Advent Calendar of Memories - Music

December 21 - Christmas Music

What songs did your family listen to during Christmas? Did you ever go caroling? Did you have a favorite song?

Do you remember the 78s? I went to the basement to see what old Christmas records had survived. I found these.

I still have a record player. Although, they are a bit scratchy, I listened to one of them. They bring back memories. After 78s, we graduated to 33 albums and single 45s, then cassettes and now CDs.  There are so many beautiful Christmas songs and carols.


We listened to both secular and religious music. Some of the records also had stories. The orange record above had "It came upon a midnight clear", "Away in a Manger", "The First Noel" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". These are still favourites today. On the other side was the narration of "The Night before Christmas". The other disc had "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S" (a favourite), "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas", "Up on the House Top" and the Village of Christmas Pie."

I can only recall caroling once outdoors.

When my dad was in hospital all the 1989 Christmas season, he was so pleased by the visitors who came to sing carols and of course, the visit of the Salvation Army with their musical instruments. I am sure he sang along.  When my dad was moved from re-hab to the regular hospital building,  he was able to have a small cassette player and miniature speakers in his room. He wanted to share the music with those who were spending time with him.

Every time I hear or sing Silent Night, I remember that Christmas.

 updated from 2007

© 2009 Janet Iles