The Sounds of Christmas
Music is an important part of Christmas. Well loved carols, a favourite tune on CD or download that we regularly listen to at home in December or the cheesy Christmas music played in shops and supermarkets from October onward (and for those of you reading this outwith the UK, yes the supermarkets and shops do start to promote Christmas in October!).
There is something nice and cosy about the familiarity of listening to the songs we love. As well as reminding us of fond memories of time spent with friends and family they help us travel the world, crossing borders and cultures:
- Silent Night, written and first performed in Austria
- Canada has given us Michele Buble and his back catalogue of easy listening Christmas music that you hear just about everywhere
- Il est ne le divin enfant, a lovely French carol with a recent popular version by Scotland’s own Annie Lennox
- The traditional song, The Little Swallow, sung by the Gori women’s Choir from Georgia and Katie Melia was a surprise Christmas hit in 2016
- The USA has given us many wonderful songs like White Christmas by Bing Crosby, All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey or Frosty the Snowman
- The catchy Feliz Navidad from Spain
I am sure you can think of many more. You could go through your favourite Christmas playlists and find out who wrote and performed the songs and see if you can discover more global connections.
While it is lovely to enjoy familiar music, this year challenge yourself to listen to something new and broaden your horizons, there could be a song from the other side of the world that helps you discover a whole new angle on Christmas. There are a number of digital radio stations that exclusively play Christmas songs. They play a random selection of the good, the bad and the truly dreadful but by tuning in you may find your new Christmas favourite to enjoy this December..
Better yet join in with the music by attending an event and singing along. Sanctuary First are holding a carol service at Larbert East Church on 13 December where you would be made most welcome to come along in person or join the livestream online.
Julie Barr