Top Ten Christmas Carols

If it is a traditional Christmas you are after you will need to go Christmas Carolling or Wassailing to get the full effect. Here are a top ten list of our favourite Christmas carols:

• Jingle Bells – although strictly speaking not a carol it is a song that is undeniably Christmassy. Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857 it has become one of the most popular Seasonal Songs of all time and has even been broadcast from space by Gemini 6 astronauts.


• Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – a beautiful song celebrating the joy in the world when Jesus was born. This carol first appeared in 1739 in a collection by Charles Wesley. Although the version we know today is much altered and is attributed to George Whitfield who was Wesley’s co-worker.


• Good King Wenceslas – the story of this song is that of a kind and generous king who gives alms to a poor peasant on what is now known as Boxing Day. Written by John Mason Neale in 1853 with Thomas Helmore the song is based on a legend of Wenceslas who was a Duke in Bohemia in the 10th century and was known for his generosity.


• The Holly and the Ivy – this carol mixes pagan and Christian themes. Holly and Ivy represent pagan fertility and have been traditional decorations since the early 15^th century. Dating from the early 20^th century the song has become very popular.


• Away in A Manger – a song most associated with nativity plays in schools and the sound of young voices singing this can bring a tear to the eye. First published in 1885 the song is now one of the most well-liked carols.


• Deck The Halls – is a jolly tune and embodies how decorating can get you in the festive mood. The tune is based on an old Welsh air and the lyrics date from the 18^th century and originally, as with many carols, was for dancing to and not singing.


• The Little Drummer Boy – a lovely song which really tugs at the heart strings originally written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941 and famously remade by Bing Crosby and David Bowie in 1977.


• Silent Night – truly a Christmas classic with beautiful lyrics that tell a story of wonder at the birth of Jesus. Originally an Austrian song it has been recorded by more than 300 artists and translated into 40 languages. It was sung by English, German and French troops during the Christmas truce in 1914 as it was one of the few carols that all the soldiers knew.


• The Twelve Days of Christmas – a brilliantly joyful song that creates endless discussion about the verses. No factual origins exist for the song but it is said to date back to around 1780 and was thought to be a "memories-and-forfeits" game.


• We Wish You a Merry Christmas – probably one of the earliest known English Christmas carols this song dates back to the 16^th century. The song is very traditional and depicts the custom of the wealthy people of the community giving treats to carollers.

So bring some Christmas cheer and sing a few carols!