can’t sing don’t have the means to ruin a song that thoroughly.
I will third Oh Holy Night. Easily the most beautiful christmas song ever.
“Merry Little Christmas” Because it’s sentimental and cynical all it once.
Actually, as if anyone cares, I loathe Christmas, especially carols.
Good choices.
Play the Eartha Kitt version and then the Madonna version of that song. You’ll realize two things right away:
Madonna can’t sing and Eartha Kitt in her prime was far sexier than Madonna could ever hope to be.
Ahhh..play a madonna version of Santa Baby?
Thanks, I’ll just take you at your word, since it conferms what I already know.
’Once in Royal David’s City’ sung by the King’s College choir.
Truly sublime.
I’ve been saying the bitch can’t sing for at least twenty years now. As for sexy, she’s about as sexy as a case of the clap. The world is replete with women who are sexier and more talented. How the bitch ever became famous I don’t know, but I strongly suspect the ghost of Ellsworth Twoohey.