Why We Sing Christmas Carols

I have often wondered why we sing carols during the December holiday season, but not during any other time of the year. Only in the period between Thanksgiving (often earlier) and New Years, do the strains of holiday Muzac play in elevators and retail stores. There are no Valentine's Day songs. No Independence Day tunes. Certainly, no Labor Day music.

So, how is it that this one holiday is honored by show tunes, if you will, while all the others (including Easter - if you are Christian), are less musical?

There are hundreds of Christmas carols, varying from religious to secular, and culture to culture. You can find books with German Christmas Carols, Swedish Christmas Carols, and Russian Christmas Carols. In the United States, both religious and non-religious music books are available. You can sing about Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph, and/or Silent Night and O Little Town of Bethlehem. Ironically, though some of these songs are played only during the holiday season, many of them have little, if anything, to do with Christmas. Instead, they are actually drinking songs (wassailing)!

Carols are said to have begun back in the 13th century, and died out during the Protestant era in England, only to be revived again several hundred years later. Other experts say that songs have been sung at the darkest time of year - the Winter Solstice - for thousands of years, in order to bring light to the season and celebrate the turn towards longer days. In any event, today there are literally hundreds of Christmas songs. Some originated as stories, prayers, poems and chants. All have a place in our hearts as they remind us of family, tradition and a warm, special time of year.

Today's pop artists capitalize on the popularity of Christmas music. Each year, many new albums are released, with new takes on old favorites. Some of them are actually quite good. Can you think of a successful singer that has not released a Christmas album? Even Jewish artists?

Not surprisingly, Christian entertainers release hits based on the Christmas season, as well as those related to their overall genre of music. Holiday music tends to reach a wider audience, of course.

The actual practice of Christmas caroling, where a group of people goes from door to door, singing songs is not as popular today as it was perhaps 20-30 years ago. However, if carolers show up at your door, know that it is bad luck to send them away empty handed. You should offer them food or drink! The tradition of caroling is said to have come to the United States from St. Francis of Assisi of Italy, singing songs of praise.

Caroling is a fun tradition and one that I would whole-heartedly encourage! Bring some of the spirit of the season back to your neighborhood and host a caroling party. You can choose to include kids or not. Everyone seems to enjoy singing the songs of the season. If you include beverages, the party is a riot! We enjoy having a caroling party inside our home (instead of the door-to-door version) with a pianist and sheets of music handed out to all the guests. A good time is had by all, and its become an annual tradition. Put on a few holiday movies (the Grinch or Peanuts) in the background, and have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!