Here We Come A-Wassailing (Christmas)
English carol, mid-nineteenth century, celebrating the Christmas tradition of roaming packs of carolers singing from house to house in exchange for a nicely spiked shot of hot wassail (spiced punch).
Holly And The Ivy, The (Christmas)
Words & music at least as far back as the 17th century; seasonal/solstice celebration of holly & ivy dates back to pagan pre-Christianity. The vivid coloration and sturdiness of both these evergreens also make them powerful Christian symbols, as beautifully painted in this traditional British carol.
I Wonder As I Wander (Christmas)
Appalachian carol created from a short vocal fragment sung to and expanded upon by musical folklorist John Jacob Niles.
In The Bleak Midwinter (Christmas)
Poem (ca.1870) by British poet Christina Rossetti(1830-1894). First appearance as a Christmas carol in The English Hymnal in 1906 when set to music by composer Gustav Holst (1874-1934).
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear (Christmas)
Originally an 1849 poem by American Edmund Sears, set to an 1850 tune entitled "Carol" by American Richard Storrs Willis, a pupil of Mendelssohn.
Jingle Bells (Christmas)
Words & music (1857) by Massachusetts organist & music director James Lord Pierpont(1822-1893), distant relative of J.P Morgan. Originally published as "One Horse Open Sleigh," intended as a Thanksgiving celebration, now universally associated with Christmas.
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