Thursday, December 17, 2020

A Pebble

 “I always carry a pebble with me to throw at people who sing Christmas songs in October.” (Anonymous)

Did you that there is a difference between Christmas carol and a Christmas song? “Christmas carols are actually religious in nature, while Christmas songs are secular.”[i] Chances are good that during the month of December that you’ve had the opportunity to sing both kinds of Christmas music by yourself (or in a group setting).

Did you know that many of your favorite Christmas songs have nothing to do with Christmas, but instead they focus on the all the joys of the winter season? Look at the three “Christmas” songs (and their lyrics) given below. Though they are sang at Christmas time, what mention is there of Christmas in them?


"Jingle Bells"

Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bob tails ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to laugh and sing
A sleighing song tonight

 

Chorus

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
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

 

Chorus (Twice)


 

“Let It Snow!”

Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

It doesn't show signs of stopping
And I brought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let it snow, let it snow

When we finally kiss good night
How I'll hate going out in the storm
But if you really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm

The fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we're still goodbye-ing
But as long as you love me so
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow


“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

Chorus One

In the meadow we can build a snowman
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say: Are you married?
We'll say: No man
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

Chorus Two

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 other kids 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

Walking in a winter wonderland
walking in a winter wonderland

No matter what your opinion is on this topic, hopefully you’ve managed to make this a joyful season (regardless of COVID-19). "Remember that Christmas is about more than presents. There are also cookies." You thought I was going to end this post with something profound and wise. I opted instead to go for the easy laugh. I hope you find something precious and tasty this season. I love you all for caring so much about (and being interested in) my opinion on a lot of stuff. Be blessed and safe at this holiday time.



[i] Adapted from the article, “Christmas carols vs. Christmas songs: Do you know the difference between the two?” by the News Staff of 680News.com

 

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