Advent Calendar of Memories, 2013 - Christmas Music

December 3
What songs did your family listen to during Christmas? Did you ever go caroling? Did you have a favorite song?

We listened to both secular and religious music. Some of the records also had stories.  One orange record 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". Another 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. 

I enjoy attending Christmas Carol Services or special Christmas Concerts. For many years, when Mr. Kerslake was our church organist, we had a Christmas Carol Service - actually two - afternoon and evening.  The church had several choirs: boys, girls, Vespers (teenagers) and the adult choir. 

When my dad was in hospital at Christmas (1989), 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. Every time I hear or sing "Silent Night", I remember that Christmas. That was my dad's last Christmas.

This year, I attended the concert put on the Paisley Community Choir. Their concerts always showcase a variety of different styles of Christmas music. It is always a very enjoyable evening.

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December! 
© 2013 Janet Iles