Most everyone is familiar with the idea that songs are sung at Christmas. Most people have been caroled too, or have gone caroling at Christmas. However, very few people know why we carol at Christmas, and where the tradition of Christmas songs came from. The following is some information about Christmas songs and the tradition of singing at Christmas:

Caroling is one of the oldest Christmas customs, and one of the favorite around the world. The word 'carol' comes from the French word 'carole' which means a song that accompanies a dance. When Christmas was celebrated in medieval times, people would celebrate by forming circles and dancing and singing. This is why the term "carole" was adopted. Today people sing songs at Christmas in their homes, around their trees, to their neighbors, and even in productions and plays. Christmas songs have become a big part of the Christmas tradition, and are a great way to set the tone and mood for the holiday.

Most of the more popular religious Christmas songs were originally written to accompany Christmas dramas. Today, these songs are not just used in plays and productions, but are sung door to door with friends and family. Where did the tradition of singing door to door come from? Well, believe it or not, this form of worship and celebration during the Christmas season came because of a ban from singing in the churches was put in place during the Middle Ages, so in order to sing and be heard, choirs and singers would go door to door to share their musical messages of peace.

An interesting fact about Christmas songs and Christmas caroling is that between 1647 and 1660, Christmas carols were banned in England by Oliver Cromwell who thought that Christmas should be a solemn day. However, despite the ban, Christmas songs and carols have pressed on, and are still a popular thing to do at Christmas time. Many families have found that their tradition of caroling around their neighborhood brings them much satisfaction and joy.

Christmas songs today are both religious and secular, and you can find any number of wonderful songs to help you celebrate the Christmas season. Some are foot tapping songs that will get a party going and keep up the spirit of Christmas, others are religious and are meant as a form of worship or praise. There are basically two types of Christmas songs - the ones that are used for dance parties and the ones that are sung as Christmas carols or for religious worship.

So what are the most popular Christmas songs?

Well, the most popular and best selling Christmas song of all time is White Christmas, by Irving Berlin. It is sung by several artists in several ways, and has been in movies about Christmas for years. This particular song, in its original version, and in versions later recorded have sold around 350 million records and copies of the song. If you are not familiar with it, you should make it a priority to get familiar as it is a classic when it comes to songs of Christmas. It offers beautiful sentiment about Christmas and the beauty of having snow at Christmas.

The next most popular Christmas song that is really not too far behind is Silent Night. This is a religious themed Christmas song that is very relaxing and catchy. The carol Silent Night was written in 1818, by Joseph Mohr, an Austrian priest. This Christmas song is both beautiful and a classic. The story of the popular Christmas song is both touching and inspirational. It is said that every year, on Christmas Eve, members of the little church in Austria would gather together and sing carols. This Christmas Eve tradition was much anticipated, and the carolers would be accompanied by the church organ. In 1818, the priest, Mohr, was told one day before Christmas Eve that the church organ was broken and could not be repaired in time for the Christmas Eve tradition. Mohr was upset because he really could not imagine a Christmas without the singing of carols. So, in order to save the tradition of singing at Christmas he sat down and wrote this song hoping to compose a song the choir could sing to guitar music rather than the organ. The three verses of Silent Night were what came of it, and it is the same three verses that are now a huge part of the Christmas tradition, and are still sung today. This song is a big part of the Australian tradition of the outdoor concerts where everyone brings candles and sings these Christmas songs.

Probably the next most popular Christmas song is the 12 days of Christmas. 12 Days of Christmas is a famous Christmas song, sung by the famous singer, Lee Greenwood. It offers silly lyrics about gifts from a true love. Many people find religious implication in the gifts given, but others just enjoy the silliness of this multi-verse song. Kids and adults sing this song during the Christmas season.

Kids love Christmas and especially Christmas songs. It seems that most children are always up for singing and enthusiastic about caroling. There are a lot of popular Christmas songs for children, such as the Little Drummer Boy by Harry Simeone Choral, which has religious undertones, and then the sillier types of Christmas songs such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, a classic by Gene Autry, and Grandma got run over by a Reindeer. Every child has a different favorite, and all of them are fun.

The following are a few more of the favorite and most popular Christmas songs:

White Christmas, the Bing Crosby version, which is one of the best known versions because of its cinematic debuts, and the popularity of Bing himself.

Last Christmas by George Michael, which is a quieter, more relaxing Christmas song.

And of course Gene Autry did not just write the well known song about the Red Nosed Rewindder, but also the catchy Jingle of Here Comes Santa Claus.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by Jimmy Boyd is a fun Christmas song that plays on the idea of parents playing the role of Santa and being spotted by their children, while kissing. The child confuses the Dad dressed in Santa as the real thing, and thinks his mom kissed the legendary man. It is a fun song.

Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms is another fun song that is popular for karaoke and Christmas parties as it is upbeat and easy to remember.

The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole is a classic because of the fact that Nat King Cole sings it and offers his amazing talent.

Snoopy's Christmas by The Royal Guardsmen is a fun Christmas song that is loved by children and adults alike.

The list goes on, and there are many more worth mentioning. Most radio stations will play Christmas songs starting after Thanksgiving and sometimes all the way up to the New Year. So, even if you do not own any Christmas song recordings, chances are you will be able to hear all of the most popular songs as well as some new Christmas songs.

Christmas singing is a big part of the traditions surrounding Christmas, so whether you enjoy Christmas songs by singing them yourself, listening to them on the radio, going to a production or performance by a choir, it is a good idea to not miss out on this Christmas tradition. Many choirs and groups perform special Christmas concerts and put on shows that are only done during the Christmas season, but are looked forward to all year. Many groups have specific sets of songs that they only perform during the Christmas season, and that commemorate this special time of year. Chances are, if you want to enjoy singing at Christmas, there will be ample opportunity for you to do so, whether you go to concerts in the park, like those in Australia, or listen to carolers that come to your door, or visit a special concert held indoors.

Whether your favorite Christmas song is the religious song of Christ's birth, Away In A Manger, or the fun mythical song about the choosing of reindeer to pull Santa's sleigh, Christmas songs are a great way to help you set the mood for your holiday celebrations, and keep your spirits up. You are sure to have a favorite Christmas song from when you were a kid, and you may have a different one today, or chances are it could be the same. So, as you celebrate Christmas do not underestimate the importance of music, and be sure to include Christmas songs in your Christmas traditions. Music is very powerful.