Stewart Family

2nd Edition

DECEMBER 2021

Christmas Songbook

Dave’s

TABLE  OF CONTENTS

JAZZ TYPE CAROLS

The Christmas Song

Christmas Time is Here

Winter Wonderland

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

White Christmas

Emmanuel, God With Us

My Grown Up Christmas List

Breath of Heaven

Jingle Bell Rock

Let it Snow

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Blue Christmas

Silver Bells

Sleigh Ride

Feliz Navidad

Its the Most Wonderful Time

My Favorite Things

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

KID’S CAROLS

Jingle Bells

Jolly Old St. Nick

Frosty The Snowman

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Here Comes Santa Claus

O Christmas Tree

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

LEROY the Redneck Reindeer

Holly Jolly Christmas

Welcome Christmas

You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS CAROLS

What Child Is This?

Lullay

Little Drummer Boy

Silent Night

O Come O Come Emmanuel

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Joy To the World

Away In A Manger

The Holly and The Ivy

The First Noel

Do You Hear What I Hear?

We Three Kings

Angels We Have Heard On High

Ding Dong Merrily

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

O' Come All Ye Faithful

Here We Come A’Wassailing

Deck The Halls

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O Holy Night

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Good Christian Men Rejoice

OTHER STYLES

I Wonder As I Wander

In The Bleak Midwinter

Christmas Bells

Emmanuel (If God is With Us)

Mary Did You Know?

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

Christmas Time's A Comin

Santa Baby

Auld Lang Syne

Happy Christmas War Is Over

Strange Way To Save The World

HISTORY OF CAROLS

History of Carols

Away in a Manger-history

Deck the Halls - history

Jingle Bells- history

O Holy Night - history

Silent Hight - history

The Christmas Song - history

The Twelve Days of Christmas - history

We Wish You A Merry Christmas - history

White Christmas - history

JAZZ TYPE CAROLS

The Christmas Song

(Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)

(Mel Torme/Robert Wells)

Cmaj7      Dm                  Em      Dm  G    Cmaj7      Gm                   Fmaj7   Ab7b5

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire             Jack Frost nipping at your nose

Am      Bb7b5         Cmaj7         Gbdim11   Emaj7          Fm7      D7sus

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir    And folks dressed up like Eskimos

G7sus  G    Cmaj7   Dm7                     Em7   Dm G Cmaj7  Gm                      Fmaj7

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe        Help to make the season bright

Am    Bb7b5          Cmaj7     Gbdim11    Em    Am       Dm   G13  Cmaj7

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow   Will find it hard to sleep tonight

Gm  C9          Fmaj7

They know that Santa's on his way

Gm                    C9                    Fmaj7

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh

Fm7        Bb13             Ebmaj7             A7sus             Ab7b5     G7sus G

And every mother's child is gonna spy     To see if reindeer really know how to fly

Cmaj7 Dm            Em            Dm G   Cmaj7     Gm                 Fmaj7   Ab7b5

So I'm offering this simple phrase   To kids from one to ninety-two

Am7              Bb7b5       Cmaj7           Gbdim11        Em    Am  Dm G13 C

Although it's been said many times, many ways     Merry Christmas        to    you

Instrumental on verse

Cmaj7  Dm             Em              Dm G  Cmaj7     Gm                 Fmaj7   Ab7b5

So I'm offering this simple phrase   To kids from one to ninety-two

Am7                  Bb7b5        Cmaj7         Gbdim11          Em         Am

Although it's been said many times, many ways     Merry Christmas

Em         Am

Merry Christmas

Em    Am  Dm G13 Cmaj7

Merry Christmas         to     you

Christmas Time is Here

by Vince Guraldi , on the original soundtrack to "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

Arr. Michael Franks & David Benoit

Intro:  CM9add6     BM9add6   CM9add6     BM9add6

CM9add6             Bb9b5add7   CM9add6         Bb9b5add7

Christmas time is here,           happiness and cheer,

Gbm7       Fm7    Em7          Ebm7   Dm7           G13 Cmaj9

Fun for all that children call their favorite time of year.

CM9add6             Bb9b5add7 Cmaj7          Bb9b5add7

Snowflakes in the air,             carols everywhere,

Gbm7       Fm7    Em7             Ebm7     Dm7                 G13  Cmaj9

olden times and ancient rhymes  and love and dreams to share.

Bridge:

Abmaj7               D9    Abmaj7         D9

Sleigh bells in the air;  beauty every where;

Em7                  A7                 Dm7                   G13

yuletide by the fireside  and joyful memories there.

CM9add6               Bb9b5add7  CM9add6            Bb9b5add7

Christmas time is here;           we'll be drawing near;

Gbm7       Fm7    Em7       Ebm7    Dm7         G13       Cmaj7

oh that we could always see such spirit through the year,

(Instrumental on verse)

Bridge:

Abmaj7               D9    Abmaj7         D9

Sleigh bells in the air;  beauty every where;

Em7                  A7                  Dm7                    G13

yuletide by the fireside  and joyful memories there.

CM9add6               Bb9b5add7  CM9add6            Bb9b5add7

Christmas time is here;            we'll be drawing near;

Gbm7       Fm7    Em7       Ebm7    Dm7         G13       Cmaj7

oh that we could always see such spirit through the year,

Gbm7       Fm7    Em7    Ebm7     Dm7         G6   Cmaj7

oh that we could always see such spirit through the year,

CM9add6               BM9add6       CM9add6                Bb9b5add7

Oh How I twinkle how I glow,   I can't contain my cheer

CM9add6                           BM9add6     CM9add6             Bb9b5add7

When you're beneath the mistletoe,   Christmastime is here!

CM9add6               BM9add6       CM9add6                Bb9b5add7

CM9add6               BM9add6       CM9add6                Bb9b5add7

Winter Wonderland

Dick Smith, Felix Bernard 1934

Key: B

B      Bmaj7             B6          Bmaj7

Sleigh bells ring,            are you listening,

Dbm7 Gb7       Dbm7       Gb7

in the lane, snow is glistening

Gb          E/Gb              Gb6        E6

A beautiful sight,    we're happy tonight,

Db9              Gb                  B

walking in a winter wonderland.

B      Bmaj7      B6          Bmaj7

Gone away        is the bluebird,

Dm7 Gb7  Dbm7    Gb7

here to stay     is a new bird

Gb               E/Gb          Gb6      E6

He sings a love song,     as we go along,

Db9              Gb                  B

walking in a winter wonderland.

REFRAIN

Eb                     Ab                   Eb

In the meadow we can build a snowman,

Eb                         Ab               Eb

Then pretend that he is Parson Brown

Gb                         B

He'll say: Are you married?

Gb

we'll say: No man,

Ab9                 Db                          Gb

But you can do the job when you're in town.

Later on, we'll conspire,

as we dream by the fire

To face unafraid,

the plans that we've made,

walking in a winter wonderland.

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,

in the lane, snow is glistening

A beautiful sight,

we're happy tonight,

walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,

here to stay is a new bird

He sings a love song,

as we go along,

walking in a winter wonderland.

REFRAIN

In the meadow we can build a snowman,

and pretend that he's a circus clown

We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,

until the alligators knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,

Though your nose gets a chilling

We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,

Walking in a winter wonderland

Db9               Gb7     Db+9             Gb13

Walking in a winter, Walking in a winter,

Db9                Gb7               B9      (blues ending)

Walking in a winter wonderland.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

(Martin, Blane)     from the film Meet Me In St. Louis

Amaj7      Gbm7 Bm7           Esus E

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Amaj      Gbm7    Bm7    E

Let your heart be light

A       Ab/E Gbm Gbm/E

From now   on,    our

Bm7                   E7       Dbm7b5  Gb7b9 Bm7 E9

troubles will be out of sight

Amaj7      Gbm7 Bm7            E

Have yourself a   merry little Christmas,

Dbm7      Gbm7      Bm7    E

Make the Yule-tide gay,

A       Ab/E Gbm  Gbm/E

From now   on,     our

Abm7b5            Db7b9   Gbm GbmM7  Gbm7  B7

troubles will be miles     away.

Bm         E9          Amaj7      Gbm

Here we are as in olden days,

Bm7            E7     Amaj7

happy golden days      of yore.

Eb7b5   Ab7b13             Dbm7       Cdim

Faithful friends who are dear to us

Bm7                 D/E    E

gather near to us once more.

Amaj7          Gbm       Bm7            E

Through the years we all will be together

Dbm7  Gbm    Bm7    E

If the   Fates allow

A      Ab/E Gbm E/Gbm

Hang a       shin--ing

Abm7b5       Db7b9  Gbm    GbmM7  Gbm7  B9

star upon the highest bough.

Dmaj7              D Dbm Bm  A   E/D    E     FM9add6  AM9add6

And have yourself a merry    lit----tle Christmas   now.

White Christmas

Key:  C

Intro

Dm7          G               Cmaj7   Am7        Dm7           G             Cmaj7

The sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway

Dm7         G                Cmaj7            Dm7     G        Cmaj7

I’ve never seen such a day,           in Beverly Hills, LA

Dm7          G                Cmaj7  F#7b5          B7b9                 F/G    G

But it’s December the 24th,            And I’m longing to be up North

C    C#dim             Dm   F#      G    G F# F

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas

F                  F/G                 Cmaj7

Just like the ones I used to know

C    Cmaj7  C7

Where the treetops      glisten

F                   Fm

And children listen

Cmaj7  Am7                    Dm7  G13

To hear     sleighbells in the snow

C     C#dim            Dm7  F#     G      G  F#  F

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas

F                 F/G                     Cmaj7

With every Christmas card I write

C     Cmaj7  C7             F         Fm

May your days be         merry and bright

Cmaj7  Am7  Dm7       G        Cmaj7

And may all         your   Christmases be white

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten

And children listen

To hear sleighbells in the snow

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white

Emmanuel, God With Us

CHORUS

D A    D           G                    D A   D    A Bm  A/Bm

E-mma---uel, God with us,  E-mma---nuel!

D A    D             G                           Em7      Asus Dsus D

E-mma---nuel, God with us,  The son of Is---rael.

D2                          A2

We dim the light.   We stoke the fire.

D2                            E

We breathe the evergreen.

Bm              Bm#7                 Bm7       E

Young ones wait    While the old ones make up

G                       Em7    Asus

Tales of how it used to be.

D2                  A2

China dolls,   Candy corn,

D2                      E       Bm           Bm#7

Painted wooden toys,  Treasures found

Bm7         E

To the wondrous sound

G                               Em                 Asus        D        Dsus D

Of carolling the Savior  Born to us on Christmas morn.

CHORUS

And still he calls  Through the night,

Beyond the days of old.

A voice of peace  To the weary ones,

Who struggle with the human soul.

All of us,  Travellers,

Through a given time.

Who can know,  What tomorrow holds?

But over the horizon,  Surely you and I will find.

CHORUS

BRIDGE

Db7sus            Gb7                 Bm7

And the years they come,  And the years they go,

Dbsus   Gb7       Bm7  B7

Though we may   forget somehow

Em7          A          D

That the child once born in Bethlehem

Db7sus           Gb7

Is still among us now.

CHORUS

D A  D             G                    D A   D    A Bm  A/Bm

E-mma---nuel, God with us,  E-mma----nuel!

D A   D             G                           Em7   Asus   D

E-mma---nuel, God with us,  The son of Is---rael.

D A    D             G                    D A   D    A Bm  A/Bm

E-mma---nuel, God with us,  E-mma----nuel!

D A     D            G                           Em7   Asus   Bm

E-mma---nuel, God with us,  The son of Is---rael.

Em7        Em7 D  G          Dsus  D

The son of Is ----------      Israel.

My Grown Up Christmas List

Intro:  Bm  Gbm  G  Em  Asus A  Dsus D A       Bm  Gbm  E   Asus A

D        A/Db     Bm     Bm   A           G

Do you remember me    I sat upon your knee

G            D/Gb          Em                   Asus  A

I wrote to you   With childhood fantasies

D        A/Db      Bm           Bm          A            G

Well, I'm all grown up now And still need help somehow

G      D/Gb       Em                       Asus    A

I'm not a child  But my heart still can dream

D              A/Db    Bm           Bm          A              G

So here's my lifelong wish   My grown up Christmas list

G         D/Gb     Em                 Asus  A

Not for myself  But for a world in need

B2           Abm7      E               Dbm7          Gb7   Ebm7

No more lives torn apart  That wars would never start

Abm7                      E       E/Gb

And time would heal all hearts

B2    Abm7                    E                Dbm7          Gb7     Ebm7

And everyone would have a friend  And right would always win

Abm7                   Fm7b5     Bb7b13   Bb7

And love would never end

Ebm7  Abm7  Dbm7       Gb           B  Dbm B/Eb B

This is my    grown up Christmas list

Instrumental:   B B Gb/Bb Abm   Abm Gb E    E Eb Dbm Gbsus

D          A/Db Bm             Bm        A          G

As children we believed  The grandest sight to see

G               D/Gb   Em                              Asus  A

Was something lovely  Wrapped beneath our tree

D        A/Db   Bm                 Bm   A          G

Well heaven only     knows   That packages and bows

G      D/Gb    Em                   Asus    A

Can never heal  A hurting human soul

B2           Abm7      E               Dbm7          Gb7   Ebm7

No more lives torn apart  That wars would never start

Abm7                      E       E/Gb

And time would heal all hearts

B2    Abm7                    E                Dbm7          Gb7     Ebm7

And everyone would have a friend  And right would always win

Abm7                   Fm7b5     Bb7b13   Bb7

And love would never end

Ebm7  Abm7  Dbm7       Gb           B  Dbm B/Eb B

This is my    grown up Christmas list

Bridge:

Bm7                                          E                            E Gb Abm

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth

Abm                         Db                     Gbsus         Bbsus

Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth

Instrumental:   Eb Bb/D Cm    Cm Bb Ab     Ab Eb/G Fm Bbsus

C2           Am7       F                  Dm7                     Em7

No more lives torn apart   That wars would never start

Am7                        F        F/ G

And time would heal all hearts

C2     Am7                    F                 Dm7            G7       Em7

And everyone would have a friend  And right would always win

Am                       Gbm7b5   B7b13

And love would never end,           oh

Em7 Am7 Dm7         G

This is my grown up Christmas list

Em7        Am7 Gbm7b5   B7b13

This is my grown up Christmas list

Em7        Am7 Dm7         G              C   Dm  C/E  C

This is my grown up Christmas list

Outro:     C G/B Am     Am G F       F  C/E Dm  G  C2

Breath of Heaven

Key: Am      (Capo2 for Michelle)

Am  Am7#5 F6                       Am Asus4#5 F6

I have tra---veled                     many moonless         nights

Am    Am7#5 F6                Am   G C

Cold and wea---ry,                  with a babe inside

Dm       Am          F

And I wonder what I've done

Dm      Am         F

Holy Father you have come

G               F           G              Am  Asus4#5 F6

And chosen me now, to carry your son.

Am Asus4#5  Am

Am    Asus4#5 F6         Am    Asus4#5 F6

I am wai---ting,               in a silent prayer

Am  Asus4#5 F6              Am  G  C

I am frightened,              by the load I   bear

Dm         Am      F

In a world as cold as stone

Dm         Am     F

Must I walk this path alone?

G                 F      G                C2

Be with me now, be with me now

C                          F                 C

Breath of Heaven, hold me together

F        E     Am         F             C

Be forever near me, breath of Heaven

C                            F                C

Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness

F              E            Am               F/G

Pour over me your holiness, for you are holy,

Am      Asus4#5  F6     Am Asus4#5  Am

Breath of Heaven.

Do you wonder when you watch my face,

If a wiser one should have had my place?

But I offer all I am for the mercy of your plan

G                F          G                F

Help me be strong, help me be strong,

G                F          G     C

Help me be strong, help me.

C                            F               C

Breath of Heaven, hold me together

F        E      Am        G             C

Be forever near me, breath of Heaven

C                           F                 C

Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness

F               E           Am               F/G

Pour over me your holiness, for you are holy.

Breath of Heaven, hold me together

Be forever near me, breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness

Pour over me your holiness, for you are holy.

C          F                    C             F

Breath of Heaven,       Breath of Heaven,

C           F                     C

Breath of Heaven,        Breath of Heaven...

Jingle Bell Rock

G                Bm            G              Daug

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock

G                G#dim      Am7            D9

Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring

Am7              D9              Am            D9

Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun

Am7                           Daug

(stop) Now the jingle hop has begun

G                Bm            G              Daug

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock

G                G#dim    Am          D9

Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time

Am7             D9               Am7         D9

Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square

Am7   D       G

In the frosty air.

C                             C#dim

What a bright time, it's the right time

G

To rock the night away

A7

Jingle bell time is a swell time

D                                            (D C B A walkdown)

(stop) To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh

G             Bm               G                   Daug

Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet

G                          E7

Jingle around the clock

Am7                               Cm7

Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet

Am                   D

That's the jingle bell,

Am                   D

That's the jingle bell,

Am                   D               G    Daug G

That's the jingle bell rock

Let it Snow

Cmaj7

Oh the weather outside is frightful

Cmaj7   C#dim  Dm7       G

But the fire is     so      delightful

Dm7                G           Dm7  G

And since we've no place to go

Dm               G                  C          G

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signs of stopping

And I've bought some corn for popping

The lights are turned way down low

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

G         D9          G       G#dim

When we finally kiss good night

Am7         D9          G         D9

How I'll hate going out in the storm!

G                 D9        G      G#dim

But if you'll really hold me tight

Am7            D9              Dm7   G13

All the way home I'll be warm

The fire is slowly dying

And, my dear, we're still goodbying

But as long as you love me so

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Dm7             G13               Em7             A7

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Dm               G                  Cmaj7

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

JT. Connor (c) 1952

C                                  Em           Am

I saw Mommy kissing        Santa Claus

C                                             G7

Underneath the mistletoe last night.

Dm7             G7

She didn't see me creep

C                      A7

down the stairs to have a peep;

D7

She thought that I was tucked

G7

up in my bedroom fast asleep.

C                                Em          Am

Then, I saw Mommy tickle       Santa Claus

C                                                 F

Underneath his beard so snowy white;

F                               Ebdim

Oh, what a laugh it would have been

C                        A7

If Daddy had only seen

D7                 G7

Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Gm7b5       C7b9          Fm7    Bb13

I'm dreaming tonight   Of a place I love

Bbm7         Eb9     AbM9add6

Even more than I usually do.

Gm7b5 C7b9             Fm7         Bb7

And although I know    It's a long road back

Bbm                Eb11 Eb9

I promise you

(key change from Ab to F)

Fmaj7    Abdim    Gm7   C9      Am7b5  D7b9      Gm7

I'll be     home for Christmas.    You can count on me.

Gm7           C9           Fmaj7  Dm7       G13       G7b13b9 Gm7   C9

Please have snow and mistle--toe  And presents under the tree.

Fmaj7      Abdim     Gm7   C9 Am7b5      D7b9       Gm7

Christmas Eve will find me     Where the love-light gleams.

Gm7  Abdim    Fmaj7 D9       Gm7    C9      Fmaj7

I'll be home for Christ--mas      If only in my dreams.

Oh  I'll be home for Christmas.  You can count on me.

Please have snow and mistletoe  And presents under the tree.

Oh Christmas Eve will find me  Where the love-light gleams.

Gm7  Abdim    Fmaj7 D9      Gm7  C9      Am7b5      D7b9

I'll be home for Christ-mas  If only   in my dreams.

Gm7   C9     Fmaj7 Bbmaj7 Ebmaj7  Abmaj7  Dbmaj7 Gbmaj7  FM9add6

If only   in my dreams.

Blue Christmas

(words & music by Billy Hayes - Jay Johnson)

G                             D

I’ll have a blue Christmas without you

Am         D           G

I’ll be so blue just thinking about you

G7                         C

Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree

A7                                     D                              D7

Won’t be the same dear, if you’re not here with me

G                                D

And when those blue snowflakes start falling

Am D                     G

That’s when those blue memories start calling

G7                                   C                  Dbdim

You’ll be doin’ all right, with your Christmas of white

D7                             G

But I’ll have a blue, blue Christmas

(instrumental break)

You’ll be doing all right, with your Christmas of white,

But I’ll have a blue, blue Christmas

Silver Bells

Written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

G                               Gmaj7                         C          Am7

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks  Dressed in holiday style.

D               D       Dmaj7   D7            G                C/D

In the air There's a            feeling of Christmas.

G                                      Gmaj7

Children laughing People passing

C                Am7              D      Dmaj7 D7                G     C/D

Meeting smile after smile And on ev'ry street   corner you'll hear,

G               Gmaj7  C               Am7 D             Dmaj7 D7            G    C/D

Silver bells,            silver bells         It's Christmas      time in the city.

G               Gmaj7   C                   Am7  D          Dmaj7  D7                 G

Ring-a-ling,            hear them sing.        Soon it will       be Christmas day.

Strings of street lights   Even stop lights

Blink a bright red and green

As the shoppers rush

Home with their treasures.

Hear the snow crunch.

See the kids bunch.

This is Santa's big scene.

And above all this bustle

You'll hear,

Silver bells, silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, hear them sing

Soon it will be Christmas day

Sleigh Ride

JMitchell Parish, Leroy Anderson 1948

Key: D

D              Bm        Em         A          D   Bm Em A

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,  ring ting tingling too

D        Bm                Em                A

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together

D     Bm  Bdim  A/Db

with you,

D           Bm            Em             A                  D      Bm Em

Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "Yoo hoo,"

A        D        Bm                Em                A                D

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Abm7                          Db9                      Gbmaj7

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, let's go, Let's look at the show,

Abm7                           Db9                 Gbmaj7

We're riding in a wonderland of snow.

Gbm7                        B9                           Emaj7

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, it's grand, Just holding your hand,

G/A

We're gliding along with a song of a wintry fairy land.

D           Bm        Em      A            D Bm Em A

Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we

D     Bm                   Em           A

We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather

D   Bm  Bdim  A/Db

would be

D        Bm            Em     A             D    Bm Em A

Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two

D        Bm                Em                A                D

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

D6add9                                                Dmaj9

There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray

Dmaj9                                                                  Ebdim

It'll be the perfect ending a perfect day We'll be singing the songs

Em7    Fdim      Gbm7 Gdim Bm             Gb                         Db

we love to sing without a   single stop, At the fireplace while we watch

Gb   A

the chestnuts pop. Pop! pop! pop!

D6add9                                                                  Dmaj9

There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy,

Dmaj9

When they pass around the chocolate and the pumpkin pie

Ebdim               Em7    Fdim    Gbm7  Gdim          Bm

It'll nearly be like a picture print by Cur-----rier  and     Ives

G/A

These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives!

G#/A#   (up ½ step)

These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives!

D#              Cm         Fm         G#        D# Cm Fm

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling too

A#      D#       Cm                Fm                A#

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together

D#   Cm  C#dim  A#/D

with you,

D#         Cm            Fm            A#                D#   Cm Fm A#

Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "Yoo hoo,"

D#       Cm                Fm               A#               D#

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Am                              D9                Gmaj7

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, let's go,         Let's look at the show,

Am                          D9                  Gmaj7

We're riding in a wonderland of snow.

Gm                              C9                           Fmaj7

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, it's grand, Just holding your hand,

G#/A#

We're gliding along with a song of a wintry fairy land

D#          Cm         Fm      A#         D# Cm Fm A#

Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we

D#    Cm                 Fm           A#

We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather

D#  Cm  C#dim  A#/D

would be

D#       Cm             Fm     A#          D# Cm Fm A#

Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two

D#      Cm                 Fm                A#              D#

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

D#maj9

Feliz Navidad

Key: G

C     D

Feliz Navidad

Bm      Em

Feliz Navidad

C

Feliz Navidad

C             D                 G    G7

Prospero Ano y Felicidad.

C      D

Feliz Navidad

Bm   Em

Feliz Navidad

C

Feliz Navidad

C             D                 G   G7

Prospero Ano y Felicidad.

C                            D

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

G                            Em

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

C

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

D                     G        G7

From the bottom of my heart.

Repeat

Its the Most Wonderful Time

Key: C       Intro:    C Am Dm7 G7

C      Am           Dm7  G7            C      Am Dm7 G7

It's the most wonderful time         of the year.

Dm7         G7              Em          Am7

with the kids jingle belling and everyone tellin,

F                             F#o7

"You be of good cheer."

C      Am          Dm7 G7           C      Am  Dm7   G

It's the most wonderful time      of the year.

C        Am        Dm7 G7         C Am Dm7 G

It's the hap, happiest sea-----son of all.

Dm7     G7                 Em             Am7

with those holiday greetings and gay, happy meetings,

F                               F#o7

when friends come to call

Em  Am7      Dm7 G7         Gm7 C9

It's the hap-happiest sea-----son of all.

Bridge:

F               Dm7                Em              Am7

There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting

Dm7      G7          Cmaj7

and caroling out in the snow

Fm              A#7           D#maj7      G#maj7

There'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories

Fm               Dm7b5     Gsus G

of Christmases long, long ago

C      Am           Dm7 G7          C      Am  Dm7 G

It's the most wonderful time       of the year.

Dm7           G7             Em                 Am7

there'll be much mistletoeing and hearts will be glowing,

F                             F#o7

when loved ones are near

Em  Am7      Dm7 G7          Gm7 C9

It's the hap-happiest sea------son of all.

Bridge:

F              Dm7                Em              Am7

There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting

Dm7      G7         Cmaj7

and caroling out in the snow

Fm              A#7           D#maj7     G#maj7

There'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories

Fm               Dm7b5     Gsus G

of Christmases long, long ago

C      Am           Dm7  G7            C      Am Dm7 G7

It's the most wonderful time         of the year.

Dm7         G7              Em          Am7

with the kids jingle belling and everyone tellin,

F                             F#o7

"You be of good cheer."

C      Am           Dm7 G7

It's the most wonderful time,

Eb   Cm7          Fm7  Bb

It's the most wonderful time

C      Am           Dm7  ….G7          C     Am  Dm7  G7 C

It's the most wonderful time ……. ..of the year.

My Favorite Things

Key: Em

Intro:

Em7     F#m7    Gmaj7    F#m7 x2

Verse 1:

Em7               F#m7      Gmaj7          F#m7

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens;

Em7               F#m7       Gmaj7            F#m7

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens;

Am7              D9           Gmaj7        Cmaj7

Brown paper packages tied up with strings;

Gmaj7       Cmaj7       F#m7b5 B7b9

These are a few of my favorite things.

Verse 2:

Emaj7

Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels

Amaj7

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles;

C6add9              D9              Gmaj7             Cmaj7

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings;

Gmaj7       Cmaj7       F#m7b5 B7#9

These are a few of my favorite things.

Em7

When the dog bites,

F#m7b5                 B7b13

When the bee stings,

Em7                     C6add9

When I'm feeling sad,

Am7                            A

I simply remember my favorite things,

G                        C D11 Gmaj7        F#m7b5      B7b9

And then I don't feel      so     bad.

Em7     F#m7    Gmaj7    F#m7 x2

1st verse again

Verse 3:

Emaj7

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes;

Amaj7

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes;

C6add9        D9               Gmaj7     Cmaj7

Silver-white winters that melt into springs;

Gmaj7       Cmaj7       F#m7b5 B7#9

These are a few of my favorite things.

Em7

When the dog bites,

F#m7b5                 B7b13

When the bee stings,

Em7                     C6add9

When I'm feeling sad,

Am7                            A

I simply remember my favorite things,

G                        C D11 Gmaj7        F#m7b5      B7b9

And then I don't feel      so     bad.

Em7     F#m7    Gmaj7    F#m7 x2   E6add9

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

Key: A

A                                                                E7

Rocking around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop

Bm          E7                Bm      E7            Bm     E7       A

Mistletoe hung where you can see every couple tries to stop

A                                                                  E7

Rocking around the Christmas tree, let the Christmas spirit ring

Bm             E7             Bm         E7                 Bm         E7  A

Later we'll have some pumpkin pie and we'll do some caroling

D                                        C#m7

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear

F#m7               B7                E7

Voices singing let's be jolly,     deck the halls with boughs of holly

A                                                                  E7

Rocking around the Christmas tree, have a happy holiday

Bm           E7         Bm  E7          Bm         E7            A

Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way

Break

D                                       C#m

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear

F#m                 B7                E7

Voices singing let's be jolly,     deck the halls with boughs of holly

A                                                                  E7

Rocking around the Christmas tree, have a happy holiday

Bm           E7         Bm  E7          Bm         E7            A

Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way

A                                                                E7

Rocking around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop

Bm          E7                Bm      E7            Bm     E7       A

Mistletoe hung where you can see every couple tries to stop

A                                                                  E7

Rocking around the Christmas tree, let the Christmas spirit ring

Bm             E7             Bm         E7                 Bm        E7   A

Later we'll have some pumpkin pie and we'll do some caroling

D                                        C#m

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear

F#m                  B7                E7

Voices singing let's be jolly,      deck the halls with boughs of holly

A                                                                  E7

Rocking around the Christmas tree, have a happy holiday

Bm           E7         Bm  E7          Bm         E7            A

Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way

Bm           E7         Bm  E7          E7     Bm  D/F# E/G#     A     D

Everyone dancing merrily in the new   old -fa -    shioned way

A  E7  A

KID’S CAROLS

Jingle Bells

D                                                                            G

Dashing through the snow    In a one horse open sleigh

Em                        A     Em           A       D

O'er the fields we go    Laughing all the way

D                                     D                      G

Bells on bob tails ring     Making spirits bright

Em            A                          Em          A         D

What fun it is to laugh and sing  A sleighing song tonight

refrain

D

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells

D

Jingle all the way

G                   D

Oh, what fun it is to ride

A

In a one horse open sleigh

D

Jingle bells, jingle bells

D

Jingle all the way

G                   D

Oh, what fun it is to ride

Em           A      D

In a one horse open sleigh

A day or two ago  I thought I'd take a ride

And soon Miss Fanny Bright  Was seated by my side

The horse was lean and lank  Misfortune seemed his lot

We got into a drifted bank  And then we got upsot

Refrain

Refrain again

Jolly Old St. Nick

D                  A/Db      BM                        Gbm

Jolly old St. Nicholas, Lean your ear this way!

G                       D                 A

Don’t you tell a single soul, What I’m going to say;

D                          A/Db             Bm                         Gbm

Christmas Eve is coming soon; Now, you dear old man,

G                               D                  A                     D

Whisper what you’ll bring to me: Tell me if you can.

When the clock is striking twelve, When I'm fast asleep,

Down the chimney broad and black, With your pack you'll creep;

All the stockings you will find Hanging in a row;

Mine will be the shortest one, You'll be sure to know.

Johnny wants a pair of skates, Susy wants a dolly;

Nellie wants a story book; She thinks dolls are folly;

As for me, my little brain isn’t very bright;

Choose for me, old Santa Claus. What you think is right.

Frosty The Snowman

Key: Ab

Ab                                     Db    Ddim  Ab

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul,

Db         Ddim        Ab     Fm

With a corncob pipe and a button nose,

Bbm                     Eb

And two eyes made out of coal.

Ab                                   Db   Ddim       Ab

Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say,

Dd         Ddim            Ab

He was made of snow but the children

Fm                Bbm      Eb         Ab

know how he came to life one day.

Dbmaj7                      Cm7              Bbm7                  Ab

There must have been some magic in that Old silk hat they found.

Eb7                                                    Bb                   Eb

For when they placed it on his head, He began to dance around.

Ab                                      Db        Ddim     Ab

Oh, Frosty the snowman  Was alive as he could be,

Db         Ddim            Ab             Fm               Bm7      Eb

And the children say he could laugh And play just the same as you

Ab

and me.

Ab                                                                                                       Eb7

Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpety thump thump, Look at Frosty go.

Eb7

Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpety thump thump, Over the hills of

Ab

snow.

Frosty the snowman knew The sun was hot that day,

So he said, 'Let's run and   we'll have some fun  now before I melt away.'

Down to the village,  With a broomstick in his hand,

Running here and there all Around the square saying,

Catch me if you can.

He led them down the streets of town  Right to the traffic cop.

And he only paused a moment when   He heard him holler 'Stop!'

For Frosty the snowman  Had to hurry on his way,

But he waved goodbye saying,  Don't you cry,

I'll be back again some day.'

Thumpetty thump thump,  Thumpety thump thump,

Look at Frosty go.

Thumpetty thump thump,  Thumpety thump thump,

Over the hills of snow.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Key: E

E                         A         E

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

E       G#7           A   C#7

Everywhere you go,

F#m                             B7   E                      C#7

Take a look at the five and ten, glistening once again

F# 7                     F#9             F#m7  B9

with candy canes and silver lanes aglow.

E                         A          E

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,

E          G#7  A      C#7

toys in every store,

F#m7                 Gdim       E                     C#7

But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be

F#m7  B9    E

on your own   front door.

G#7

A pair of hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots

C#m     G#7            C#m

is the wish of Barney and Ben,

F#7                                                                       B          F#7            B

Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk is the hope of Janice and Jen,

B11                                                 B9

And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.

E                         A          E

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

E       G#7           A  C#7

Everywhere you go,

F#m                        B7 E                            C#7

There's a tree in the grand hotel, one in the park, as well,

F#7                    F#9                     F#m7 B9

the sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow,

E                         A          E

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,

E            G#7        A    C#7

soon the bells will start

F#m7                                 Gdim

And the thing that will make them right

E                    C#7                F#m B9    G#m7   C#9

is the carol that you sing right within     your heart.

F#m7     B9   E

Right within           your heart

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

Fmaj7        Em7           Dm7            Cmaj7

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,

Fmaj7        Em7         Dm7            Cmaj7

Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen.,

Am7

But do you recall

D9                          G   (G F E D walkdown)

The most famous reindeer of all?

C

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

C                 G

Had a very shiny nose,

G7

And if you ever saw it,

G                                 C

You could even say it glows.

C

All of the other reindeer

C                                         G

Used to laugh and call him names;

G

They never let poor Rudolph

G                              C

Join in any reindeer games.

Fmaj7                Em7

Then one foggy Christmas Eve,

Dm7  G          Cmaj7

Santa came to say:

G                             G#dim

Rudolph with your nose so bright,

Am7          D9           G       G7

Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

C

Then how the reindeer loved him

G

As they shouted out with glee,

G

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,

G                           Fmaj       Em7  Dm7  G  C

You'll go down in history."

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Key: C

C                 C7               F              Fm

You'd better watch out!   You'd better not cry!

C              C7             F                Fm

You'd better not pout!    I'm telling you why,

C      Am        Dm7   G     C       G

Santa Claus is comin'    to town.

C             C7         F                Fm

He's making a list  and checking it twice.

C                   C7            F                  Fm

He's going to find out who's naughty and nice.

C      Am       Dm7  G     C

Santa Claus Is Comin'  To Town.

Refrain

F

He sees when you are sleeping.

F

He knows when you're awake.

D7                              G

He knows if you've been bad or good.

D7                         G     (G F E D  walkdown)

So be good for goodness sake!

C           C7            F            Fm      C                C7           F                Fm

With little tin horns and little toy drums, rootie-toot-toots and rum-a-tum tums

C       Am        Dm      G       C

Santa Claus Is Comin'    To Town.

Refrain

F

He sees when you are sleeping.

F

He knows when you're awake.

D7                              G

He knows if you've been bad or good.

D7                          G     (G F E D  walkdown)

So be good for goodness sake!

C                C7           F                Fm  C            C7           F                Fm

Curly head dolls that toddle and coo, elephant folks and kiddie cars too

C       Am        Dm       G       C

Santa Claus Is Comin'     To Town.

Refrain2

F

The kids and girls in boyland  will have a jubilee.

D7                     G                            D7                            G

They're going to build a toyland town, all around the Christmas tree.

C                C7                F              Fm

You'd better watch out!   You'd better not cry!

C             C7              F                Fm

You'd better not pout!    I'm telling you why,

C        Am      Dm7   G

Santa Claus is comin'

C        Am      Dm7   G

Santa Claus is comin'

(slower)

C      Am        Dm7   G     C

Santa Claus is comin'    to town.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman (c) 1947

Key: D

D

Here comes Santa Claus! Here comes Santa Claus!

A

Right down Santa Claus Lane!

A

Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer

D

are pulling on the reins.

G            A         D           Bm

Bells are ringing, children singing;

Em    A               D

All is merry and bright.

G               A                    D            Bm

Hang your stockings and say your prayers,

Em              A           D

'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus!  Here comes Santa Claus!

Right down Santa Claus Lane!

He's got a bag that is filled with toysp for the boys and girls again.

Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle, What a beautiful sight.

Jump in bed, cover up your head,  'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,

Right down Santa Claus lane

He doesn't care if you're rich or poor  He loves you just the same

Santa Claus knows we're all Gods children  That makes everything right

So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer  'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,

Right down Santa Claus lane

He'll come around when the chimes ring out  That it's Christmas morn again

Peace on earth will come to all   If we just follow the light

So lets give thanks to the lord above

That Santa Claus comes tonight!

O Christmas Tree

Key: D

D                        A/Db  Bm                     Bm/A

O Christmas Tree! O       Christmas Tree!

G                   A D

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

A  D                       A/Db   Bm                     Bm/A

O Christmas Tree! O         Christmas Tree!

G                   A D

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

D                         A

Not only green when summer's here,

A                   D

But also when 'tis cold and drear.

A D                        A/Db   B7                       B7/A

O Christmas Tree! O         Christmas Tree!

G                   A D

Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!  Much pleasure thou can'st give me;

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Much pleasure thou can'st give me;

How often has the Christmas tree Afforded me the greatest glee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Thy candles shine so brightly!

From base to summit, gay and bright, There's only splendor for the sight.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! How richly God has decked thee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! How richly God has decked thee!

Thou bidst us true and faithful be, And trust in God unchangingly.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! How richly God has decked thee! !"

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Key: D

D                Bm

On the first day of Christmas,

G            A         D

my true love sent to me

D   G        Bm  A     D

A partridge in a   pear tree.

D                    Bm

On the second day of Christmas,

G            A         D

my true love sent to me

A               Em

Two turtle doves,

D  G       Bm   A     D

And a partridge in a   pear tree.

D                 Bm                   G            A         D

On the third day of Christmas,  my true love sent to me

A                   Em      A              Em

Three French hens,  Two turtle doves,

D  G       Bm A     D

And a partridge in a pear tree.

D                   Bm                   G             A        D

On the fourth day of Christmas,  my true love sent to me

A                 Em      A                  Em

Four calling birds, Three French hens,

A               Em

Two turtle doves

D  G       Bm A     D

And a partridge in a pear tree.

D                Bm                      G             A        D

On the fifth day of Christmas,     my true love sent to me

D     E          Asus  A

Five golden rings,

D                             G                             Em             A

Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves,

D  G        Bm  G     D

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,  my true love sent to me

Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,  Three French hens, Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,  my true love sent to me

Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings, Four calling birds,

Three French hens,  Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,  my true love sent to me

Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings, Four calling birds,

Three French hens, Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me

Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings, Four calling birds,

Three French hens, Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me

Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings,

Four calling birds, Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me

Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping,

Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings, Four calling birds,

Three French hens, Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me

Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping,

Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings,

Four calling birds, Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree!

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

E

Grandma got run over by a reindeer.

A

Walking home from our house Christmas eve.

E

You can say there's no such thing as Santa,

B                                        E         D  A  E

but as for me and grandpa we believe.

B

She'd been drinking too much eggnog,

E

and we begged her not to go.

A

But she forgot her medication, and she

B                                               E

staggered out the door into the snow.

Dbm                                                Abm

When we found her Christmas morning,

B                                     E

At the scene of the attack,

A

she had hoof-prints on her forehead,

B                                                 E   (B Db Eb  walkup)

and incriminating Claus marks on her back.

Refrain

Grandma got run over by a reindeer.

Walking home from our house Christmas eve.

You can say there's no such thing as Santa,

but as for me and grandpa we believe.

Now we're all so proud of grandpa,

He's been taking this so well.

See him in there watching football,

drinking root beer and

playing cards with Cousin Mel.

It's not Christmas without Grandma,

All the family's dressed in black

and we just can't help but wonder:

Should we open up her gifts,

or send them back?

Send them back!!

Refrain

Now the goose is on the table

and the pudding made of fig

and the blue and silver candles

that would just have matched

the hair on grandma's wig.

I've warned all my

friends and neighbors

better watch out for yourselves,

they should never give a license

to a man who drives a sleigh

and plays with elves.

Refrain

ONCE MORE IN F

LEROY the Redneck Reindeer

E                                                            A                        E

Well you've all heard the story  About Rudolph and his nose

E                                                             F#7                  B7

Well I'll tell you a Christmas tale  That never has been told

E                                                                           A                         A#dim

Well you may think you've heard it all But you ain't heard nothin' yet

E                          C#9                         F#7            B9    E

About that crazy Christmas  That the North Pole can't forget

E                                                          A                   E

Rudolph was under the weather  And had to call in sick

E

So he got on the horn  To his cousin Leroy

F#7                   B9

Who lived out in the sticks

E

He said Santa's really counting on me

A                       A#dim

And I hate to pass the buck

E                         C#7

Leroy said Hey I'm on my way

F#7                 B7         E

And he jumped in his pick-up truck

When Leroy got to the North Pole

All the reindeer snickered and laughed

They never seen a deer in overalls    And a John Deer tractor hat

Well Santa stepped in   And said just calm down

Cuz’ we all got a job to do   Like it or not Leroy's in charge

And he's gon’na be leading you

B7

And it was

E

Leroy The Redneck Reindeer

A                                        E

Hooked to the front of the sleigh

E

Delivering toys to all the good ol' boys

F#7                     B7

And girls along the way

E

He's just a ….down home party animal

A                                 A#dim

Two Steppin all across the sky

E                              C#9

He makes jingle bells with the rebel yell

F#7  Bb9     E

And made history that night

Before that night was over   Leroy had changed their tune

He had them scootin’ a hoof on every single roof

By the light of a neon moon,   Santa wrapped his bad with the dixie flag

He as having the time of his life,   You could here him call

Merry Chistmas Y’all,  And all o’ y’all a goodnight

And it was

Leroy The Redneck Reindeer     Hooked to the front of the sleigh

Delivering toys to all the good ol' boys And girls along the way

He's just a down home party animal Two Steppin’ across the sky

He makes jingle bells with the rebel yell    And made history that night

He makes Jingle Bells with the rebel yell

And made history that night

Holly Jolly Christmas

Johnny Marks (c) 1962

Key: G

G        Bm  G                                                    D7

Have a holly, jolly Christmas, it's the best time of the year,

Am                   D7                            Am     D7     G     D7

I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup of cheer.

G      Bm   G                                                               D7

Have a holly, jolly Christmas, and when you walk down the street,

Am              D7                               Am   D7         G

Say hello to friends you know and everyone you meet.

C                  Bm           C                              G

Hey, ho, the mistletoe, hung where you can see,

Am              Em                  A7       Em   A7 D

Somebody's waiting there, kiss her once for me.

G      Bm   G                                                  D7

Have a holly, jolly Christmas and in case you didn't hear,

Am                           G        E     A7            D7       G

Oh, by golly, have a holly, jolly Christmas    this year.

Welcome Christmas

From How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Key: C

C                Am             Dm               G

FAH WHO FOR-AZE! DAH WHO DOR-AZE!

C      Em       Am                   Dm                 G

WELCOME CHRISTMAS, COME THIS  WAY

C                Am             Dm               G

FAH WHO FOR-AZE! DAH WHO DOR-AZE!

Am             C                      G                      C

WELCOME CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS DAY

Fm7              Bb                  Eb

WELCOME WELCOME   FAH WHO RAH MUS!

Fm7              Bb                  Eb

WELCOME WELCOME DAH WHO DAH MUS

Dm7               G            Cm

CHRISTMAS DAY IS IN OUR GRASP,

G                                        Am          D  G

SO LONG AS WE HAVE HANDS TO CLASP

C                Am             Dm              G

FAH WHO FOR-AZE! DAH WHO DOR-AZE!

C      Em       Am                   Dm                    G

WELCOME CHRISTMAS, BRING YOUR CHEER

C                Am             Dm              G

FAH WHO FOR-AZE! DAH WHO DOR-AZE!

Am                F                   C       G7    C

WELCOME ALL WHO'S FAR AND NEAR

You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch

Key: Am

Introduction:

(the Am1 has an F# as a 6th, the Dm1 as G# and C# with F on top)

Am1  Dm1    Am1  Dm1    Am1  Dm1   Am1  Dm1

Verse #1:

Am          Dm           G

You're a mean one,      Mister Grinch

Am    D     E

You really are a heel

Am          Dm

You're as cuddly as cactus

G                      C

You're as charming as an eel

F                  E

Mister Gr - i - nch

(silence)

You're a bad banana with a

Am1   Dm1 Am1  Dm1

greasy black peel

Verse #2 (same chords for all verses):

You're a monster, Mister Grinch

Your heart's an empty hole

Your brain is full of spiders

You've got garlic in your soul

Mister Gr - i - nch

(silence)

I wouldn't touch you with a

Am    Dm

Thirty-nine and a half foot pole

Am1  Dm1  Am1  Dm1

Verse #3:

You're a foul one, Mister Grinch

You're a nasty-wasty skunk

Your heart is full of unwashed socks

Your soul is full of gunk

Mister Gr - i - nch

(silence)

The three words that best describe you are as follows

Dm     E        Am

And I quote: Stink, stank, stunk

Verse #4:

You're a vile one, Mister Grinch

You have termites in your smile

You have all the tender sweetness of

A seasick crocodile

Mister Gr - i - nch

(silence)

Given the choice between the two of you

I'd take the seasick crocodile

Am1  Dm1    Am1  Dm1

Verse #5:

You're a rotter, Mister Grinch

You're the king of sinful sots

Your heart's a dead tomato splotched

With moldy purple spots

Mister Gr - i - nch

(silence)

Your soul is an appalling dump-heap, overflowing with the most disgraceful

assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable

Dm                     E7

Mangled-up and tangled-up knots

Am1  Dm1    Am1  Dm1

Verse #6:

You nauseate me, Mister Grinch,

With a nauseous super "naus"

You're a crooked jerky jockey and you drive a crooked horse

Mister Gr - i - nch

(silence)

You're a three decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich

With arsenic sauce

Am1  Dm1    Am1  Dm1   Am1 Dm1  Am1

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS CAROLS

What Child Is This?

Key: Dm                      Capo 5

Am       C             G         Em

What Child is this who, laid to rest

F                  E7

On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Am      C              G          Em

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

F               E7            Am

While shepherds watch are keeping?

C      C        G              Em

This, this is Christ the King,

F                                E7

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

C         C            G              Em

Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,

F             E7       Am

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christians, fear, for sinners here

The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,

The cross be borne for me, for you.

Hail, hail the Word made flesh,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,

Come peasant, king to own Him;

The King of kings salvation brings,

Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise a song on high,

The virgin sings her lullaby.

Joy, joy for Christ is born,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Lullay

Key: Dm         Capo 5

Am                         G F   E7        Am  E7  Am Dm  E Am

Lullay, Thou little ti--ny Child     Bye-bye, lul--le,    lullay;

G                      F      E7           Am E7   Am Dm  E  Am

Lullay, Thou little tiny Child       Bye-bye, lul--le,    lullay.

Oh sisters two, how may we do

To preserve this day?

This poor Childling for whom we sing

Bye-bye, lulle, lullay.

Herod, the King, in his raging,

Charged he hath this day

His soldiers in their strength and might,

All children young to slay.

Then woe is me, poor Child, for Thee,

And ever mourn and say,

For at thy parting nor say nor sing

Bye-bye, lulle, lullay.

And when the stars in gather do,

In their far venture stay,

Then smile as dreaming, Little One,

Am E7   Am Dm  E  A       (ends on a major chord)

Bye-bye, lul--le,    lullay.

Little Drummer Boy

A                                   D6/A              A

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum

A                                           D6/A             A

A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum

E

Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum

E             A                         D

To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,

A                              E

rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

A                               D6/A               A

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,

E               A2

When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum

I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum

I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum

That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,

rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,

On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum

The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum

I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum

I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,

rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum    Me and my drum.

Silent Night

Key: A

A

Silent night, holy night,

E                 A

All is calm, all is bright

D                           A

Round yon virgin mother and child.

D                     A

Holy infant so tender and mild,

E                           A

Sleep in heavenly peace.

A           E             A

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night,

Shepherds quake at the sight,

Glories stream from heaven afar,

Heavenly hosts sing alleluia;

Christ the Savior, is born!

Christ the Savior, is born!

Silent night, holy night,

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from thy holy face,

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

Key: Am

Am                             F6  G  Am

O come, O come, Emman--uel,

G/B C           Am      F6 Em Am

And ransom captive I---sra--el,

Dm                     Am   G

That mourns in lonely exile here

C                    F      G  C

Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:

Em         Am                 F  G  C

Rejoice! Rejoice!    Emmanuel

G/B  Am                    F  Em  Am

shall come to thee, O I—sra--el.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,

Who orderest all things mightily;

To us the path of knowledge show,

And teach us in her ways to go.

Refrain:

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;

From depths of hell Thy people save,

And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain:

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here;

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain:

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heavenly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And close the path to misery.

Refrain:

O come, O come, great Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height

In ancient times once gave the law

In cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain:

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,

An ensign of Thy people be;

Before Thee rulers silent fall;

All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Refrain:

O come, Desire of nations, bind

In one the hearts of all mankind;

Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,

And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Refrain:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Key: Am

Am              G        Am              G    F                      E7

God rest ye merry, gentlemen   Let nothing you dismay

Am              G               Am        G     F                             E7

Remember, Christ, our Saviour  Was born on Christmas day

F          G           C        G                    Am                    G

To save us all from Satan's power  When we were gone astray

C F          Am E          Am                        G

O tidings of comfort and joy,   Comfort and joy

C G          Am E          Am

O tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel, This blessed Babe was born

And laid within a manger Upon this blessed morn

The which His Mother Mary Did nothing take in scorn

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father A blessed Angel came;

And unto certain Shepherds Brought tidings of the same:

How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by Name.

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

"Fear not then," said the Angel, "Let nothing you affright,

This day is born a Saviour Of a pure Virgin bright,

To free all those who trust in Him From Satan's power and might."

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

The shepherds at those tidings Rejoiced much in mind,

And left their flocks a-feeding In tempest, storm and wind:

And went to Bethlehem straightway The Son of God to find.

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

And when they came to Bethlehem Where our dear Saviour lay,

They found Him in a manger, Where oxen feed on hay;

His Mother Mary kneeling down, Unto the Lord did pray.

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place,

And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace;

This holy tide of Christmas All other doth deface.

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

Joy To the World

Key: C

C                               F       G  C

Joy to the world, the Lord is   come!

F          G            C

Let earth receive her King;

C          F C       C           F   C

Let every heart prepare Him room,

C

And heaven and nature sing,

G

And heaven and nature sing,

C    F          C           F   C   G   C

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Away In A Manger

Key: D

D

Away in a manger,

G                D

No crib for His bed

A

The little Lord Jesus

G                        D

Laid down His sweet head

D

The stars in the bright sky

G                        D

Looked down where He lay

A              D

The little Lord Jesus

Em   A        D

Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing

The poor Baby wakes

But little Lord Jesus

No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus

Look down from the sky

And stay by my side,

'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,

I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever

And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care

And take us to heaven To live with Thee there

The Holly and The Ivy

Key: D

D

The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown

D                              Bm   A

Of all the trees that are in the wood

Em7            A D

The holly bears the crown

D

O the rising of the sun   And the running of the deer

D                               Bm  A

The playing of the merry or---gan

Em7         A   D

Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a blossom

As white as lily flower

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

To be our sweet Saviour

O the rising of the sun

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ

Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a berry

As red as any blood

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

To do poor sinners good

The holly bears a prickle

As sharp as any thorn

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

On Christmas Day in the morn.

O the rising of the sun

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ

Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a bark

As bitter as any gall;

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

For to redeem us all.

O the rising of the sun

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ

Sweet singing of the choir

The holly and the ivy

Now both are full well grown,

Of all the trees that are in the wood,

The holly bears the crown.

The First Noel

Key: A

A      Gbm E  D   A/Db   D   A

The First No----el, the Angels did say

D         A/Db   D   A              D A           E      A

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

E  A       Gbm  E     D  A/Db    D     A

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

D     A           D     A    D    A   E  A

On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

E    A  Gm E  A D       A E

No-el, No--el, Noel, Noel

Gbm   E D   A      D  A E  A

Born   is the King of I-sra-el!

(talking)

They looked up and saw a star  Shining in the East beyond them far

And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night.

(singing)

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star Three Wise men came from country far

To seek for a King was their intent  And to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest  O'er Bethlehem it took its rest

And there it did both Pause and stay  Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three  Full reverently upon their knee

And offered there in His presence  Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord  Sing praises to our heavenly Lord

That hath made Heaven and earth of nought  And with his blood mankind has bought.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Key: A

A                         G     A        G

Said the night wind to the little lamb,

A                             G               A        G

"Do you see what I see?

A                  G      A       G

Way up in the sky, little lamb,

A                            G      A

Do you see what I see?

Gbm          Dbm

A star, a star, dancing in the night

D       E           Gbm

With a tail as big as a kite,

D       E           A

With a tail as big as a kite."

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,

"Do you hear what I hear?

Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,

Do you hear what I hear?

A song, a song high above the trees

With a voice as big as the the sea,

With a voice as big as the the sea."

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,

"Do you know what I know?

In your palace warm, mighty king,

Do you know what I know?

A Child, a Child shivers in the cold--

Let us bring him silver and gold,

Let us bring him silver and gold."

Said the king to the people everywhere,

"Listen to what I say!

Pray for peace, people, everywhere,

Listen to what I say!

The Child, the Child sleeping in the night

He will bring us goodness and light,

He will bring us goodness and light."

We Three Kings

Key: Cm

Capo 3

Am                       E7     Am

We three kings of Orient are

Am                     E7           Am

Bearing gifts we traverse afar

Am          G            C

Field and fountain, moor and mountain

F6             Am E7 Am

Following yonder star

Refrain:

G   C                       F         C

O   Star of wonder, star of night

C                       F        C

Star with royal beauty bright

Am           G           F          G

Westward leading, still proceeding

C                       F          C

Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain

Gold I bring to crown Him again

King forever, ceasing never

Over us all to rein

Refrain:

O Star of wonder, star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to Thy perfect light

Frankincense to offer have I

Incense owns a Deity nigh

Pray'r and praising, all men raising

Worship Him, God most high

Refrain:

O Star of wonder, star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to Thy perfect light

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume

Breathes of life of gathering gloom

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying

Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

Refrain:

O Star of wonder, star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to Thy perfect light

Glorious now behold Him arise

King and God and Sacrifice

Alleluia, Alleluia

Earth to heav'n replies

Refrain:

O Star of wonder, star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to Thy perfect light

Angels We Have Heard On High

Key: C

C                        G            C

Angels we have heard on high,

C   G     C      F  C           G   C

Singing sweetly through the night,

C                             G      C

And the mountains in reply

C G  C     F      C       G C

E-choing their brave delight.

C  F Dm G C Am G        C  G C  F  C G

Glo------------------ria       in excelsis Deo

C  F Dm G C Am G        C  G C  F  C G C

Glo------------------ria       in excelsis De---o

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why these songs of happy cheer?

What great brightness did you see?

What glad tiding did you hear?

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Come to Bethlehem and see

Him whose birth the angels sing;

Come, adore on bended knee

Christ, the Lord, the new-born King.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

See him in a manger laid

Whom the angels praise above;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,

While we raise our hearts in love.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Ding Dong Merrily

Key: E

E                 A                E           A          Bsus  B   E

Ding dong! Merrily on high, in Heavín  bells   are ringing,

E                  A             E        A             Bsus B       E

Ding dong! Verily the sky is rivín with an----gel    singing.

E         B    Dbm     B     A Abm

Glo-----------------------------ria,

A         Bsus B   E

hosannah in     the highest!

Eíen so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungen,

And io, io, by priest and people sungen.

Glo------------ria, hosannah in the highest!

Pray ye dutifully, prime your matin chime, ye ringers;

May ye beautifully rime your evetime song, ye singers.

Glo------------ria, hosannah in the highest!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Key: G

Refrain:

G                            C

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

A7                        D

We wish you a Merry Christmas;

Bm                       Em

We wish you a Merry Christmas;

C         D     G

and a Happy New Year.

G              D/Gb     Em  D   C      G/B

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;

G                                         C          D     G

Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer

Refrain:

We won't go until we get some;

We won't go until we get some;

We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here

Refrain:

We wish you a Merry Christmas;

We wish you a Merry Christmas;

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

O' Come All Ye Faithful

Key: D  (best version is Amy Grant/Phil Keaggy)

D                A

O' come all ye faithful

D   A  D    G D  A

Joyful and triumphant

Bm   E        A           D  A  E    A   (A G F# E wlkdown)

O' come ye, O come ye to Be-thlehem

D              G          D

Come and behold Him

A      D   Bm   E  A

Born the King of angels

D

O' come let us adore Him

D      A  D  G D  A

O' come let us adore Him

D  Em   D  A/Db Bm A A/G D\F# G

O' come let us       ad--ore       H------im

D   A       D

Christ the Lord

Yea, Lord we greet Thee

Born this happy morning

Oh Jesus to Thee be all glory given

Word of the Father

Now in flesh appearing

O' come let us adore Him

O' come let us adore Him

O' come let us adore Him

Christ the Lord

O' come let us adore Him,  Christ the Lord

Here We Come A’Wassailing

D

Here we come a-wassailing  Among the leaves so green;

G                 D

Here we come a-wand'ring

A

So fair to be seen.

D   G       D

Love and joy come to you,

D        G       D

And to you your wassail too;

D    Bm      Em    A

And God bless you and send you

D         G

a Happy New Year

D    Bm     Em   A    D

And God send you a Happy New Year.

We're not daily beggars  That beg from door to door;

But we are neighbors' children, Whom you have seen before.

Love and joy come to you,  And to you your wassail too;

And God bless you and send you  a Happy New Year

And God send you a Happy New Year.

Good master and good mistress,  Are sitting by the fire,

Pray think of us poor children  Who wander in the mire.

Love and joy come to you,  And to you your wassail too;

And God bless you and send you   a Happy New Year

And God send you a Happy New Year.

God bless the master of this house  Likewise the mistress too!

And all the little children  that 'round the table go

Love and joy come to you, And to you your wassail too;

And God bless you and send you  a Happy New Year

And God send you a Happy New Year

Deck The Halls

Key: D

D                                                           G            D      Bm A  D

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,   Fa la la la la, la la    la la.

D                                        G              D      Bm A  D

Tis the season to be jolly,  Fa la la la la, la la    la   la.

A           Em         D                  D          E         A E  A

Don we now our gay apparel,  Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

D                                                    G            D     Bm  A  D

Troll the ancient Yule tide carol,  Fa la la la la, la la     la la.

D                                                 G              D     Bm A  D

See the blazing Yule before us,  Fa la la la la, la la    la   la.

D                                                       G              D      Bm A  D

Strike the harp and join the chorus.  Fa la la la la, la la   la la.

A          Em    D                        D          E         A E A

Follow me in merry measure,  Fa la la la la, la la la la.

D                                                    G              D     Bm  A  D

While I tell of Yule tide treasure,  Fa la la la la, la la     la la.

Fast away the old year passes,  Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,  Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together,  Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Heedless of the wind and weather,  Fa la la la la, la la la la.

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Key: G

G        C          G    C      G

It came upon the midnight clear,

C            A7       D  D7

That glorious song of old,

G        C           G    C   G

From angels bending near the earth,

C                D           G

To touch their harps of gold:

B7                       Em

"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men

A7                            D     D7

From heavens all gracious King!"

G           C          G   C    G

The world in solemn stillness lay

C      Am  D        G

To hear the    angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come, With peaceful wings unfurled;

And still their heavenly music floats   O'er all the weary world:

Above its sad and lowly plains  They bend on hovering wing,

And ever o'er its Babel sounds   The blessed angels sing.

O ye beneath life's crushing load, Whose forms are bending low,

Who toil along the climbing way  With painful steps and slow;

Look now, for glad and golden hours    Come swiftly on the wing;

Oh rest beside the weary road And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on,    By prophets seen of old,

When with the ever-circling years   Shall come the time foretold,

When the new heaven and earth shall own  The Prince of Peace, their King,

And the whole world send back the song   Which now the angels sing.

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Key: D

D

Hark the herald angels sing

D         G      A            D

"Glory to the newborn King!

D                            Bm     E

Peace on earth and mercy mild

A                        A E   A

God and sinners reconciled"

D                   G          A

Joyful, all ye nations rise

D                        G       A

Join the triumph of the skies

G             D  Em  Bm Em

With angelic host pro-claim:

A             D          G   A  D

"Christ is born in Bethle-hem"

G                 D     Em Bm Em

Hark! The herald an--gels sing

A         D      G    A     D

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come  Offspring of a Virgin's womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see  Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! The herald angels sing  "Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!  Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings  Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by  Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth  Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing   "Glory to the newborn King!"

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Key: D

D                   G

O little town of Bethlehem

D          A           D

How still we see thee lie

D            B7           Em

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

D       A           D

The silent stars go by

D        A/Db  Bm      Gb7

Yet in thy dark     streets shineth

Bm  G        Gb7

The everlasting Light

D                           G

The hopes and fears of all the years

D       A         D

Are met in Thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary  And gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep  Their watch of wondering love

O morning stars together  Proclaim the holy birth

And praises sing to God the King  And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently  The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts  The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may his His coming,  But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him still,  The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem  Descend to us, we pray

Cast out our sin and enter in  Be born to us today

We hear the Christmas angels  The great glad tidings tell

O come to us, abide with us     Our Lord Emmanuel

O Holy Night

Key: A

A                             D                         A

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,

A                 E7                  A

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.

A                                 D                   A

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

C#m                    G#7              C#m   C#m7

Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.

E                         A

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

E                        A

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

F#m             C#m         Bm                 F#m

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

A  E     A  D       A      E                             A

O night divine, the night     when Christ was born;

E  E7              A D        A       E               A

O night, O Holy Night , O night,    O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,

Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.

The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friends.

He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.

And in his name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

With all our hearts we praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Key: D

Refrain

D                                           A                          D      G  A

Go, tell it on the mountain,  Over the hills and everywhere

D    F#m            G     D               D      A          D

Go, tell it on the mountain,  That Jesus Christ is born.

D                                                        A                      D

While shepherds kept their watching  Over silent flocks by night

D                                                       Em        G     A   A7

Behold throughout the heavens  There shone a holy light.

Refrain

Go, tell it on the mountain,  Over the hills and everywhere

Go, tell it on the mountain,  That Jesus Christ is born.

The shepherds feared and trembled, When lo! above the earth,

Rang out the angels chorus That hailed the Saviors birth.

Refrain

Go, tell it on the mountain,  Over the hills and everywhere

Go, tell it on the mountain,  That Jesus Christ is born.

Down in a lowly manger  The humble Christ was born

And God sent us salvation  That blessed Christmas morn.

Refrain

Go, tell it on the mountain,  Over the hills and everywhere

Go, tell it on the mountain,  That Jesus Christ is born.

Good Christian Men Rejoice

Key: D

D                       Bm     A

Good Christian men rejoice

D            Bm        A

With heart and soul and voice!

D           A          F#m       Bm

Give ye heed to what we say

G         D        Em    A           Bm       D

News! News! Jesus Christ is born today!

D          A       F#m      Bm

Ox and ass before Him bow

Em    A      Bm       D

And He is in the manger now

G           A    D      G        D            A         D

Christ is born toda------y!  Christ is born today!

Good Christian men, rejoice With heart and soul and voice

Now ye hear of endless bliss Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this

He hath ope'd the heav'nly door And man is blessed evermore

Christ was born for this   Christ was born for this

Good Christian men, rejoice With heart and soul and voice

Now ye need not fear the grave: Peace! Peace!

Jesus Christ was born to save

Calls you one and calls you all To gain His everlasting hall

Christ was born to save    Christ was born to save

OTHER STYLES

I Wonder As I Wander

Key: Em

Intro:   Em   D    Dbm7b5  Cmaj7   G  A  B

Em               C                G             A    B

I wonder as I wander out under the sky,

Em          C               A/C#          C

How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.

Em            C                A/C#           D

For poor on'ry people like you and like I...

Em      D   Dbm7b5          Cmaj7 G   A     B

I wonder as I wander      out under   the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,

With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.

But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,

And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,

A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,

Or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing,

He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.

In The Bleak Midwinter

Key: E       (use open chords, let B and E string ring)

E                  C#m          F#m                      Bsus

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,

E                             C#m  F#m  Bsus  E

Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;

A       E/G# A  B    C#m       A       F#m        Bsus

Snow had    fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,

E                  C#m          F#m  Bsus  E

In the bleak midwinter, lo-----ng    ago.

Heaven cannot hold him, nor the earth sustain;

Heaven and earth shall welcome Him

when He comes to reign.

In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed

For the Lord God, incarnate Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels may have thronged there,

Cherubim and seraphim gathered in the air;

But his mother only, in her maiden bliss,

Worshiped the beloved only with a kiss.

What then can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give him: I will give my heart.

Christmas Bells

John Gorka

Key:  Eb         Capo 1    fingerpicking

D                           A                                G                Bm     A

I heard the bells on Christmas day  Their old familiar carols play

G                             Bm       A            G                               Bm         A

And wild and sweet, the words repeat  Of peace on earth, good will to men

G                              D

Peace on earth, good will to men

I thought how, as the day had come  The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along the unbroken song  Of peace on earth, good will to men

Peace on earth, good will to men

G                       Bm               A        G                                 Bm        A

And in despair, I bowed my head   "There is no peace on earth," I said

G                                   Bm              A          G              A               Bm       A

For hate is strong, and mocks the song  Of peace on earth, good will to men

G                                    D

Peace on earth, good will to men

D                                          A                               G                       Bm       A

Then pealed the bells, more loud and deep,  God is not dead, nor doth he sleep

G                                      Bm       A              G                                Bm     A

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail  With peace on earth, good will to men

G                                D

Peace on earth, good will to men

I heard the bells on Christmas day  Their old familiar carols play

Wild and sweet, the words repeat  Of peace on earth, good will to men

Peace on earth, good will to men

Peace on earth, good will to men

Emmanuel (If God is With Us)

Michael Card

Key:  G

Em               C                D                     G

A sign shall be given      A virgin will conceive

Em               C                        Am           D

A human baby bearing    Undiminished deity

Em              C               D                    G

The glory of the nations  A light for all to see

Em                     C                           Am          D

That hope for all who will embrace  His warm reality

Chorus:

G     C D                   Bm     Em

Immanuel     Our God is with us

Am  G C     D   Bm                      Em

And if God is with us   Who could stand against us

Am  G  C           D          G

Our God is with us  Immanuel

C                   D              Bm            Em

For all those who live in the shadow of death

C           D            Bm      Em

A glorious light has dawned

C                   D                     Bm   Em

For all those who stumble in the darkness

C              D            G

Behold your light has come

Chorus:

Em                        C                   D                          G

So what will be your answer?         Will you hear the call?

Em                       C                              Am                    D

Of Him who did not spare His son     But gave him for us al

Em                     C                            D                     G

On earth there is no power           There is no depth or height

Em           C                                Am                  D

That could ever separate us          From the love of God in Christ

Chorus:

Mary Did You Know?

Key: Am

Intro:    Am  G   Dm  E7

Am                     G

Mary, did you know   That your baby boy

Dm7                     Esus4  E7

Would someday walk on water?

Am                      G

Mary did you know    That your baby boy

Dm7                      Esus4     E7

Will save our sons and daughters?

Dm7                               G

Did you know             That your baby boy

C            G/B         Am    Am/G

Has come to make you new?

Dm                                                 Esus4           E7

This child that you've delivered    Will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know      That your baby boy

Will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know      That your baby boy

Will calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know               That your baby boy

Has walked where angels trod?

When you kiss your little baby

You've kissed the face of God

Am   G  Dm7  E7

F                                        G

The blind will see             The deaf will hear

Am         G       F              Dm

The dead will live again   The lame will leap

G                                       Am                E7

The dumb will speak        The praises of the Lamb

Mary did you know        That your baby boy

Is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know        That your baby boy

Will one day rule the nations?

Did you know                 That your baby boy

Is heaven's perfect Lamb?

Dm7

This sleeping child you're holding

E7        E/G#   Am   G   Dm  E7

Is the Great    I          Am!

Am  G   Dm   E7   Am

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

Key: C

Intro:   C (C B Bb walkdown) Am  G  C F C

C         G        C7

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

F                                 C

Shining afar through shadows dim

C                          D7            G

Giving the light to those who long have gone

C                            C7

Guiding the Wise Men on their way

F                           C

Unto the place where Jesus lay

C                   Am        G         C   F   C

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,      shine   on

Chorus:

C              G             C

Oh Beautiful Star

(Beautiful, Beautiful Star)

C        G        C

Of Bethlehem

(Star of Bethlehem)

C                D7    G

Shine upon us until the glory dawns

C                        C7

Give us the light to light the way

F                      C

Unto the land of perfect day

C                    Am        G       C    F   C

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,      shine    on

C                        C7

Beautiful Star the hope of light

F                               C

Guiding the pilgrims through the night

C                          D7           G

Over the mountains 'til the break  of dawn

C                      C7

Into the light of perfect day

F                 C

It will give out a lovely ray

C                    Am      G         C     F    C

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,     shine   on

Chorus:

C                        C7

Beautiful Star the hope of rest

F                                       C

For the redeemed, the good and the blessed

C                       D7         G

Yonder in glory when the crown is won

C                       C7

Jesus is now that star divine

F                         C

Brighter and brighter He will shine

C                    Am   G      C   F    C

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, shine on

Chorus:

Christmas Time's A Comin

Bill Monroe

Key: D

D

Christmas Time's A-Comin'

A

Christmas Time's A-Comin'

D

Christmas Time's A-Comin'

A                      D

And I know I'm goin' home.

D

Snow flake's a-fallin'

A

My old heart's a-callin'

D

Tall pine's a-hummin'

A                              D

Christmas Time's A-Comin'.

D

Can't you hear them bells ringin', ringin'

G

Joy, don'tcha hear them singin'

D

When it's snowin', I'll be goin'

A                                  D

(pause) Back to my country home.

Christmas Time's A-Comin'    Christmas Time's A-Comin'

Christmas Time's A-Comin'    And I know I'm goin' home.

White candle's burnin'

My old heart's a-yearnin'

For the folks at home when

Christmas Time's A-Comin'.

Can't you hear them bells ringin', ringin'

Joy, don'tcha hear them singin'

When it's snowin', I'll be goin'

Back to my country home.

Christmas Time's A-Comin'

Christmas Time's A-Comin'

Christmas Time's A-Comin'

And I know I'm goin' home.

Holly's in the window

Home where the wind blows

The cane foam's a-runnin'

Christmas Time's A-Comin'.

Can't you hear them bells ringin', ringin'

Joy, don'tcha hear them singin'

When it's snowin', I'll be goin'

Back to my country home.

Christmas Time's A-Comin'

Christmas Time's A-Comin'

Christmas Time's A-Comin'

And I know I'm goin' home.

Santa Baby

By: Joan Javits, Philip Springer and Tony Springer

Key: F     Capo 3

Intro:    D G   Em  A

D       G        Em            A

Santa Baby, slip a sable under the

D           G    Em                     A                D

Tree for me.       I've been an awful good girl.

D       G           Em                    A            D          G  Em  A

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

D     G          Em      A         D            G

Santa Baby, a 54 convertible too, light blue.

Em                      A              D

Well I'll wait up for you dear.

D       G           Em                    A            D          G  Em  A

Santa Baby so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Bridge:

E

Think of all the fun I've missed.

A

Think of all the boys I haven't kissed.

D                               D    D#  E

Next year I could be just as    good

G                                           A

if you check off my Christmas list.

D       G          Em                       A                D     G

Santa Baby, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot.

Em                    A            D

I've been an angel all year.

D      G            Em                    A               D        G  Em  A

Santa Baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

D      G                     Em                      A            D

Santa Honey, there's one more thing I really do need.

Em             A            D

The deed - to a platinum mine.

D       G                                        A            D          G  Em  A

Santa Honey, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Bridge:

E

Come and trim my Christmas tree

A

with some decorations bought at Tiffany's.

D                              D    D#   E   G                         A

I really do believe in you let's see if you believe in me.

D      G            Em                   A           D            G

Santa Baby, forgot to mention one little thing - a ring,

Em                  A                  D

and I don't mean on the phone.

D      G            Em                    A            D

Santa Baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

D    G Em  A (x4)

Auld Lang Syne

Key: D

D                          A

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

D                         G

And never brought to mind

D                           A

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

Em       A             D

And days of auld lang syne

G     D                           A

And there's a hand, my trusty friend

G     D                     G

And gie's a hand to thine

D                    A

We'll take a cup of kindness yet

Em  A     D

For auld lang syne

G    D             A

For auld lang syne, my dear

G    D             G

For auld lang syne

D                   A

We'll take a cup of kindness yet

Em  A     D

For auld lang syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And days of auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear

For auld lang syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And days of auld lang syne

For auld lang syne

1788 version Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne,

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!

And surely I'll be mine!

And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes

And pu'd the gowans fine;

But we've wander'd mony a weary foot

Sin auld lang syne

We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn,

Frae mornin' sun till dine;

But seas between us braid hae roar'd

Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!

And gie's a hand o' thine!

And we'll tak a right guid willy waught,

For auld lang syne.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

And long, long ago.

And for long, long ago, my dear

For long, long ago,

We'll take a cup of kindness yet,

For long, long ago

And surely youll buy your pint-jug!

And surely I'll buy mine!

And we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

For long, long ago.

We two have run about the hills

And pulled the daisies fine;

But we've wandered manys the weary foot

Since long, long ago.

We two have paddled in the stream,

From morning sun till dine;

But seas between us broad have roared

Since long, long ago.

And there's a hand, my trusty friend!

And give us a hand of yours!

And we'll take a deep draught of good-will

For long, long ago.

Happy Christmas War Is Over

John Lennon

Key: B

B

So this is Christmas

C#m

And what have you done

F#

Another year over

B

And a new one just begun

B7          E

and so this is Christmas

F#m

I hope you have fun

B

The near and the dear one

E

The old and the young

A

A very merry Christmas

B

And a happy New Year

F#m          A

Let’s hope it’s a good one

E    F#

Without any fear

B

And so this is Christmas

C#m

For weak and for strong

F#

For rich and the poor ones

B

The road is so long

B7           E

And so happy Christmas

F#m

For black and for white

B

For yellow and red ones

E

Let’s stop all the fight

A

A very merry Christmas

B

And a happy New Year

F#m          A

Let’s hope it’s a good one

E       F#

Without any fear

B

And so this is Christmas

C#m

And what have we done

F#

Another year over

B

A new one just begun

B7           E

And so happy Christmas

F#m

We hope you have fun

B

The near and the dear one

E

The old and the young

A

A very merry Christmas

B

And a happy New Year

F#m         A

Let’s hope it’s a good one

E    F#

Without any fear

Outro:

B

War is over,

C#m

If you want it

F#

War is over

B

Now

Strange Way To Save The World

Key: G

Intro:  G   C Dsus D  Em   C,    C Dsus D  G

C            D       C/E

Sure he must have been surprised

G                     D

At where this road had taken him

C          D     C/E

'Cause never in a million lives

G                          D

Would he had dreamed of Bethlehem

Bm                   C

And standing at the manger

D            D/F#     G      D/F#

He saw with his own eyes

Em                        A7                  C/D  D

The message from the angel come to life

And Joseph said...

Chorus:

G  D/F#              Em                   Em7

Why me,      I'm just a simple man of trade

C                         G/B              Am7   D

Why Him, with all the rulers in the world

G  D/F#           Em                      Em7

Why here      inside a stable filled with hay

C                        G/B        Am7   D  D#dim

Why her, she's just an ordinary girl

Em                 D#dim                    G/D                 C#m7b5

Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say

C/D              D

But this is such a strange way

C      Dsus D  Em C,    C Dsus D   G

to save the world

C                D      C/E

To think of how it could have been

G                      D

If Jesus had come as He deserved

C         D     C/E

There would have been no Bethlehem

G                         D

No lowly shepherds at His birth

Bm                      C

But Joseph knew the reason

D                D/F#      G     D/F#

The love had to reach so far

Em                 A                  C/D    D

And as he held the Savior in his arms

He must have thought...

Chorus:

HISTORY OF CAROLS

History of Carols

Summary

The word carol comes from the French word carole, meaning circle dance, or song of praise and joy. As early as 129 AD, Pagan songs sung around the Winter solstice had been changed to Christian hymns to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Christmas Carols as we know them have been sung for centuries and originated in Italy during the time of St. Francis of Assisi around 1223 AD.

The popularity of singing Christmas Carols as we know it today really originated in the mid-1800's during the Victorian era. Sandys and Gilbert published a collection of Christmas songs that they had collected from churches and small towns throughout Britain. This publication led to the revival of singing publicly at Christmas and also inspired the tradition of "caroling" from home to home spreading the Christmas cheer.

Most of the information here is from is http://christmascarols.us/

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Why Were Christmas Carols Written?

The word carol comes from the French word carole, meaning circle dance, or song of praise and joy. Naturally, Christmas Carols are songs of joy celebrating the birth of Jesus. In scripture the birth of Jesus is surrounded by music, "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:13-14).

The origins of Christmas Carols were adapted from ancient pagan songs that celebrated the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and usually falls on December 21st. For the pagans the solstice held a special meaning and their traditions persisted into the Christian culture. As early as 129 AD, songs sung around the solstice had been changed to Christian hymns to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Christmas Carols as we know them have been sung for centuries and originated in Italy during the time of St. Francis of Assisi. Around 1223 AD, St. Francis of Assisi had begun performing nativity plays to show the birth of Jesus to local people and the poor. St. Francis and his monks recreated the scene of Jesus' birth to show the people that Jesus had been born in circumstances similar to theirs and that he was not from wealth or privilege.

Most Christmas Carols have Christian meanings and traditions associated with them but not all do. In the late 1640's Britain's Parliamentary Party came to power and clamped down on the celebration of Christmas (including the music) along with other holy days. As the government clamped down on Christmas, the songs and carols were often sung in private which allowed them to be passed on to the next generation. The singing of Carol's was a praise to God and it was a tradition that could not be legislated out of British culture. In 1660 the laws were reversed and public singing of Christmas Carols was once again part of the Christmas season.

One of the most famous Christmas Carols, The Twelve Days of Christmas was written to preserve the Roman Catholic traditions and beliefs in 1640's Protestant Britain. The words of the song itself are a code to the Catholic traditions of the twelve days.

Christmas Carols in the Modern Day

Today we think of Christmas Carols as songs we sing with family around the Christmas Tree or a warm fire during the Christmas season. We may also think of them as songs sung by a cheerful group of people strolling through town spreading the Christmas cheer.

The popularity of singing Christmas Carols as we know it today really originated in the mid-1800's during the Victorian era. Two men by the names of William Sandys and Davis Gilbert published a collection of Christmas songs that they had collected from churches and small towns throughout Britain. This publication led to the revival of singing publically at Christmas and also inspired the tradition of "caroling" from home to home spreading the Christmas cheer.

Away in a Manger-history

This song is a Christmas Carol that is taught to children at an early age. It explains the manger scene in a simple and easy to remember story. The actual author/writer of the song has been lost to history. The song with its simple and easy to remember verses has survived, though. The song has roots in early 1880's America. The first known publishing of the song was in May 1884 in the publication, "The Myrtle".

Away in a Manger is also known as Luther’s Cradle Hymn. For many years it was thought that the song was written by Martin Luther and sung by him to his children. It is now known that the song was written as part of a collection for Martin Luther's 400th anniversary. There is even speculation that the song was credited to Luther as a marketing gimmick to promote sales. The original form of the song was a two-stanza version and appeared to originate among German Lutherans in Pennsylvania in the early to mid 1880's.

Deck the Halls - history

The music to Deck the Halls is believed to Welsh in origin and was reputed to have come from a tune called "Nos Galan" from 16th century Wales, originally a New Year’s Eve song. In the eighteenth century Mozart used the tune to “Deck the Halls” for a violin and piano duet.

J.P. McCaskey is sometimes credited with the lyrics of Deck the Halls but he only edited the Franklin Square Song Collection in which the lyrics were first published. The first publication date of Deck the Halls is 1881. The author is unknown but the words are said to originate in America.

Jingle Bells- history

Summary

Jingle Bells was originally called “The One Horse Open Sleigh” and was originally not a Christmas song.  Later renamed and now famous as the first song broadcast in space, Gemini 6 crew sent reports of seeing Santa Claus and they accompanied their report with an improvised version of the song with bells and harmonica.

*************************

Believe it or not Jingle Bells, one of the most famous American Christmas songs, was originally written for Thanksgiving! The author and composer of Jingle Bells was a minister called James Pierpoint who, it is thought, composed the song in 1857 for children celebrating his Boston Sunday School Thanksgiving. The song was so popular that it was repeated at Christmas, and indeed Jingle Bells has been reprised ever since.

The essence of a traditional Christmas is captured in the lyrics of Jingle Bells and the sound effects using the bells have become synonymous with the arrival of Father Christmas or Santa Claus to the delight of children of all ages!

Regardless of precisely where and when Jingle Bells was written, it is clear it was not intended as a Christmas song (and indeed, it contains no reference to Christmas or December, its only association with either of these being a mention of snow). While there are several origin stories about the song Jingle Bells, the most popular has it that James Lord Pierpont wrote the song for a Thanksgiving program at his Father’s Sunday school; the song proved to be so popular the children were asked to the sing the song again at Christmas, and it has been tied to the latter holiday ever since.

For more information on the origins of Jingle Bells see here:

The History Of Jingle Bells Explained (grunge.com)

History of Jingle Bells | BU Today | Boston University

O Holy Night - history

Summary

Penned by a nonreligious Frenchman with music by a Jewish musician, beloved by the French people but banned because of the author and composer. Nevertheless continued to be sung, and on Christmas eve 1871 during the Franco-Prussian war an unarmed French soldier came out of his dugout and bravely started singing the hymn, which led to a German soldier following suit with a Martin Luther hymn, and this led to a 24 hours truce right there on the battlefield.  The song eventually made it to the U.S. where it became the very first song ever broadcast on radio waves by Thomas Edison’s engineer.

**********************

The strange and fascinating story of "O Holy Night" began in France, yet eventually made its way around the world. This seemingly simple song, inspired by a request from a clergyman, would not only become one of the most beloved anthems of all time, it would mark a technological revolution that would forever change the way people were introduced to music.

In 1847, Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure was the commissionaire of wines in a small French town. Known more for his poetry than his church attendance, it probably shocked Placide when his parish priest asked the commissionaire to pen a poem for Christmas mass. Nevertheless, the poet was honored to share his talents with the church.

In a dusty coach traveling down a bumpy road to France's capital city, Placide Cappeau considered the priest's request. Using the gospel of Luke as his guide, Cappeau imagined witnessing the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Thoughts of being present on the blessed night inspired him. By the time he arrived in Paris, "Cantique de Noel" had been completed.

Moved by his own work, Cappeau decided that his "Cantique de Noel" was not just a poem, but a song in need of a master musician's hand. Not musically inclined himself, the poet turned to one of his friends, Adolphe Charles Adams, for help.

The son of a well-known classical musician, Adolphe had studied in the Paris conservatoire. His talent and fame brought requests to write works for orchestras and ballets all over the world. Yet the lyrics that his friend Cappeau gave him must have challenged the composer in a fashion unlike anything he received from London, Berlin, or St. Petersburg.

As a man of Jewish ancestry, for Adolphe the words of "Cantique de Noel" represented a day he didn't celebrate and a man he did not view as the son of God. Nevertheless, Adams quickly went to work, attempting to marry an original score to Cappeau's beautiful words. Adams' finished work pleased both poet and priest. The song was performed just three weeks later at a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

Initially, "Cantique de Noel" was wholeheartedly accepted by the church in France and the song quickly found its way into various Catholic Christmas services. But when Placide Cappeau walked away from the church and became a part of the socialist movement, and church leaders discovered that Adolphe Adams was a Jew, the song--which had quickly grown to be one of the most beloved Christmas songs in France--was suddenly and uniformly denounced by the church. The heads of the French Catholic church of the time deemed "Cantique de Noel" as unfit for church services because of its lack of musical taste and "total absence of the spirit of religion." Yet even as the church tried to bury the Christmas song, the French people continued to sing it, and a decade later a reclusive American writer brought it to a whole new audience halfway around the world.

Not only did this American writer--John Sullivan Dwight--feel that this wonderful Christmas songs needed to be introduced to America, he saw something else in the song that moved him beyond the story of the birth of Christ. An ardent abolitionist, Dwight strongly identified with the lines of the third verse: "Truly he taught us to love one another; his law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; and in his name all oppression shall cease." The text supported Dwight's own view of slavery in the South. Published in his magazine, Dwight's English translation of "O Holy Night" quickly found found favor in America, especially in the North during the Civil War.

Back in France, even though the song had been banned from the church for almost two decades, many commoners still sang "Cantique de Noel" at home. Legend has it that on Christmas Eve 1871, in the midst of fierce fighting between the armies of Germany and France, during the Franco-Prussian War, a French soldier suddenly jumped out of his muddy trench. Both sides stared at the seemingly crazed man. Boldly standing with no weapon in his hand or at his side, he lifted his eyes to the heavens and sang, "Minuit, Chretiens, c'est l'heure solennelle ou L'Homme Dieu descendit jusqu'a nous," the beginning of "Cantique de Noel."

After completing all three verses, a German infantryman climbed out his hiding place and answered with, "Vom Himmel noch, da komm' ich her. Ich bring' euch gute neue Mar, Der guten Mar bring' ich so viel, Davon ich sing'n und sagen will," the beginning of Martin Luther's robust "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come."

The story goes that the fighting stopped for the next twenty-four hours while the men on both sides observed a temporary peace in honor of Christmas day. Perhaps this story had a part in the French church once again embracing "Cantique de Noel" in holiday services.

Adams had been dead for many years and Cappeau and Dwight were old men when on Christmas Eve 1906, Reginald Fessenden--a 33-year-old university professor and former chief chemist for Thomas Edison--did something long thought impossible. Using a new type of generator, Fessenden spoke into a microphone and, for the first time in history, a man's voice was broadcast over the airwaves: "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed," he began in a clear, strong voice, hoping he was reaching across the distances he supposed he would.

Shocked radio operators on ships and astonished wireless owners at newspapers sat slack-jawed as their normal, coded impulses, heard over tiny speakers, were interrupted by a professor reading from the gospel of Luke. To the few who caught this broadcast, it must have seemed like a miracle--hearing a voice somehow transmitted to those far away. Some might have believed they were hearing the voice of an angel.

Fessenden was probably unaware of the sensation he was causing on ships and in offices; he couldn't have known that men and women were rushing to their wireless units to catch this Christmas Eve miracle. After finishing his recitation of the birth of Christ, Fessenden picked up his violin and played "O Holy Night," the first song ever sent through the air via radio waves. When the carol ended, so did the broadcast--but not before music had found a new medium that would take it around the world.

Since that first rendition at a small Christmas mass in 1847, "O Holy Night" has been sung millions of times in churches in every corner of the world. And since the moment a handful of people first heard it played over the radio, the carol has gone on to become one of the entertainment industry's most recorded and played spiritual songs. This incredible work--requested by a forgotten parish priest, written by a poet who would later split from the church, given soaring music by a Jewish composer, and brought to Americans to serve as much as a tool to spotlight the sinful nature of slavery as tell the story of the birth of a Savior--has become one of the most beautiful, inspired pieces of music ever created.

Silent Hight - history

Summary

The story of how the song Silent Night gained popularity is more story than fact because there are no facts to back it up. The credibility comes from the story itself and that it has been repeated since the early to mid 1800's.

The story begins that in 1818 Fr. Mohr had asked Mr. Gruber to compose a melody to go with the words of the song that he had written a few years prior. It is believed that Fr. Mohr wanted the carol to be sung by the children of the village on Christmas Eve's midnight service. As the children practiced the song the church organ broke and the children had to learn the song without a musical accompaniment.

This song has been translated into 142 languages

****************

In 1816 the text to Silent Night was written by Fr. Joseph Mohr in Mariapfarr, Austria. The music to Silent Night was composed in 1818 by Franz Gruber. Silent Night was first played at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. Fr. Mohr had originally written the song to be accompanied by a guitar but a second score was written for the church organ. The song had made its way to some of the performing families in Germany and Austria after 1820 and had become part of their concerts establishing it as part of the local Christmas culture.

Obviously, the song was first written in German and its original title is " Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht". The song was translated to English in 1863 by John Freeman Young but had become popular in America two decades earlier. Silent Night was first performed in the US in 1839 by the Rainer family, who sang 'Stille Nacht' at the Alexander Hamilton Monument outside New York City's Trinity Church. Even in its original German it gained popularity in the States.

One of the most famous stories about this song was from the Christmas Eve Truce in WW1. On Christmas Eve 1914 the Germans began singing, " Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht" and so began the Christmas Truce.

The Christmas Song - history

In 1946, Nat King Cole became the first recording artist to wrap his lush vocals around what would become a standard of the holiday season, "The Christmas Song." But that song was written by a different crooner: Mel Tormé.

NPR's Noel King spoke with Mel Tormé's youngest son, James, an accomplished jazz singer himself, to get the story behind the creation of this Christmas classic. According to James, it was on a hot, oppressive summer day in 1945 that his father, Mel, went over to the house of one of his writing partners, Bob Wells.

"Wells was nowhere to be seen," James says, "But there was a spiral pad at the piano. There were four lines scribbled down on it in pencil." Those four lines were: "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire / Jack Frost nipping at your nose / Yuletide carols being sung by a choir / And folks dressed up like Eskimos."

When Bob Wells eventually appeared, he told Mel that he had been trying to do everything to cool down on that hot day. Wells said, "I thought that maybe if I could just write down a few lines of wintry verse, I could physiologically get an edge over this heat." Forty-five minutes later, the lyrics of what would be "The Christmas Song" were finished.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - history

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is an English Christmas carol- the origins of which are not known. Also, the date of the song's first performance is not known, though it was used in European and Scandinavian traditions as early as the 16th century.

The lyrics were a children's rhyme that was originally published in a book called “Mirth without Mischief” in London around 1780. It was originally a memory and forfeit game and it was played by gathering a circle of players and each person took it in turns to say the first line of the rhyme.

When it is the first player's turn again he says the second line

of the verse and so on.

Another popular idea is that “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was written to preserve the Roman Catholic traditions and beliefs in 1640's Protestant Britain. The words of the song itself are a code to the Catholic traditions of the twelve days.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas - history

The custom of caroling through the streets originated in England when wealthy businessmen hired street singers to accompany their strolls. The tradition quickly extended to all types of choruses.

These singers became known as "waits," because the group would perform and then wait around for any sweet rewards. Finding the perfect group of singers became a lengthy process; everyone vied for the waits who knew the best carols. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" was definitely on everyone's list.

"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" is an English folk song from the 1500s and is the remnant of a time when poor carolers would hit up wealthy listeners for handouts. It's a cheeky tune which recognizes the dynamic between rich and poor, calling for figgy pudding and refusing to leave the wealthy person's doorstep until some is delivered "right here." This is an awfully ardent demand for a Christmas song, so it's meant to be sung with a certain degree of joshing.

The origin of this Christmas carol lies in the English tradition wherein wealthy people of the community gave Christmas treats to the carolers on Christmas Eve, such as "figgy pudding" that was very much like modern-day Christmas puddings. A variety of nineteenth-century sources state that, in the West Country of England, "figgy pudding" referred to a raisin or plum pudding, not necessarily one containing figs.

White Christmas - history

Irving Berlin Wrote White Christmas. His original song included this beginning:

“The sun is shining, the grass is green,

The orange and palm trees sway.

There's never been such a day

in Beverly Hills, L.A.

But it's December the twenty-fourth,

And I am longing to be up North”

But this beginning is not well known today.

White Christmas" is the most-recorded Christmas song; there have been more than 500 recorded versions of the song, in several different languages.

Bing Crosby made it famous, first in 1941-42, then he recorded it again in 1947 which is the version we all hear now. The 1942 recording was damaged due to overuse.

Table of Contents

JAZZ TYPE CAROLS

The Christmas Song

Christmas Time is Here

Winter Wonderland

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

White Christmas

Emmanuel, God With Us

My Grown Up Christmas List

Breath of Heaven

Jingle Bell Rock

Let it Snow

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Blue Christmas

Silver Bells

Sleigh Ride

Feliz Navidad

Its the Most Wonderful Time

My Favorite Things

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

KID’S CAROLS

Jingle Bells

Jolly Old St. Nick

Frosty The Snowman

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Here Comes Santa Claus

O Christmas Tree

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

LEROY the Redneck Reindeer

Holly Jolly Christmas

Welcome Christmas

You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS CAROLS

What Child Is This?

Lullay

Little Drummer Boy

Silent Night

O Come O Come Emmanuel

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Joy To the World

Away In A Manger

The Holly and The Ivy

The First Noel

Do You Hear What I Hear?

We Three Kings

Angels We Have Heard On High

Ding Dong Merrily

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

O' Come All Ye Faithful

Here We Come A’Wassailing

Deck The Halls

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O Holy Night

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Good Christian Men Rejoice

OTHER STYLES

I Wonder As I Wander

In The Bleak Midwinter

Christmas Bells

Emmanuel (If God is With Us)

Mary Did You Know?

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

Christmas Time's A Comin

Santa Baby

Auld Lang Syne

Happy Christmas War Is Over

Strange Way To Save The World

HISTORY OF CAROLS

History of Carols

Away in a Manger-history

Deck the Halls - history

Jingle Bells- history

O Holy Night - history

Silent Hight - history

The Christmas Song - history

The Twelve Days of Christmas - history

We Wish You A Merry Christmas - history

White Christmas - history