I’M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS # 2
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know
But to be honest I drink so much
I won’t even notice if it snows
THE BEST CHRISTMAS BOOKS EVER - THE POLAR EXPRESS
The Polar Express was written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg and published in 1985.
The book is partially set in the author's home town, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and takes place in 1956.
It begins when a young boy, who used to love Christmas, but now doubts, hears a train whistle outside his house and to his amazement, he finds the train has stopped and is waiting for him.
The conductor explains the train is called the Polar Express, and is journeying to the North Pole. Still wearing his night clothes the boy reluctantly boards the train, which is filled with chocolate and candy, as well as many other children in their pyjamas.
After an adventurous journey the train reaches the North Pole and at the centre of town thousands of elves are waiting to send Santa Claus on his way.
The boy is handpicked by Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas.
Realizing that he could choose anything in the world, he asks for one bell from one of the reindeer's harnesses.
Santa gives him the bell and he places in the pocket of his robe but later, on the train ride home, it falls through a hole in his pocket and is lost.
But on Christmas morning, his sister finds a small package under the tree, behind all of the other gifts.
And when the boy opened it he discovered that it was the bell, delivered by Santa who had found it on the seat of his sleigh.
When the boy rang the bell he and his sister revelled in the sweet sound.
Their parents of course were unable to hear it because they did not believe.
21st CENTURY NURSERY RHYMES # 182
Father Christmas, Father Christmas,
Got an itch, Got an itch;
Coming down the chimney,
Coming down the chimney;
On his snitch, On his snitch.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE ONE I LOVE # 1
Merry Christmas sweetheart, the one I love,
On this day when love is keenest felt,
The day when closed minds are opened
And even the coldest hearts can melt
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – NAUGHTY OR NICE
Krissy Kringle (Hilarie Burton) dislikes Christmas intently, mainly because she’s had to go through life with the name Krissy Kringle.
But she also suffered the indignity of having her street renamed “Candy Cane Lane” as a result of her name and the street name she gets regular deliveries of Christmas mail.
This particular year however was worse than normal when she is fired from the Ad Agency where she works instead of getting the promotion she was expecting and is forced to take a job as a present wrapper at the Mall and must dress as an Elf.
When she arrives home and forces open her front door, amidst the mountain of Christmas mail she finds a special delivery intended for Santa Claus, the Naughty or Nice book which he had left behind while visiting a child.
Krissy uses the power of the book to expose the naughty deeds of those around her, but soon finds that her newfound power can have devastating results.
Gabriel Tigerman is excellent as Krissie’s partner in crime at the Mall, Marco Webb and Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter put in a convincing performances as her parents Walter and Carol Kringle.
CHRISTMAS DREAM # 4
I dream of Christmas
Warming us from winters chill
When hearts are overflowing
With seasonal good will
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 29 O CHRISTMAS TREE (O TANNENBAUM)
O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum)
Traditional German Carol Writer unknown
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou tree most fair and lovely!
Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou tree most fair and lovely!
The sight of thee at Christmastide
spreads hope and gladness far and wide
Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
Thou tree most fair and lovely!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message:
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message:
Thou dost proclaim the Saviour's birth
Good will to men and peace on earth
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty
Your boughs are green in summer's glow
And do not fade in winter's snow
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
How laden are your branches
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Your presence here enhances
Your silver star does glisten bright
Reflecting all the candlelight
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
How laden are your branches
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
On Christmas Day you stand so tall
Affording joy to one and all
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
CHRISTMAS FOLLY REVISITED
I have no need of jollity
Or happy yuletide fare
I have no Christmas gift to wrap
There’s no one here to share
I have no time for Christmas
Just the time to reminisce
I have no need of mistletoe
Because she’s not here to kiss
So I will spend the time alone
On a lonely Christmas day
But I have no need of sympathy
Because I let her slip away
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 33 - JINGLE BELL ROCK
Jingle Bell Rock
Written By Joe Beal
Performed By Hilary Duff
Jingle bell, jingle bell
Jingle bell rock
Jingle bell swing
And jingle bells ring
Snowin' and blowin'
Up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun
Jingle bell, jingle bell
Jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in
Jingle bell time
Dancin' and prancin'
In jingle bell square
In the frosty air
What a bright time
It's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell, time
Is a swell time
To go glidin' in a
one horse sleigh
Giddy-up, jingle horse
Pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and mingle
In a jinglin' beat
That's the jingle bell rock
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED - SAFELY
While shepherds watched their flocks by night
All seated on the ground,
An inspector from the HSE came down
And he quickly wore a frown
Showing posts with label Elves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elves. Show all posts
Sunday 4 December 2016
Friday 2 December 2016
Christmas Selection Box # 10
21st CENTURY NURSERY RHYMES # 178
Father Christmas, Father Christmas,
Left his bag, Left his bag;
Up beside the chimney,
Up beside the chimney;
What a drag, what a drag.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – PAPER ANGELS
Paper Angels is by far the best Christmas movie of the last 30 years.
It is possessed with all the usual ingredients for a seasonal film, romance, humour, schmaltz, pathos and a strong Christian message but this one has something else, a surprise ending.
And that’s not something that’s easy to pull off in a Christmas movie.
Lynn Brandt (Josie Bissett) is an abused wife who leaves her alcoholic husband Darryl (Russell Porter) on Thanksgiving and moves with her children Thomas (Rustin Gresiuk) and Sara (Farryn Van Humbeck) to another town.
A year later and Lynn is working hard but getting nowhere financially and has to tell her son Thomas that they can’t afford a tree, decorations or presents.
Thomas is already having problems of his own as he’s still the new boy at high school and is being regularly bullied.
Their lives slowly become entwined with another family in trouble Kevin Morrell (Matthew Settle) has a failing business and his wife Jenny (Kendra Anderson) is heavily pregnant.
Thomas and Kevin become friends on the basketball court at a church youth club while Jenny’s pregnancy takes a turn for the worst.
Lynn finds a solution for the lack of Christmas presents and signs up the children for the Paper Angels which allows those on low incomes to write their child’s name and the desired gifts on the back of a Paper Angel hanging on the Christmas Tree at the Mall.
The school bullying soon turns to cyber bullying when another student puts up a Facebook appeal to help a poor kid namely Thomas.
But after he is befriended by popular girl Cassie Bale (Anja Savcic), Thomas uses the cyber bullying to his own advantage and turns the Facebook campaign into a charity collection for the Salvation Army.
Predictably perhaps Kevin gets Thomas’s angel from the tree, but the gifts he asks for are far from predictable.
EVERYBODY LOVES IT
Everybody loves it
Even if they won’t admit it
From the newly bred
To the nearly dead
Christmas is the bee’s knees
From decorated Christmas trees
To candlelight and mistletoe
And every happy Ho Ho Ho
Some may not agree
At least not openly
But are quite happy
To enjoy it secretly
CHRISTMAS DREAM # 3
I dream of Christmas
And Santa's loaded sleigh
I dream about the reindeer
Bringing Santa Claus my way
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 30 SUSSEX MUMMERS CAROL
Sussex Mummers Carol
Traditional English Carol Writer unknown
God bless the master of this house
With happiness beside;
Where e'er his body rides or walks
His God be his guide.
His God be his guide.
God bless the mistress of this house
With gold chain round her breast;
Where e'er her body sleeps or wakes,
Lord, send her soul to rest.
Lord, send her soul to rest.
God bless your house, your children too,
Your cattle and your store;
The Lord increase you day by day,
And send you more and more.
And send you more and more.
THE SANTA BLUES
Santa Claus works really hard
Dawn till dusk all the year long
And he is happy with his team
They are always singing a song
But in December he’s in the spotlight
And he can’t put a foot wrong
He must be on his best behaviour
When Christmas Eve comes along
He doesn’t really like the limelight
It’s the back room where he belongs
And during his great journey
When he suffers the reindeers pong
It’s for his happy team of helpers
And the cosy workshop he will long
He is much happier in the workshop
Working and Singing a Christmas song
CHRISTMAS TREE
My brother has a Christmas tree
My sister has one too
My parents have a Christmas tree
That is beautiful to view
The town square has a Christmas tree
The school has one too
Trafalgar square has a Christmas tree
That is beautiful to view
And the thing they have in common
Is that they are CHRISTMAS trees
Decorated and trimmed
To be quite beautiful you see
They are not part of a general holiday
Nor are they akin to Hanukkah
They are not part of a Winter Festival
CHRISTMAS Trees is what they are
And around our Christmas tree
We celebrate the blessed day
And all say Happy Christmas
But never happy holiday
IF DECEMBER ICE
If December ice will bear a duck
Thereafter will be slush and muck
But grab the duck off the ice
And Christmas lunch be very nice
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 32 - I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
I’ll be home for Christmas
Written By Walter Kent; Buck Ram, Kim Gannon
Performed By Frank Sinatra
I'm dreamin' tonight of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams
CHRISTMAS RECIPE
Why can we not bottle its essence?
The Christmas recipe,
That heady concoction
That special combination
Light of heart,
Quick of step
A song on the lips
A symphony in the heart
Externally warmed by the fireside
Internally warmed by mulled wine
Generosity of spirit
Jollity and laughter
Its crisp cold winter days
And frosty starry nights
Evergreens and mistletoe
The smells of a Christmas kitchen
Infused with cinnamon and ginger
It’s over indulgence
It’s thinking of others
Absent friends
Far away loved ones
It’s sharing and caring
It’s loving thy neighbour
Its compassion
Its children laughing
Its mothers sighing
It’s the Christmas recipe
Why can we not bottle its essence
So that at times when are souls are troubled
Or our hearts are heavy
At moments when the darkness has descended
We could unscrew the cap
And breathe deeply of its heady brew
And be once more refreshed
Father Christmas, Father Christmas,
Left his bag, Left his bag;
Up beside the chimney,
Up beside the chimney;
What a drag, what a drag.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – PAPER ANGELS
Paper Angels is by far the best Christmas movie of the last 30 years.
It is possessed with all the usual ingredients for a seasonal film, romance, humour, schmaltz, pathos and a strong Christian message but this one has something else, a surprise ending.
And that’s not something that’s easy to pull off in a Christmas movie.
Lynn Brandt (Josie Bissett) is an abused wife who leaves her alcoholic husband Darryl (Russell Porter) on Thanksgiving and moves with her children Thomas (Rustin Gresiuk) and Sara (Farryn Van Humbeck) to another town.
A year later and Lynn is working hard but getting nowhere financially and has to tell her son Thomas that they can’t afford a tree, decorations or presents.
Thomas is already having problems of his own as he’s still the new boy at high school and is being regularly bullied.
Their lives slowly become entwined with another family in trouble Kevin Morrell (Matthew Settle) has a failing business and his wife Jenny (Kendra Anderson) is heavily pregnant.
Thomas and Kevin become friends on the basketball court at a church youth club while Jenny’s pregnancy takes a turn for the worst.
Lynn finds a solution for the lack of Christmas presents and signs up the children for the Paper Angels which allows those on low incomes to write their child’s name and the desired gifts on the back of a Paper Angel hanging on the Christmas Tree at the Mall.
The school bullying soon turns to cyber bullying when another student puts up a Facebook appeal to help a poor kid namely Thomas.
But after he is befriended by popular girl Cassie Bale (Anja Savcic), Thomas uses the cyber bullying to his own advantage and turns the Facebook campaign into a charity collection for the Salvation Army.
Predictably perhaps Kevin gets Thomas’s angel from the tree, but the gifts he asks for are far from predictable.
EVERYBODY LOVES IT
Everybody loves it
Even if they won’t admit it
From the newly bred
To the nearly dead
Christmas is the bee’s knees
From decorated Christmas trees
To candlelight and mistletoe
And every happy Ho Ho Ho
Some may not agree
At least not openly
But are quite happy
To enjoy it secretly
CHRISTMAS DREAM # 3
I dream of Christmas
And Santa's loaded sleigh
I dream about the reindeer
Bringing Santa Claus my way
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 30 SUSSEX MUMMERS CAROL
Sussex Mummers Carol
Traditional English Carol Writer unknown
God bless the master of this house
With happiness beside;
Where e'er his body rides or walks
His God be his guide.
His God be his guide.
God bless the mistress of this house
With gold chain round her breast;
Where e'er her body sleeps or wakes,
Lord, send her soul to rest.
Lord, send her soul to rest.
God bless your house, your children too,
Your cattle and your store;
The Lord increase you day by day,
And send you more and more.
And send you more and more.
THE SANTA BLUES
Santa Claus works really hard
Dawn till dusk all the year long
And he is happy with his team
They are always singing a song
But in December he’s in the spotlight
And he can’t put a foot wrong
He must be on his best behaviour
When Christmas Eve comes along
He doesn’t really like the limelight
It’s the back room where he belongs
And during his great journey
When he suffers the reindeers pong
It’s for his happy team of helpers
And the cosy workshop he will long
He is much happier in the workshop
Working and Singing a Christmas song
CHRISTMAS TREE
My brother has a Christmas tree
My sister has one too
My parents have a Christmas tree
That is beautiful to view
The town square has a Christmas tree
The school has one too
Trafalgar square has a Christmas tree
That is beautiful to view
And the thing they have in common
Is that they are CHRISTMAS trees
Decorated and trimmed
To be quite beautiful you see
They are not part of a general holiday
Nor are they akin to Hanukkah
They are not part of a Winter Festival
CHRISTMAS Trees is what they are
And around our Christmas tree
We celebrate the blessed day
And all say Happy Christmas
But never happy holiday
IF DECEMBER ICE
If December ice will bear a duck
Thereafter will be slush and muck
But grab the duck off the ice
And Christmas lunch be very nice
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 32 - I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
I’ll be home for Christmas
Written By Walter Kent; Buck Ram, Kim Gannon
Performed By Frank Sinatra
I'm dreamin' tonight of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams
CHRISTMAS RECIPE
Why can we not bottle its essence?
The Christmas recipe,
That heady concoction
That special combination
Light of heart,
Quick of step
A song on the lips
A symphony in the heart
Externally warmed by the fireside
Internally warmed by mulled wine
Generosity of spirit
Jollity and laughter
Its crisp cold winter days
And frosty starry nights
Evergreens and mistletoe
The smells of a Christmas kitchen
Infused with cinnamon and ginger
It’s over indulgence
It’s thinking of others
Absent friends
Far away loved ones
It’s sharing and caring
It’s loving thy neighbour
Its compassion
Its children laughing
Its mothers sighing
It’s the Christmas recipe
Why can we not bottle its essence
So that at times when are souls are troubled
Or our hearts are heavy
At moments when the darkness has descended
We could unscrew the cap
And breathe deeply of its heady brew
And be once more refreshed
Thursday 1 December 2016
Christmas Selection Box # 9
21st CENTURY NURSERY RHYMES # 173
Father Christmas, Father Christmas,
He got stuck, he got stuck;
Coming down the chimney,
Coming down the chimney;
Too much tuck, Too much tuck.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – ANGELS AND ORNAMENTS
Although Corrine Stockton (Jessalyn Gilsig) is still upset after her recent breakup with boyfriend Tim (Roger Doche), she still happily prepares for her favourite holiday.
Plus she has other things on her mind, Corrine is a gifted musician and auditions for a solo in a community Christmas concert.
She also plays Christmas Carols on the piano for the patrons of the music store where she works with childhood friend and secret admirer Dave (Graham Abbey).
What she doesn’t know is the angel in training Harold Wagner (Sergio Di Zio) has been tasked with bringing her and Dave together romantically so her holiday season gets an unexpected dose of romance, Harold, becomes her new co-worker and is on a Christmas Eve deadline from a higher power to fulfil his mission.
With Harold's help, Corrine begins to view Dave in a new light as he tries to form a love connection between them.
As the clock ticks down to Harold's fairy-tale mission deadline, Corrine must decide if she will open up to Christmas love or fall back into the rut that was Tim.
CHRISTMAS SKY
The winter stage is dressed in tones of white
Everywhere is quiet everywhere is bright
Houses are adorned with lights of every hue
To celebrate the Christmas hullaballoo
And the starry sky on a frost filled night
Is in truth the most wonderful sight
A sky that held the star they had to follow
Over two thousand Christmas skies ago
CHRISTMAS DREAM # 2
I dream of Christmas
Laying in my cozy room
Dreaming of the carol singers
Singing their Christmas tunes
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 32 THE STABLE COW
The Stable Cow
Written by Yvonne Machin
Unfortunately I have no lyrics for this song and have been unable to find any.
I only saw it performed on one occasion which was performed by the Arts Educational School Choir, Tring Park, under the direction Choral Director Yvonne Machin.
It was on the BBC television program, Christmas with Val Doonican, first broadcast on 24th Dec 1986.
I would be very interested if anyone is aware of the lyrics or any other performances.
OLD YEARS NIGHT
My wife is an optimist
Which is why, she stays up
On New Year’s Eve
To see in the new one
I am by nature a pessimist
Which means, that I stay up
On New Year’s Eve
To make sure the old one has gone
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS
When Jack Frost is abroad
And the Thanksgiving snow falls
When we hear the first sleigh bell’s ring
Christmas isn’t far away at all
So make those lists and join the throng
Of happy shoppers down at the mall
SNOWFLAKES ON THE DAY
Smoke curls from the chimneys,
And dissolves into the grey
Then the clouds in exchange
Release snowflakes on the day
Soon the air is full of white flakes
Filtering the sounds of life away
The land is soon under deep snow
Of snowflakes released on the day
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 31 - HAPPY HOLIDAY
Happy Holiday
Written By Irving Berlin
Performed By Andy Williams
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
While the merry bells keep ringing
May your every wish come true
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
May the calendar keep bringing
Happy Holidays to you
It's the holiday season
And Santa Claus is coming back
The Christmas snow is white on the ground
When old Santa gets into town
He'll be coming down the chimney, down
Coming down the chimney, down
It's the holiday season
And Santa Claus has got a toy
For every good girl and good little boy
He's a great big bundle of joy
He'll be coming down the chimney, down
Coming down the chimney, down
He'll have a big fat pack upon his back
And lots of goodies for you and me
So leave a peppermint stick for old St. Nick
Hanging on the Christmas tree
It's the holiday season
With the whoop-de-do and hickory dock
And don't forget to hang up your sock
'Cause just exactly at 12 o'clock
He'll be coming down the chimney
Coming down the chimney
Coming down the chimney, down!
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
While the merry bells keep bringing
Happy Holidays to you
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
May the calendar keep bringing
Happy Holidays to you
To you
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
CHRISTMAS PERFECTION
I found the perfect Christmas gift
And that’s what I’m unwrapping
She’s five foot two, eyes of blue
Slender, tender, figuratively cracking
So it’s a happy Christmas to me
For a very obvious reason
I’ve found myself the perfect gift
That I will enjoy all of the season
Father Christmas, Father Christmas,
He got stuck, he got stuck;
Coming down the chimney,
Coming down the chimney;
Too much tuck, Too much tuck.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – ANGELS AND ORNAMENTS
Although Corrine Stockton (Jessalyn Gilsig) is still upset after her recent breakup with boyfriend Tim (Roger Doche), she still happily prepares for her favourite holiday.
Plus she has other things on her mind, Corrine is a gifted musician and auditions for a solo in a community Christmas concert.
She also plays Christmas Carols on the piano for the patrons of the music store where she works with childhood friend and secret admirer Dave (Graham Abbey).
What she doesn’t know is the angel in training Harold Wagner (Sergio Di Zio) has been tasked with bringing her and Dave together romantically so her holiday season gets an unexpected dose of romance, Harold, becomes her new co-worker and is on a Christmas Eve deadline from a higher power to fulfil his mission.
With Harold's help, Corrine begins to view Dave in a new light as he tries to form a love connection between them.
As the clock ticks down to Harold's fairy-tale mission deadline, Corrine must decide if she will open up to Christmas love or fall back into the rut that was Tim.
CHRISTMAS SKY
The winter stage is dressed in tones of white
Everywhere is quiet everywhere is bright
Houses are adorned with lights of every hue
To celebrate the Christmas hullaballoo
And the starry sky on a frost filled night
Is in truth the most wonderful sight
A sky that held the star they had to follow
Over two thousand Christmas skies ago
CHRISTMAS DREAM # 2
I dream of Christmas
Laying in my cozy room
Dreaming of the carol singers
Singing their Christmas tunes
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 32 THE STABLE COW
The Stable Cow
Written by Yvonne Machin
Unfortunately I have no lyrics for this song and have been unable to find any.
I only saw it performed on one occasion which was performed by the Arts Educational School Choir, Tring Park, under the direction Choral Director Yvonne Machin.
It was on the BBC television program, Christmas with Val Doonican, first broadcast on 24th Dec 1986.
I would be very interested if anyone is aware of the lyrics or any other performances.
OLD YEARS NIGHT
My wife is an optimist
Which is why, she stays up
On New Year’s Eve
To see in the new one
I am by nature a pessimist
Which means, that I stay up
On New Year’s Eve
To make sure the old one has gone
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS
When Jack Frost is abroad
And the Thanksgiving snow falls
When we hear the first sleigh bell’s ring
Christmas isn’t far away at all
So make those lists and join the throng
Of happy shoppers down at the mall
SNOWFLAKES ON THE DAY
Smoke curls from the chimneys,
And dissolves into the grey
Then the clouds in exchange
Release snowflakes on the day
Soon the air is full of white flakes
Filtering the sounds of life away
The land is soon under deep snow
Of snowflakes released on the day
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 31 - HAPPY HOLIDAY
Happy Holiday
Written By Irving Berlin
Performed By Andy Williams
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
While the merry bells keep ringing
May your every wish come true
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
May the calendar keep bringing
Happy Holidays to you
It's the holiday season
And Santa Claus is coming back
The Christmas snow is white on the ground
When old Santa gets into town
He'll be coming down the chimney, down
Coming down the chimney, down
It's the holiday season
And Santa Claus has got a toy
For every good girl and good little boy
He's a great big bundle of joy
He'll be coming down the chimney, down
Coming down the chimney, down
He'll have a big fat pack upon his back
And lots of goodies for you and me
So leave a peppermint stick for old St. Nick
Hanging on the Christmas tree
It's the holiday season
With the whoop-de-do and hickory dock
And don't forget to hang up your sock
'Cause just exactly at 12 o'clock
He'll be coming down the chimney
Coming down the chimney
Coming down the chimney, down!
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
While the merry bells keep bringing
Happy Holidays to you
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
May the calendar keep bringing
Happy Holidays to you
To you
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
CHRISTMAS PERFECTION
I found the perfect Christmas gift
And that’s what I’m unwrapping
She’s five foot two, eyes of blue
Slender, tender, figuratively cracking
So it’s a happy Christmas to me
For a very obvious reason
I’ve found myself the perfect gift
That I will enjoy all of the season
Wednesday 30 November 2016
Christmas Selection Box # 8
ON THE EVE OF THE SPECIAL DAY # 1
On the eve of the special day
As I sit beside the fire
Peace upon the earth
Is my one abiding desire
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – FAREWELL MR KRINGLE
Anna Walls (Christine Taylor), a sceptical magazine writer who is assigned to chronicle the 50th anniversary of Kris Kringle (William Morgan Sheppard) in the town of Mistletoe.
The town in fact wasn’t always called Mistletoe it was originally Summertown but it was such a Christmas town the inhabitants renamed it.
Mistletoe’s Santa Claus is hanging up his hat After 50 years (don’t panic he’s not THE Santa Claus) and Anna Walls is assigned to see what makes him tick.
This is complicated by the fact that because of a personal tragedy in her life Anna is a nonbeliever, not only in Santa but Christmas itself.
So slowly through her interactions with the townspeople, in particular Mark Stafford (Christopher Wiehl), Anna quickly discovers how much Kris Kringle means to the small town, and how much Christmas means to Kris Kringle.
But through her investigations will Anna recapture her Christmas spirit? That is the big question.
Well it is Christmas after all.
CHRISTMAS DREAM # 1
I dream of Christmas
And hope the snow will fall
I dream of a snowy scene
When Santa comes to call
CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED
There's no Christmas this year
There will be no Christmas cheer
For Santa checked the naughty list
And found himself a naughty miss
Then picked her up in his sleigh
And then flew her off to St Tropez
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 31 GAUDETTE
Gaudette
Written by Bell, Andy / Clarke, Vince / Traditional
Gaudete, gaudete
Christus est natus
Ex Maria Virgine
Gaudete
Tempus adest gratiae
Hoc quod optabamus
Carmina laetitiae
Devote reddamus
Deus homo factus est
Natura mirante
Mundus renovatus est
A Christo regnante
Ezechielis porta
Clausa pertransitur
Unde Lux est orta
Salus invenitur
Ergo nostra contio
Psallat iam in lustro
Benedicat Domino
Salus Regi nostro
IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN
It’s Christmas time again
When the spirit is beautiful
When every pocket is empty
But every heart is full
THEY STOOD IN BREATHLESS WONDER
They stood in breathless wonder
At the babe so meek and mild
And with their gifts they knelt
At the feet of the holy child
OH PRETTY SNOWFLAKE
Oh pretty snowflake
Gentle on my face
Oh delicate beauty
Like Belgian lace
Oh pretty snowflake
Thing of grace
You were here
Now not a trace
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 35 - ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Written by Johnny Marks and Performed by Brenda Lee
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
At the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Every couple tries to stop
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
And we'll do some carolling
You will get a sentimental feeling
When you hear
Voices singing "Let's be jolly"
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancing merrily
In the new old-fashioned way
You will get a sentimental feeling
When you hear
Voices singing "Let's be jolly"
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancing merrily
In the new old-fashioned way
BUT SOFTLY THE MYRIAD SNOW FLAKES FALL
But softly the myriad snowflakes fall
These infinite flakes of purest white
Like pure white down of angels wings
Floating gently from heavens height
But this is no heaven sent delight
This thing of beauty that cruelly lingers
For harshly touched is the naked earth
When touched by winters icy fingers
On the eve of the special day
As I sit beside the fire
Peace upon the earth
Is my one abiding desire
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – FAREWELL MR KRINGLE
Anna Walls (Christine Taylor), a sceptical magazine writer who is assigned to chronicle the 50th anniversary of Kris Kringle (William Morgan Sheppard) in the town of Mistletoe.
The town in fact wasn’t always called Mistletoe it was originally Summertown but it was such a Christmas town the inhabitants renamed it.
Mistletoe’s Santa Claus is hanging up his hat After 50 years (don’t panic he’s not THE Santa Claus) and Anna Walls is assigned to see what makes him tick.
This is complicated by the fact that because of a personal tragedy in her life Anna is a nonbeliever, not only in Santa but Christmas itself.
So slowly through her interactions with the townspeople, in particular Mark Stafford (Christopher Wiehl), Anna quickly discovers how much Kris Kringle means to the small town, and how much Christmas means to Kris Kringle.
But through her investigations will Anna recapture her Christmas spirit? That is the big question.
Well it is Christmas after all.
CHRISTMAS DREAM # 1
I dream of Christmas
And hope the snow will fall
I dream of a snowy scene
When Santa comes to call
CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED
There's no Christmas this year
There will be no Christmas cheer
For Santa checked the naughty list
And found himself a naughty miss
Then picked her up in his sleigh
And then flew her off to St Tropez
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 31 GAUDETTE
Gaudette
Written by Bell, Andy / Clarke, Vince / Traditional
Gaudete, gaudete
Christus est natus
Ex Maria Virgine
Gaudete
Tempus adest gratiae
Hoc quod optabamus
Carmina laetitiae
Devote reddamus
Deus homo factus est
Natura mirante
Mundus renovatus est
A Christo regnante
Ezechielis porta
Clausa pertransitur
Unde Lux est orta
Salus invenitur
Ergo nostra contio
Psallat iam in lustro
Benedicat Domino
Salus Regi nostro
IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN
It’s Christmas time again
When the spirit is beautiful
When every pocket is empty
But every heart is full
THEY STOOD IN BREATHLESS WONDER
They stood in breathless wonder
At the babe so meek and mild
And with their gifts they knelt
At the feet of the holy child
OH PRETTY SNOWFLAKE
Oh pretty snowflake
Gentle on my face
Oh delicate beauty
Like Belgian lace
Oh pretty snowflake
Thing of grace
You were here
Now not a trace
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 35 - ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Written by Johnny Marks and Performed by Brenda Lee
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
At the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Every couple tries to stop
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
And we'll do some carolling
You will get a sentimental feeling
When you hear
Voices singing "Let's be jolly"
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancing merrily
In the new old-fashioned way
You will get a sentimental feeling
When you hear
Voices singing "Let's be jolly"
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancing merrily
In the new old-fashioned way
BUT SOFTLY THE MYRIAD SNOW FLAKES FALL
But softly the myriad snowflakes fall
These infinite flakes of purest white
Like pure white down of angels wings
Floating gently from heavens height
But this is no heaven sent delight
This thing of beauty that cruelly lingers
For harshly touched is the naked earth
When touched by winters icy fingers
Tuesday 29 November 2016
Christmas Selection Box # 7
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 5
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the castle
Not a soul was stirring not even the rascal
And when the king returned from merrymaking
No one was awake to let him back in
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER - HATS OFF TO CHRISTMAS
Mia (Haylie Duff), is the loyal and hard-working manager of her small town's Christmas hat shop, Hats off to Christmas.
She is hoping that after over ten years with the company she is due a promotion when she is called in to see her boss (Jay Brazeau).
However all does not go as she had hoped and instead of a promotion she is asked to train his son, Nick (Antonio Cupo), for the vacant upper-management position.
Nick himself gets a surprise when he finds out that the training is from the bottom up.
And that is the basic premise for this very likeable seasonal romantic comedy.
Good performances by Sean Michael Kyer as Mia's wheelchair bound so as her son Scotty and Melanie Papalia as her friend Ellie add to the overall enjoyment.
REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE SIXTH OF DECEMBER
Remember, remember the sixth of December
And put your red boots out
Because that is the very special day
When St Nicholas is about
THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING
The pudding is in the basin
The cloth is tied in a knot
We put it in the boiling water
And hear it hissing in the pot
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 26 STILL, STILL, STILL
Still, Still, Still
Music Traditional and Lyrics by Georg Götsch
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come
SING IN PRAISE
We stand around the Christmas tree
And sing to the Christmas melodies
We thank the lord for what we are
Standing beneath the Christmas star
To celebrate the Christ child's birth
When he came to us to save the earth
IT’S CHRISTMAS BY GOLLY
It’s Christmas by golly
Let’s hang up the holly
It’s Christmas by golly
Let’s spend all our lolly
It’s Christmas by golly
It’s the time to be jolly
WE ARE THE CAROL SINGERS
We are the carol singers
Who sing carols as we go
We sing in any weather
In rain or wind or snow
At every house or cottage
That stands upon the lane
We proudly sing a carol
In snow or wind or rain
We are the carol singers
We never feel chagrined
As we proudly sing together
In snow or rain or wind
We shake the tin for charity
Singing carols as we go
We are the carol singers
In rain or wind or snow
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 34 - MARY, DID YOU KNOW?
Mary, Did You Know?
Words by Mark Lowry
Music by Buddy Greene
Sung by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your Baby Boy
Has come to make you new;
This Child that you 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 kiss the Face of God!
Oh, Mary, did you know?
Oh, Mary, did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear,
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap, 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?
This sleeping Child you're holding
Is the Great I Am!
THE MAN IN RED
Christmas Eve
It’s time for bed
Listen for the sleigh bells
Of the man in red
Cookies and milk
By the fire place
Excitement beams
From each child’s face
Up the stairs
And fast asleep
Close those eyes
You mustn’t peep
Then when you wake
You will see
Sweets and toys galore
To fill you with glee
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the castle
Not a soul was stirring not even the rascal
And when the king returned from merrymaking
No one was awake to let him back in
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER - HATS OFF TO CHRISTMAS
Mia (Haylie Duff), is the loyal and hard-working manager of her small town's Christmas hat shop, Hats off to Christmas.
She is hoping that after over ten years with the company she is due a promotion when she is called in to see her boss (Jay Brazeau).
However all does not go as she had hoped and instead of a promotion she is asked to train his son, Nick (Antonio Cupo), for the vacant upper-management position.
Nick himself gets a surprise when he finds out that the training is from the bottom up.
And that is the basic premise for this very likeable seasonal romantic comedy.
Good performances by Sean Michael Kyer as Mia's wheelchair bound so as her son Scotty and Melanie Papalia as her friend Ellie add to the overall enjoyment.
REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE SIXTH OF DECEMBER
Remember, remember the sixth of December
And put your red boots out
Because that is the very special day
When St Nicholas is about
THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING
The pudding is in the basin
The cloth is tied in a knot
We put it in the boiling water
And hear it hissing in the pot
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 26 STILL, STILL, STILL
Still, Still, Still
Music Traditional and Lyrics by Georg Götsch
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come
SING IN PRAISE
We stand around the Christmas tree
And sing to the Christmas melodies
We thank the lord for what we are
Standing beneath the Christmas star
To celebrate the Christ child's birth
When he came to us to save the earth
IT’S CHRISTMAS BY GOLLY
It’s Christmas by golly
Let’s hang up the holly
It’s Christmas by golly
Let’s spend all our lolly
It’s Christmas by golly
It’s the time to be jolly
WE ARE THE CAROL SINGERS
We are the carol singers
Who sing carols as we go
We sing in any weather
In rain or wind or snow
At every house or cottage
That stands upon the lane
We proudly sing a carol
In snow or wind or rain
We are the carol singers
We never feel chagrined
As we proudly sing together
In snow or rain or wind
We shake the tin for charity
Singing carols as we go
We are the carol singers
In rain or wind or snow
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 34 - MARY, DID YOU KNOW?
Mary, Did You Know?
Words by Mark Lowry
Music by Buddy Greene
Sung by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your Baby Boy
Has come to make you new;
This Child that you 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 kiss the Face of God!
Oh, Mary, did you know?
Oh, Mary, did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear,
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap, 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?
This sleeping Child you're holding
Is the Great I Am!
THE MAN IN RED
Christmas Eve
It’s time for bed
Listen for the sleigh bells
Of the man in red
Cookies and milk
By the fire place
Excitement beams
From each child’s face
Up the stairs
And fast asleep
Close those eyes
You mustn’t peep
Then when you wake
You will see
Sweets and toys galore
To fill you with glee
Monday 28 November 2016
Christmas Selection Box # 6
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 4
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the cottage
Was silence with the owners at home in Peas Pottage
So under cover of darkness at a very late hour
The cottage was torched by the Sons of Glendower
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – OFF SEASON
10-year-old, Jackson Mayhew (Rory Culkin) moves in with his Aunt (Sherilyn Fenn) after the death of his parents.
Aunt Patty works the bar at the Coconut Grotto hotel in Florida and it’s at the Hotel where Jackson befriends an elderly man Sam Clausner (Hum Cronyn) and he begins to suspect that the old man is actually Santa Claus,
The wonderful Hume Cronyn's is brilliant and plays his role with panache and will be remembered as a holiday classic.
His flawless performance was given despite the fact he was almost 90 years old.
WITH OPEN ARMS
With open arms I welcome Christmas
I embrace its merriment and mirth
With open heart I welcome Christmas
To celebrate the Christ Childs birth
NOT JUST ANOTHER CHRISTMAS
Christmas has come around
It’s another Christmas dear
Another special season
So full of Christmas cheer
Just another Christmas?
We had better not forget dear
It’s not just another Christmas
Something’s different this year
What’s special this Christmas?
You’ve surely not forgotten dear
A milestone is to be reached
That’s what’s special about this year
It’s a special Christmas isn’t it?
I see the penny has dropped dear
We must hang up baby's stocking
It’s his first Christmas this year
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 23 THE FIRST NOEL
The first Noel
The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay:
In fields where they lay a keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel.
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.
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel.
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from the 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 north-west;
O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest,
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
Then entered in those wise men three,
Fell reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the kind 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.
CHRISTMAS GETAWAY
The sleigh is empty
The list is ticked
It’s back to base
Double quick
Mrs. Claus is waiting
To greet me
Fidgeting around
Quite excitedly
The bags are packed
And in the sleigh
We’re off to Florida
For a holiday
THE LITTLE CHRISTINGLE GIRL
Oh sweet little Christingle girl
Your daddy is so very far away
“Bring my daddy safely home”
These are the words you pray
Oh sweet little Christingle girl
Daddy is away at the war
“Bring my daddy safely home
Bring him safely to our door”
Oh sweet little Christingle girl
How she misses daddy far away
How sad she is, he won’t be home
To be with them on Christmas day
At Sunday school she made a Christingle
She took an orange to represent the world.
And to symbolize the blood Christ shed
She took the red ribbon from her curls
Then she decorated four tooth picks
With fruits and sweets and marshmallows
These she placed in the four corners
To represented all the earthly souls
Then finally in the centre of the orange
She stood a single candle of purest white
And when lit, the candle represented
The world filled with Christ’s loving light
The sweet little Christingle girl
Took it home with her that day
And stood it in the window
So daddy would find his way
And the sweet little Christingle girl
With her daddy so very far away
Knew that when he did come home
That would be their Christmas day
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 30 - MERRY CHRISTMAS DARLING
Merry Christmas Darling
Written By, Richard Lynn Carpenter / Frank Pooler
Performed by the Carpenters
Greeting cards have all been sent
The Christmas rush is through
But I still have one wish to make
A special one for you
Merry Christmas darling
We're apart that's true
But I can dream and in my dreams
I'm Christmas-ing with you
Holidays are joyful
There's always something new
But every day's a holiday
When I'm near to you
The lights on my tree
I wish you could see
I wish it every day
Logs on the fire
Fill me with desire
To see you and to say
That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too
I've just one wish
On this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you
Logs on the fire
Fill me with desire
To see you and to say
That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too
I've just one wish
On this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you
I wish I were with you
(Merry, merry, merry Christmas
Merry Christmas - darling)
THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL
The Christmas Angel comes each year
To spread around the Christmas cheer
Though the angels seldom appear
They are still there so do not fear
And listening with the keenest ear
You will never ever be able to hear
The Christmas angel standing near
But she will look over those near and dear
As she spreads around the Christmas cheer
Then the heavenly presence we revere
Twill be gone again until next year
SANTA CLAUS REALLY LOVES HIS JOB
Santa Claus really loves his job
He doesn’t do it for the money
But sometimes it’s a struggle
And sometimes it’s not funny
Trying to please the kids today
Is certainly no easy task
Balancing what they deserve
Against what they ask
Sometimes Santa is impatient
With the ungrateful little buggers
And pictures them in the future
As sociopaths, fraudsters or muggers
But Santa Claus really loves his job
And most of the kids are a joy
So he does try to be patient
And see the best in every girl and boy
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the cottage
Was silence with the owners at home in Peas Pottage
So under cover of darkness at a very late hour
The cottage was torched by the Sons of Glendower
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – OFF SEASON
10-year-old, Jackson Mayhew (Rory Culkin) moves in with his Aunt (Sherilyn Fenn) after the death of his parents.
Aunt Patty works the bar at the Coconut Grotto hotel in Florida and it’s at the Hotel where Jackson befriends an elderly man Sam Clausner (Hum Cronyn) and he begins to suspect that the old man is actually Santa Claus,
The wonderful Hume Cronyn's is brilliant and plays his role with panache and will be remembered as a holiday classic.
His flawless performance was given despite the fact he was almost 90 years old.
WITH OPEN ARMS
With open arms I welcome Christmas
I embrace its merriment and mirth
With open heart I welcome Christmas
To celebrate the Christ Childs birth
NOT JUST ANOTHER CHRISTMAS
Christmas has come around
It’s another Christmas dear
Another special season
So full of Christmas cheer
Just another Christmas?
We had better not forget dear
It’s not just another Christmas
Something’s different this year
What’s special this Christmas?
You’ve surely not forgotten dear
A milestone is to be reached
That’s what’s special about this year
It’s a special Christmas isn’t it?
I see the penny has dropped dear
We must hang up baby's stocking
It’s his first Christmas this year
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 23 THE FIRST NOEL
The first Noel
The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay:
In fields where they lay a keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel.
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.
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel.
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from the 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 north-west;
O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest,
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
Then entered in those wise men three,
Fell reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the kind 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.
CHRISTMAS GETAWAY
The sleigh is empty
The list is ticked
It’s back to base
Double quick
Mrs. Claus is waiting
To greet me
Fidgeting around
Quite excitedly
The bags are packed
And in the sleigh
We’re off to Florida
For a holiday
THE LITTLE CHRISTINGLE GIRL
Oh sweet little Christingle girl
Your daddy is so very far away
“Bring my daddy safely home”
These are the words you pray
Oh sweet little Christingle girl
Daddy is away at the war
“Bring my daddy safely home
Bring him safely to our door”
Oh sweet little Christingle girl
How she misses daddy far away
How sad she is, he won’t be home
To be with them on Christmas day
At Sunday school she made a Christingle
She took an orange to represent the world.
And to symbolize the blood Christ shed
She took the red ribbon from her curls
Then she decorated four tooth picks
With fruits and sweets and marshmallows
These she placed in the four corners
To represented all the earthly souls
Then finally in the centre of the orange
She stood a single candle of purest white
And when lit, the candle represented
The world filled with Christ’s loving light
The sweet little Christingle girl
Took it home with her that day
And stood it in the window
So daddy would find his way
And the sweet little Christingle girl
With her daddy so very far away
Knew that when he did come home
That would be their Christmas day
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 30 - MERRY CHRISTMAS DARLING
Merry Christmas Darling
Written By, Richard Lynn Carpenter / Frank Pooler
Performed by the Carpenters
Greeting cards have all been sent
The Christmas rush is through
But I still have one wish to make
A special one for you
Merry Christmas darling
We're apart that's true
But I can dream and in my dreams
I'm Christmas-ing with you
Holidays are joyful
There's always something new
But every day's a holiday
When I'm near to you
The lights on my tree
I wish you could see
I wish it every day
Logs on the fire
Fill me with desire
To see you and to say
That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too
I've just one wish
On this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you
Logs on the fire
Fill me with desire
To see you and to say
That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too
I've just one wish
On this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you
I wish I were with you
(Merry, merry, merry Christmas
Merry Christmas - darling)
THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL
The Christmas Angel comes each year
To spread around the Christmas cheer
Though the angels seldom appear
They are still there so do not fear
And listening with the keenest ear
You will never ever be able to hear
The Christmas angel standing near
But she will look over those near and dear
As she spreads around the Christmas cheer
Then the heavenly presence we revere
Twill be gone again until next year
SANTA CLAUS REALLY LOVES HIS JOB
Santa Claus really loves his job
He doesn’t do it for the money
But sometimes it’s a struggle
And sometimes it’s not funny
Trying to please the kids today
Is certainly no easy task
Balancing what they deserve
Against what they ask
Sometimes Santa is impatient
With the ungrateful little buggers
And pictures them in the future
As sociopaths, fraudsters or muggers
But Santa Claus really loves his job
And most of the kids are a joy
So he does try to be patient
And see the best in every girl and boy
Sunday 27 November 2016
Christmas Selection Box # 5
CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WORKHOUSE # 4
It’s Christmas day in the workhouse
Just another grey day to endure
We are being treated to pot noodle
So Oliver won’t be asking for more
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS
This is very much a case of Groundhog Day meeting Christmas but is an absolute delight.
12 Dates of Christmas is a romantic comedy that follows Kate (Amy Smart) who is forced to relive the same first date on Christmas Eve with Miles (Mark-Paul Gosselaar).
Initially she focuses on trying to win back her ex-boyfriend.
But Kate actually ends up pursuing Miles in an effort to not keep ruining their blind date.
Kate finally sees the light and learns to take risks in her life as there are no consequences when the slate is wiped clean at midnight.
Everything comes good in the end and Kate finds happiness with the handsome guy she's been set up with.
FIONA
I first met Fiona at a Christmas party
A beautiful woman in a young girl’s body
So more mature than her 17 years
And she chose me that night
Despite a host of more suitable suitors
And we danced into the night
Her firm body pressed against mine
Her intoxicating scent enveloping me
Arms clinging tightly to me
Her breath against my neck
In full view of envious eyes
And later in passionate embrace
Just the two of us in the darkness
As I kissed her goodnight
THE MAGICAL SEASON
Christmas cards come from absentees
Bringing so many Christmas wishes
And those you get to see in person
Are greeted with Christmas kisses
It’s the time for friends and family
Exchanging gifts beneath the tree
A time to enjoy every single moment
And make it as magical as it can be
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 22 WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
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
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
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
DECEMBER HAS COME ROUND AGAIN
December has come round again
Another Christmas time is near.
That time when young and old
Almost explode with festive cheer.
IT WARMS MY REMINISCENT HEART
It warms my reminiscent heart
When Christmas preparations start
When the bells of Christmas chime
I am taken back to happy times
With special friends and family
And all the Christmas memories
When Christmas preparations start
It warms my reminiscent heart
DECEMBER, DECEMBER
December, December
The snow has come
Falling all night long
Kids it’s time to have some fun
December, December
Children playing in the snow
Skating and sledding
Faces all aglow
December, December
More snow will come
Then all through the winter
Kids will have more fun
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 29 - PEACE ON EARTH / LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
Peace on Earth
Written in 1982 by Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan
Little Drummer Boy
Written in 1958 by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone
Performed by Bing Crosby David Bowie
Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A new-born king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A new-born king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
to lay before the king pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
so to honour him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
when we come
Little baby pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
I stood beside him there 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
And he smiled at me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
me and my drum
Peace on Earth, can it be
Years from now, perhaps we'll see
See the day of glory
See the day, when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again
Peace on Earth, can it be
Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can
I pray my wish will come true
For my child and your child too
He'll see the day of glory
See the day when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again
Peace on Earth, can it be
Can it be
KRIS KRINGLE
If there is one thing
To make the senses tingle
It’s the coming of
The good Kris Kringle
On Christmas Eve
We wait and pray
For good Kris Kringle
To come our way
It’s Christmas day in the workhouse
Just another grey day to endure
We are being treated to pot noodle
So Oliver won’t be asking for more
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS
This is very much a case of Groundhog Day meeting Christmas but is an absolute delight.
12 Dates of Christmas is a romantic comedy that follows Kate (Amy Smart) who is forced to relive the same first date on Christmas Eve with Miles (Mark-Paul Gosselaar).
Initially she focuses on trying to win back her ex-boyfriend.
But Kate actually ends up pursuing Miles in an effort to not keep ruining their blind date.
Kate finally sees the light and learns to take risks in her life as there are no consequences when the slate is wiped clean at midnight.
Everything comes good in the end and Kate finds happiness with the handsome guy she's been set up with.
FIONA
I first met Fiona at a Christmas party
A beautiful woman in a young girl’s body
So more mature than her 17 years
And she chose me that night
Despite a host of more suitable suitors
And we danced into the night
Her firm body pressed against mine
Her intoxicating scent enveloping me
Arms clinging tightly to me
Her breath against my neck
In full view of envious eyes
And later in passionate embrace
Just the two of us in the darkness
As I kissed her goodnight
THE MAGICAL SEASON
Christmas cards come from absentees
Bringing so many Christmas wishes
And those you get to see in person
Are greeted with Christmas kisses
It’s the time for friends and family
Exchanging gifts beneath the tree
A time to enjoy every single moment
And make it as magical as it can be
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 22 WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
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
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
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
DECEMBER HAS COME ROUND AGAIN
December has come round again
Another Christmas time is near.
That time when young and old
Almost explode with festive cheer.
IT WARMS MY REMINISCENT HEART
It warms my reminiscent heart
When Christmas preparations start
When the bells of Christmas chime
I am taken back to happy times
With special friends and family
And all the Christmas memories
When Christmas preparations start
It warms my reminiscent heart
DECEMBER, DECEMBER
December, December
The snow has come
Falling all night long
Kids it’s time to have some fun
December, December
Children playing in the snow
Skating and sledding
Faces all aglow
December, December
More snow will come
Then all through the winter
Kids will have more fun
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 29 - PEACE ON EARTH / LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
Peace on Earth
Written in 1982 by Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan
Little Drummer Boy
Written in 1958 by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone
Performed by Bing Crosby David Bowie
Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A new-born king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A new-born king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
to lay before the king pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
so to honour him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
when we come
Little baby pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
I stood beside him there 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
And he smiled at me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
me and my drum
Peace on Earth, can it be
Years from now, perhaps we'll see
See the day of glory
See the day, when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again
Peace on Earth, can it be
Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can
I pray my wish will come true
For my child and your child too
He'll see the day of glory
See the day when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again
Peace on Earth, can it be
Can it be
KRIS KRINGLE
If there is one thing
To make the senses tingle
It’s the coming of
The good Kris Kringle
On Christmas Eve
We wait and pray
For good Kris Kringle
To come our way
Saturday 26 November 2016
Christmas Selection Box # 4
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 10
Twas the night before Christmas and Santa was pissed,
He was so drunk in fact he couldn’t read the list
So the toys for the nice kids never left the North Pole
And they all ended up with a big piece of coal
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – THE CHRISTMAS HEART
A teenage boy collapses during a high school basketball game after suffering from a heart problem.
As his condition deteriorates it becomes clear that the only thing that will save him is a heart transplant.
After a near fatal set back the family are told that he will die if a doner heart doesn’t become available by Christmas Eve.
The quaint street where the family live have a forty-year old tradition of lining it with Christmas luminaries but the lighting of them is put on hold until they get news of a donor heart.
And when on a stormy Christmas Eve when the heart is being flown through a violent snow storm the luminaries are lit and perform an unexpected purpose.
CHRISTMAS EVE
We sit beside the hearth,
Just Evelyn and I
Logs crackling in the grate
Flames are burning bright
Just the two of us
Alone in the fire side glow
Sitting in cosy comfort
Warm from head to toe
It was a year ago we met
On a very different night
When I first saw her face
In the soft glow of candle light
It was last Christmas Eve
When I first saw her
It was at midnight mass
And she was singing in the choir
She will be singing Carols
Again this Christmas Eve
We will have to stir ourselves
It’s almost time to leave
But before we leave the cosy scene
I have something to ask
But I’m a little bit scared
As I set about my task
This year has been so special
With her sharing my life
That I want Evelyn to marry me
I want her to be my wife
So as we sit beside the hearth,
Just Evelyn and I
Logs crackling in the grate
Flames burning bright
I pray that when I ask her
I get the response I dare not believe
And she will answered yes
And be MY Christmas Eve
SANTA
Santa comes but once a year
Riding on his sleigh
From his North Pole HQ
With gifts for Christmas day
Santa comes down your chimney.
To fill your Christmas stockings
With nuts, fruit and candy
And all kinds of wonderful things
So remember on Christmas Eve
To be good girls and boys
Or Santa won’t come
To bring you lots of toys
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 24 WE THREE KINGS OF ORIENT ARE
We Three Kings of Orient Are Written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
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 reign
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
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
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
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
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
CHRISTMAS CANOODLE
She is the object of my desire
Hers is the name I sit and doodle
Oh how I long to kiss those lips
As Sweet as apple strudel
I would give every thing I own
The whole kit and caboodle
To spend one minute in her arms
And share a Christmas canoodle
CHRISTMAS WISH
I’m not looking forward to Christmas
Not since we lost Mum this year
I’m not looking forward to a Christmas
Devoid of any Christmas cheer
Dads doing his best to lift our spirits
All though inside he’s really hurting too
He wants to make it a special time
And do the things like Mum used to do
So we decked the house with garlands
And trimmed the Christmas tree
We hung the Christmas cards on strings
So that everyone could see
Then with all the decorations up
My Dad went round us one by one
To ask us what gift we wanted
And he promised his best would be done
My sister Jules wants new clothes
Kenny wants music of any kind
The twins they want an X-Box
And the baby really doesn’t mind
Then Dad asked me “what do you want son?
What gift would stop you feeling glum”?
I said “I don’t want a present Dad
All I wish for Christmas is my Mum”
VISITING SANTA
You have to wait in line
To see Santa, but that’s fine
It’s worth every minute of queuing
And the anticipation of viewing
Santa Claus with his big belly
Wobbling like a bowl full of jelly
And his fruity chuckle you hear
In the Christmas grotto each year
Then you get to climb onto his lap
And have your special Christmas chat
Then all too soon it’s time to go
And Santa gives you a HO HO HO
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 28 - A WINTER'S TALE
A Winter's Tale
Written By Mike Batt, Tim Rice
Performed By David Essex
The nights are colder now
Maybe, I should close the door
And anyway the snow has covered all your footsteps
And I can follow you no more
The fire still burns at night
My memories are warm and clear
But everybody knows it's hard
To be alone at this time of year
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice
Of one more love that's failed?
A love that could never be
Though it meant a lot to you and me
On a world wide scale we're just another winter's tale
While I stand alone
A bell is ringing far away
I wonder if you hear, I wonder if you're listening
I wonder where you are today
Good luck, I wish you well
For all that wishes may be worth
I hope that love and strength are with you
For the length of your time on earth
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice
Of one more love that's failed?
It's a love that could never be
Though it meant a lot to you and me
On a world wide scale we're just another winter's tale
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice
Of one more love that's failed?
It's a love that could never be
Though it meant a lot to you and me
On a world wide scale we're just another winter's tale
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
Of all the Christmas’s I can remember
My best Christmas’s were the ones
Where I would decorate the tree with dad
And make Christmas cookies with mum
Thread popcorn and make paper chains
Each day opening the advent calendar
Wrapping the gifts in excited secrecy
Writing cards and sending them near and far
They are just distant memories now
But they were still the very best ones
And we must make Christmas memories
Now we have our daughters and our sons
Twas the night before Christmas and Santa was pissed,
He was so drunk in fact he couldn’t read the list
So the toys for the nice kids never left the North Pole
And they all ended up with a big piece of coal
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – THE CHRISTMAS HEART
A teenage boy collapses during a high school basketball game after suffering from a heart problem.
As his condition deteriorates it becomes clear that the only thing that will save him is a heart transplant.
After a near fatal set back the family are told that he will die if a doner heart doesn’t become available by Christmas Eve.
The quaint street where the family live have a forty-year old tradition of lining it with Christmas luminaries but the lighting of them is put on hold until they get news of a donor heart.
And when on a stormy Christmas Eve when the heart is being flown through a violent snow storm the luminaries are lit and perform an unexpected purpose.
CHRISTMAS EVE
We sit beside the hearth,
Just Evelyn and I
Logs crackling in the grate
Flames are burning bright
Just the two of us
Alone in the fire side glow
Sitting in cosy comfort
Warm from head to toe
It was a year ago we met
On a very different night
When I first saw her face
In the soft glow of candle light
It was last Christmas Eve
When I first saw her
It was at midnight mass
And she was singing in the choir
She will be singing Carols
Again this Christmas Eve
We will have to stir ourselves
It’s almost time to leave
But before we leave the cosy scene
I have something to ask
But I’m a little bit scared
As I set about my task
This year has been so special
With her sharing my life
That I want Evelyn to marry me
I want her to be my wife
So as we sit beside the hearth,
Just Evelyn and I
Logs crackling in the grate
Flames burning bright
I pray that when I ask her
I get the response I dare not believe
And she will answered yes
And be MY Christmas Eve
SANTA
Santa comes but once a year
Riding on his sleigh
From his North Pole HQ
With gifts for Christmas day
Santa comes down your chimney.
To fill your Christmas stockings
With nuts, fruit and candy
And all kinds of wonderful things
So remember on Christmas Eve
To be good girls and boys
Or Santa won’t come
To bring you lots of toys
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 24 WE THREE KINGS OF ORIENT ARE
We Three Kings of Orient Are Written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
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 reign
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
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
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
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
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
CHRISTMAS CANOODLE
She is the object of my desire
Hers is the name I sit and doodle
Oh how I long to kiss those lips
As Sweet as apple strudel
I would give every thing I own
The whole kit and caboodle
To spend one minute in her arms
And share a Christmas canoodle
CHRISTMAS WISH
I’m not looking forward to Christmas
Not since we lost Mum this year
I’m not looking forward to a Christmas
Devoid of any Christmas cheer
Dads doing his best to lift our spirits
All though inside he’s really hurting too
He wants to make it a special time
And do the things like Mum used to do
So we decked the house with garlands
And trimmed the Christmas tree
We hung the Christmas cards on strings
So that everyone could see
Then with all the decorations up
My Dad went round us one by one
To ask us what gift we wanted
And he promised his best would be done
My sister Jules wants new clothes
Kenny wants music of any kind
The twins they want an X-Box
And the baby really doesn’t mind
Then Dad asked me “what do you want son?
What gift would stop you feeling glum”?
I said “I don’t want a present Dad
All I wish for Christmas is my Mum”
VISITING SANTA
You have to wait in line
To see Santa, but that’s fine
It’s worth every minute of queuing
And the anticipation of viewing
Santa Claus with his big belly
Wobbling like a bowl full of jelly
And his fruity chuckle you hear
In the Christmas grotto each year
Then you get to climb onto his lap
And have your special Christmas chat
Then all too soon it’s time to go
And Santa gives you a HO HO HO
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 28 - A WINTER'S TALE
A Winter's Tale
Written By Mike Batt, Tim Rice
Performed By David Essex
The nights are colder now
Maybe, I should close the door
And anyway the snow has covered all your footsteps
And I can follow you no more
The fire still burns at night
My memories are warm and clear
But everybody knows it's hard
To be alone at this time of year
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice
Of one more love that's failed?
A love that could never be
Though it meant a lot to you and me
On a world wide scale we're just another winter's tale
While I stand alone
A bell is ringing far away
I wonder if you hear, I wonder if you're listening
I wonder where you are today
Good luck, I wish you well
For all that wishes may be worth
I hope that love and strength are with you
For the length of your time on earth
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice
Of one more love that's failed?
It's a love that could never be
Though it meant a lot to you and me
On a world wide scale we're just another winter's tale
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice
Of one more love that's failed?
It's a love that could never be
Though it meant a lot to you and me
On a world wide scale we're just another winter's tale
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
Of all the Christmas’s I can remember
My best Christmas’s were the ones
Where I would decorate the tree with dad
And make Christmas cookies with mum
Thread popcorn and make paper chains
Each day opening the advent calendar
Wrapping the gifts in excited secrecy
Writing cards and sending them near and far
They are just distant memories now
But they were still the very best ones
And we must make Christmas memories
Now we have our daughters and our sons
Friday 25 November 2016
Christmas Selection Box # 3
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 3
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the tent
The creatures were stirring with malicious intent
They wriggled and crawled they chewed and they bit
As they made themselves a festive feast of it
ALL BOWED BEFORE THE NEWBORN
All bowed before the newborn
In that stable forlorn
Shepherds and their beasts
And the magi from the east
The noble men of wealth
Concerned about his heath
Gave gifts of myrrh, frankincense and gold
Gifts his tiny hands could not hold
And at the centre of this scene
Slept the young King serene
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – A CHRISTMAS WISH
Martha Evans (Kristy Swanson) is abandoned by her waste of space husband.
Who before taking his leave emptied the bank account and left her homeless and destitute. Martha leaves town with her stepson and two daughters with no destination in mind in the vague hope of finding work and someone to live.
They end up in a small rural town where she rents a room in the motel and manages to find work in a diner.
But that isn’t the end of her trouble through the warm hearted folk of the town come to her aid.
A nice seasonal tale.
DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW
Dashing through the snow
On a one horse open sleigh,
Over fields we go
Laughing all the way
Then the reins do snap,
We weren’t expecting that
Now we laugh no more
As we hit a tree so fat
Oh ambulance bells, ambulance bells
Sirens all the way
They dragged us from the wreck
Of a one horse open sleigh
Oh ambulance bells, ambulance bells
Sirens all the way
Oh, what fun it’s NOT to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
I’M THINKING OF YOU
I’m thinking of you
As I sit here feeling blue
I miss you every day
While you are away
But duty called you
And of course I knew
You would have to go
Away to fight the foe
So I’m thinking of you
As I sit here feeling blue
Alone on Christmas day
While you are far away
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 25 GOOD KING WENCESLAS
Good King Wenceslas Written By John Mason Neale and Thomas Helmore
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."
"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather
"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."
In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing
THE LOVE OF CHRIST
The love of Christ
Unconditional, pure
Deeply felt love
That doth endure
CHRISTMAS CAROLE
My feelings and emotions,
Long since repressed,
Stirred from their slumber
Feelings I thought had long passed
Were awakened like a sleeping giant
Reappearing like long lost friends
Out of the blue and so unexpected
And Carole was the reason
We met by chance
A week or so before Christmas
In a crowded book shop
Amidst the throng of Christmas shoppers
We simultaneously emerged at the checkout
Both clutching a copy of the same book
The dickens classic
“A Christmas Carol”
Spotting each others proposed purchases
We both smiled
And as far as we could see
We were the only people smiling
Surrounded as we were
By a multitude of the disgruntled
I found myself suggesting coffee
And was pleasantly surprised to here her accept
Following that first chance meeting
We quickly became inseparable
We would sit and talk for hours
About everything and nothing
As we’d sit by the cosy fireside
We would share long walks in the country
And afternoons watching old movies
It soon became obvious
We had both found that elusive something
That had been just out of reach
Just over the next hill
We had found our soul mates
Now we share everything
She was the Christmas gift
I had been waiting for all my life
My very own Christmas cracker
My very own Christmas Carole
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 27 - SAVIOUR’S DAY
Saviour’s Day
Written By Chris Eaton
Performed by Cliff Richard
Now we have been through the harvest
Winter has truly begun
Now we have walked in the chill of the night
We are waiting for, waiting for
For the Saviour's Day
Many have come from the valleys
Many have come from the hills
Many have started their journey home
To be with someone, with someone
On the Saviour's Day
Open your eyes on Saviour's Day
Don't look back or turn away
Life can be yours if you'll only stay
He is calling you, calling you
On the Saviour's Day
Joining the old and the young ones
Joining the black and the white
Meeting the need of the hungry is he
Will we ever remember him
On the Saviour's Day
Open your eyes on Saviour's Day
Don't look back or turn away
Life can be yours if you'll only stay
He is calling you, calling you
On the Saviour's Day
Here's to the God of the present
(Raise your glasses)
Here's to the God of the past
(Drink to the King)
Here's to the hope in the future he brings
We will sing to Him, sing to Him
On the Saviour's Day
Open your eyes on Saviour's Day
Don't look back or turn away
Life can be yours if you'll only stay
He is calling you, calling you
On the Saviour's Day
On the Saviour's Day
On the Saviour's Day
He is calling you
On the Saviour's Day
On the Saviour's Day
(Calling, calling, calling you)
On the Saviour's Day
(Calling, calling, calling you)
On the Saviour's Day
(Calling, calling, calling you)
(Calling, calling, calling you)
(Calling, calling)
Raise your glasses drink to the King
WHO ATE AL THE PIES?
The old fat fella
In the big red suit
Of delivering gifts
In his festive pursuit
Wide black belt
And big black boot
The jolly fat bloke
Ruddy and hirsute
He does great good
That’s not in dispute
But he eats too much
So he’s a chubby brute
So when he visits
On his Christmas commute
Don’t leave him a pie
Leave him some fruit
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the tent
The creatures were stirring with malicious intent
They wriggled and crawled they chewed and they bit
As they made themselves a festive feast of it
ALL BOWED BEFORE THE NEWBORN
All bowed before the newborn
In that stable forlorn
Shepherds and their beasts
And the magi from the east
The noble men of wealth
Concerned about his heath
Gave gifts of myrrh, frankincense and gold
Gifts his tiny hands could not hold
And at the centre of this scene
Slept the young King serene
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – A CHRISTMAS WISH
Martha Evans (Kristy Swanson) is abandoned by her waste of space husband.
Who before taking his leave emptied the bank account and left her homeless and destitute. Martha leaves town with her stepson and two daughters with no destination in mind in the vague hope of finding work and someone to live.
They end up in a small rural town where she rents a room in the motel and manages to find work in a diner.
But that isn’t the end of her trouble through the warm hearted folk of the town come to her aid.
A nice seasonal tale.
DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW
Dashing through the snow
On a one horse open sleigh,
Over fields we go
Laughing all the way
Then the reins do snap,
We weren’t expecting that
Now we laugh no more
As we hit a tree so fat
Oh ambulance bells, ambulance bells
Sirens all the way
They dragged us from the wreck
Of a one horse open sleigh
Oh ambulance bells, ambulance bells
Sirens all the way
Oh, what fun it’s NOT to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
I’M THINKING OF YOU
I’m thinking of you
As I sit here feeling blue
I miss you every day
While you are away
But duty called you
And of course I knew
You would have to go
Away to fight the foe
So I’m thinking of you
As I sit here feeling blue
Alone on Christmas day
While you are far away
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 25 GOOD KING WENCESLAS
Good King Wenceslas Written By John Mason Neale and Thomas Helmore
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."
"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather
"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."
In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing
THE LOVE OF CHRIST
The love of Christ
Unconditional, pure
Deeply felt love
That doth endure
CHRISTMAS CAROLE
My feelings and emotions,
Long since repressed,
Stirred from their slumber
Feelings I thought had long passed
Were awakened like a sleeping giant
Reappearing like long lost friends
Out of the blue and so unexpected
And Carole was the reason
We met by chance
A week or so before Christmas
In a crowded book shop
Amidst the throng of Christmas shoppers
We simultaneously emerged at the checkout
Both clutching a copy of the same book
The dickens classic
“A Christmas Carol”
Spotting each others proposed purchases
We both smiled
And as far as we could see
We were the only people smiling
Surrounded as we were
By a multitude of the disgruntled
I found myself suggesting coffee
And was pleasantly surprised to here her accept
Following that first chance meeting
We quickly became inseparable
We would sit and talk for hours
About everything and nothing
As we’d sit by the cosy fireside
We would share long walks in the country
And afternoons watching old movies
It soon became obvious
We had both found that elusive something
That had been just out of reach
Just over the next hill
We had found our soul mates
Now we share everything
She was the Christmas gift
I had been waiting for all my life
My very own Christmas cracker
My very own Christmas Carole
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 27 - SAVIOUR’S DAY
Saviour’s Day
Written By Chris Eaton
Performed by Cliff Richard
Now we have been through the harvest
Winter has truly begun
Now we have walked in the chill of the night
We are waiting for, waiting for
For the Saviour's Day
Many have come from the valleys
Many have come from the hills
Many have started their journey home
To be with someone, with someone
On the Saviour's Day
Open your eyes on Saviour's Day
Don't look back or turn away
Life can be yours if you'll only stay
He is calling you, calling you
On the Saviour's Day
Joining the old and the young ones
Joining the black and the white
Meeting the need of the hungry is he
Will we ever remember him
On the Saviour's Day
Open your eyes on Saviour's Day
Don't look back or turn away
Life can be yours if you'll only stay
He is calling you, calling you
On the Saviour's Day
Here's to the God of the present
(Raise your glasses)
Here's to the God of the past
(Drink to the King)
Here's to the hope in the future he brings
We will sing to Him, sing to Him
On the Saviour's Day
Open your eyes on Saviour's Day
Don't look back or turn away
Life can be yours if you'll only stay
He is calling you, calling you
On the Saviour's Day
On the Saviour's Day
On the Saviour's Day
He is calling you
On the Saviour's Day
On the Saviour's Day
(Calling, calling, calling you)
On the Saviour's Day
(Calling, calling, calling you)
On the Saviour's Day
(Calling, calling, calling you)
(Calling, calling, calling you)
(Calling, calling)
Raise your glasses drink to the King
WHO ATE AL THE PIES?
The old fat fella
In the big red suit
Of delivering gifts
In his festive pursuit
Wide black belt
And big black boot
The jolly fat bloke
Ruddy and hirsute
He does great good
That’s not in dispute
But he eats too much
So he’s a chubby brute
So when he visits
On his Christmas commute
Don’t leave him a pie
Leave him some fruit
Thursday 24 November 2016
Christmas Selection Box # 2
GIVE ME A KISS FOR CHRISTMAS
Give me a kiss for Christmas
For my love for you is strong
Give me a kiss for Christmas
I’ve been waiting oh so long
Give me a kiss for Christmas
On this special holy night
Give me a kiss for Christmas
Let me fill you with delight
Give me a kiss for Christmas
That is my only Christmas wish
I promise it will be much more
Than just another Christmas kiss
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS
Mark Webber and Marla Sokoloff star in this modern take on the classic tale the Gift of the Magi.
Newlyweds Jim and Della Young move into to their new apartment, that they can barely afford and despite having to make do with second hand furnishings they are happy.
However after Della’s car is stolen they have to use up all their saving to buy another one.
As a result they agree not to buy Christmas presents that year.
Secretly however they both decide to do so anyway.
CHRISTMAS HAS COME
The window sill is piled with snow
The ingle nook is all aglow
We’ve cleaned and swept the floor
The wreath is hanging on the door
The lights are lit, the halls are decked
The list of tasks has all been checked
Now we’re filled with Christmas cheer
Let’s have a drink of Christmas beer
Then ring the bell and bang the drum
Rejoice, rejoice Christmas has come
CHRISTMAS GIFTS – HIS AND HERS
I got a book for Christmas
“101 sexual positions”
I got it from my brother
My wife also received a book
“102 handy excuses”
A present from her mother
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 22 - STEP INTO CHRISTMAS – THE PUPPINI SISTERS
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty second selection.
Step Into Christmas
Written by Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Performed By The Puppini Sisters
Welcome to my Christmas song
I'd like to thank you for the years
So I'm sending you this Christmas card
To say it's very nice to have you here
I'd like to sing about all the things
Your eyes and mind can see
So hop aboard the turntable
You gotta hop aboard the turntable
You gotta hop aboard the turntable
You gotta oh, oh, oh, oh
Step into Christmas with me
Step into Christmas, let's do it together
We can watch the snow fall forever and ever
Eat, drink and be merry
Come, come along with me
Step into Christmas, the admission is free
Take care in all you do next year
And keep smiling through the days
If we can help to entertain you
Oh, we will find the ways
So merry Christmas one and all
There's no place I'd rather be
Than asking you if you'd oblige
Than asking, asking you if you'd oblige
Than asking, asking you if you'd oblige
You'll have a oh, oh, oh, oh
Stepping into Christmas with me
Step into Christmas, let's do it together
We can watch the snow fall forever and ever
Eat, drink and be merry
Come, come along with me
Step into Christmas, the admission is free
Welcome to my Christmas song
I'd like to thank you for the year
So I'm sending you this Christmas card
To say it's very nice to have you here
I'd like to sing about all the things
Your eyes and mind can see
So hop aboard the turntable
You gotta hop aboard the turntable
You gotta hop aboard the turntable
You gotta oh, oh, oh, oh
Step into Christmas with me
Step into Christmas, let's do it together
We can watch the snow fall forever and ever
Eat, drink and be merry
Come, come along with me
Step into Christmas, the admission is free
Step into Christmas, let's do it together
We can watch the snow fall forever and ever
Eat, drink and be merry
Come, come along with me
Step into Christmas, the admission is free
Step into Christmas, let's do it together
Step into Christmas
You gotta step right up, gotta step right in
Step into Christmas with me
CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WORKHOUSE # 3
It’s Christmas day in the workhouse
Just another grey day to endure
We have been promised nouvelle cuisine
So Oliver will be asking for more
I WROTE A LETTER TO SANTA
I wrote a letter to Santa
Making my request
I told him what I wanted
Stating what was best
I didn’t ask for jewels
I didn’t ask for jewellery
I didn’t ask for gold
I didn’t ask for luxuries
I asked him for a gift
I consider the greatest prise
I asked him for the look of love
To be present in your eyes
I asked him for your heart
So to make me live
I asked him for your love
But they’re not his give
I wrote a letter to Santa
Making my request
I told him that I love you
I’m sure he’ll do what’s best
I’M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS # 1
“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know”
But if I should run out of the white
I will gladly drink the red though
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 21 GOOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's powers
When we were gone astray
Glad tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
Glad 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
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
GIRL POWER
All of the reindeer
Pulling Santa’s sleigh
Are adorned with antlers
As they make their way
Well, only female reindeer
On the Christmas flight
Still retain their antlers
By Christmas night
So the whole team are girls
Is that really shocking?
An all-female team?
Carrying gifts for every stocking
Who else could be trusted?
To circumnavigate the globe
In only one night
Not the guy in the red robe
But the overweight old man
With no dress sense
Who is too lazy to shave
Gets thanked for the presents
And do we get any recognition
For delivering the toys
No we don’t get a mention
And everyone thinks that we are boys
Give me a kiss for Christmas
For my love for you is strong
Give me a kiss for Christmas
I’ve been waiting oh so long
Give me a kiss for Christmas
On this special holy night
Give me a kiss for Christmas
Let me fill you with delight
Give me a kiss for Christmas
That is my only Christmas wish
I promise it will be much more
Than just another Christmas kiss
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS
Mark Webber and Marla Sokoloff star in this modern take on the classic tale the Gift of the Magi.
Newlyweds Jim and Della Young move into to their new apartment, that they can barely afford and despite having to make do with second hand furnishings they are happy.
However after Della’s car is stolen they have to use up all their saving to buy another one.
As a result they agree not to buy Christmas presents that year.
Secretly however they both decide to do so anyway.
CHRISTMAS HAS COME
The window sill is piled with snow
The ingle nook is all aglow
We’ve cleaned and swept the floor
The wreath is hanging on the door
The lights are lit, the halls are decked
The list of tasks has all been checked
Now we’re filled with Christmas cheer
Let’s have a drink of Christmas beer
Then ring the bell and bang the drum
Rejoice, rejoice Christmas has come
CHRISTMAS GIFTS – HIS AND HERS
I got a book for Christmas
“101 sexual positions”
I got it from my brother
My wife also received a book
“102 handy excuses”
A present from her mother
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 22 - STEP INTO CHRISTMAS – THE PUPPINI SISTERS
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty second selection.
Step Into Christmas
Written by Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Performed By The Puppini Sisters
Welcome to my Christmas song
I'd like to thank you for the years
So I'm sending you this Christmas card
To say it's very nice to have you here
I'd like to sing about all the things
Your eyes and mind can see
So hop aboard the turntable
You gotta hop aboard the turntable
You gotta hop aboard the turntable
You gotta oh, oh, oh, oh
Step into Christmas with me
Step into Christmas, let's do it together
We can watch the snow fall forever and ever
Eat, drink and be merry
Come, come along with me
Step into Christmas, the admission is free
Take care in all you do next year
And keep smiling through the days
If we can help to entertain you
Oh, we will find the ways
So merry Christmas one and all
There's no place I'd rather be
Than asking you if you'd oblige
Than asking, asking you if you'd oblige
Than asking, asking you if you'd oblige
You'll have a oh, oh, oh, oh
Stepping into Christmas with me
Step into Christmas, let's do it together
We can watch the snow fall forever and ever
Eat, drink and be merry
Come, come along with me
Step into Christmas, the admission is free
Welcome to my Christmas song
I'd like to thank you for the year
So I'm sending you this Christmas card
To say it's very nice to have you here
I'd like to sing about all the things
Your eyes and mind can see
So hop aboard the turntable
You gotta hop aboard the turntable
You gotta hop aboard the turntable
You gotta oh, oh, oh, oh
Step into Christmas with me
Step into Christmas, let's do it together
We can watch the snow fall forever and ever
Eat, drink and be merry
Come, come along with me
Step into Christmas, the admission is free
Step into Christmas, let's do it together
We can watch the snow fall forever and ever
Eat, drink and be merry
Come, come along with me
Step into Christmas, the admission is free
Step into Christmas, let's do it together
Step into Christmas
You gotta step right up, gotta step right in
Step into Christmas with me
CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WORKHOUSE # 3
It’s Christmas day in the workhouse
Just another grey day to endure
We have been promised nouvelle cuisine
So Oliver will be asking for more
I WROTE A LETTER TO SANTA
I wrote a letter to Santa
Making my request
I told him what I wanted
Stating what was best
I didn’t ask for jewels
I didn’t ask for jewellery
I didn’t ask for gold
I didn’t ask for luxuries
I asked him for a gift
I consider the greatest prise
I asked him for the look of love
To be present in your eyes
I asked him for your heart
So to make me live
I asked him for your love
But they’re not his give
I wrote a letter to Santa
Making my request
I told him that I love you
I’m sure he’ll do what’s best
I’M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS # 1
“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know”
But if I should run out of the white
I will gladly drink the red though
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 21 GOOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's powers
When we were gone astray
Glad tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
Glad 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
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
GIRL POWER
All of the reindeer
Pulling Santa’s sleigh
Are adorned with antlers
As they make their way
Well, only female reindeer
On the Christmas flight
Still retain their antlers
By Christmas night
So the whole team are girls
Is that really shocking?
An all-female team?
Carrying gifts for every stocking
Who else could be trusted?
To circumnavigate the globe
In only one night
Not the guy in the red robe
But the overweight old man
With no dress sense
Who is too lazy to shave
Gets thanked for the presents
And do we get any recognition
For delivering the toys
No we don’t get a mention
And everyone thinks that we are boys
Wednesday 23 November 2016
Christmas Selection Box # 1
CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WORKHOUSE # 1
It’s Christmas day in the workhouse
Just another grey day to endure
If we’re lucky we’ll dine on mouse
And Oliver will still be asking for more
COMPLETE CHRISTMAS
I wrapped the presents from me to you,
Only a few more things now left to do
I must hang up the bunch of mistletoe
Pour the wine and turn the lights down low
And when we cuddle up together on the seat
My Christmas really will be complete
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – THE WISHING TREE
Jason Gedrick, Erica Cerra, Richard Harmon, Amitai Marmorstein and Emmalyn Estrada star in this festive tale that centres around the towns Wishing Tree.
The story revolves around the local private school, its teachers, its pupils and their lives.
This movie delivers just what you want in a Christmas tale.
DEAR SANTA CLAUS
Dear Santa Claus
I have been good
I thought I’d mention that
So it’s understood
I don’t want
Something practical
Something useful
Nor educational
I don’t what
Something creative
Something arty
Or constructive
I don’t want
Something sporty
Something healthy
Not outdoorsy
What I want
Is an X-Box or a PS3
So I can escape
My boring reality
But I don’t want
You to bring me a Wii
It’s just too healthy
And drains my energy
THE VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS
Putting up the decorations
And trimming the Christmas tree
Writing all the cards
This year from you and me
Your presents are wrapped
Only bows and tags to do
Until this moment I didn’t know
Just how much I loved you
So I will have a happy Christmas
With the love of my life
The very first Christmas
Since we became man and wife
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 23 - ZAT YOU, SANTA CLAUS?
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty third selection.
Zat You, Santa Claus?
Written By Jack Fox
Performed By Louis Armstrong
Zat You, Santa Claus?
Gifts I'm preparing for some Christmas sharing,
But I pause because,
Hanging my stocking I can hear a knocking.
Zat you, Santa Claus?
Sure is dark out, ain't the slightest spark out.
Pon my slackened jaw!
Who's there? Who is it stopping for a visit?
Zat you, Santa Claus?
Are you bringing a present for me,
Something pleasantly pleasant for me?
Then it's just what I've been waiting for.
Would you mind slipping it under the door?
Cold winds are howling, or could that be growling?
My legs feel like straws.
My my oh me my, kindly would you reply?
Zat you, Santa Claus?
Hanging the stocking, I can hear a knocking.
Zat you, Santa Claus?
I say, who's there, who is it? Are you stopping for a visit?
Zat you, Santa Claus?
Oh there, Santa, you gave me a scare.
Now stop teasing cause I know you're there.
We don't believe in no goblins today,
But I can't explain why I'm shaking that way.
Bet I can see ole Santa in the keyhole.
I'll get to the cause.
One peek and I'll try there; oh oh, there's an eye there!
Zat you, Santa Claus?
Please, please, pity my knees!
Say that's you, Santa Claus!
THE GOOD HUSBAND AND HIS WIFE
The good husband and his wife
Are happy partners in their life
Content in each other’s company
They live their life quite humbly
Yet come the time of advent
All time and effort is then spent
In the seasonal preparations
Of the coming celebrations
Where the good couple dwelt
Festive odours could be smelt
As special victuals quietly matured
As they cooked and baked and cured
This went on till advent passed
And they had cooked their last
Then the boxes were well packed
To ensure that no one lacked
The boxes were then sent on their way
To be delivered for Christmas day
To the poor and needy of the town
To those that society had let down
But not all was sent on its way
There was plenty kept for Christmas day
When friends and neighbour’s all
Were invited to the little church hall
Where on that Christmas day
Their bounty was on display
Biscuits, bread and well filled pies
Cakes and sweets of varying size
Roasted meats, fowl and game
Fruits and nuts of every name
And a good time was had by all
At the happy feast at the church hall
The good husband and his wife
The happy partners in each other’s life
Content in each other’s company
Sat in the corner quite humbly
Spectators at the feast of their making
Quietly satisfied with their undertaking
Content with their preparations
And happy with the Christmas celebrations
THE FIRST NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Bethlehem,
Joseph was searching for a room for them
He searched and he searched all-round the town
But nowhere to stay for them could be found
So they went to a stable and in a bed made of hay
The Christ child was born on the first Christmas Day
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 20 AVE MARIA
Ave Maria
Ave Maria, gratia plena.
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus,
Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris,
Ventris tui, Jesus.
Ave Maria.
(Some versions add the following)
Ave Maria, Mater Dei,
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
Ora, ora pro nobis;
Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
Nunc et in hora mortis,
In hora mortis nostrae.
In hora, hora mortis nostrae,
In hora mortis nostrae.
Ave Maria
GIFTS FOR EVERYONE
Jimmy got an iPod
Sally got an iPhone
Dad got an iPad
Mum got an iRon
Happy Christmas? iThink not
It’s Christmas day in the workhouse
Just another grey day to endure
If we’re lucky we’ll dine on mouse
And Oliver will still be asking for more
COMPLETE CHRISTMAS
I wrapped the presents from me to you,
Only a few more things now left to do
I must hang up the bunch of mistletoe
Pour the wine and turn the lights down low
And when we cuddle up together on the seat
My Christmas really will be complete
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – THE WISHING TREE
Jason Gedrick, Erica Cerra, Richard Harmon, Amitai Marmorstein and Emmalyn Estrada star in this festive tale that centres around the towns Wishing Tree.
The story revolves around the local private school, its teachers, its pupils and their lives.
This movie delivers just what you want in a Christmas tale.
DEAR SANTA CLAUS
Dear Santa Claus
I have been good
I thought I’d mention that
So it’s understood
I don’t want
Something practical
Something useful
Nor educational
I don’t what
Something creative
Something arty
Or constructive
I don’t want
Something sporty
Something healthy
Not outdoorsy
What I want
Is an X-Box or a PS3
So I can escape
My boring reality
But I don’t want
You to bring me a Wii
It’s just too healthy
And drains my energy
THE VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS
Putting up the decorations
And trimming the Christmas tree
Writing all the cards
This year from you and me
Your presents are wrapped
Only bows and tags to do
Until this moment I didn’t know
Just how much I loved you
So I will have a happy Christmas
With the love of my life
The very first Christmas
Since we became man and wife
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 23 - ZAT YOU, SANTA CLAUS?
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty third selection.
Zat You, Santa Claus?
Written By Jack Fox
Performed By Louis Armstrong
Zat You, Santa Claus?
Gifts I'm preparing for some Christmas sharing,
But I pause because,
Hanging my stocking I can hear a knocking.
Zat you, Santa Claus?
Sure is dark out, ain't the slightest spark out.
Pon my slackened jaw!
Who's there? Who is it stopping for a visit?
Zat you, Santa Claus?
Are you bringing a present for me,
Something pleasantly pleasant for me?
Then it's just what I've been waiting for.
Would you mind slipping it under the door?
Cold winds are howling, or could that be growling?
My legs feel like straws.
My my oh me my, kindly would you reply?
Zat you, Santa Claus?
Hanging the stocking, I can hear a knocking.
Zat you, Santa Claus?
I say, who's there, who is it? Are you stopping for a visit?
Zat you, Santa Claus?
Oh there, Santa, you gave me a scare.
Now stop teasing cause I know you're there.
We don't believe in no goblins today,
But I can't explain why I'm shaking that way.
Bet I can see ole Santa in the keyhole.
I'll get to the cause.
One peek and I'll try there; oh oh, there's an eye there!
Zat you, Santa Claus?
Please, please, pity my knees!
Say that's you, Santa Claus!
THE GOOD HUSBAND AND HIS WIFE
The good husband and his wife
Are happy partners in their life
Content in each other’s company
They live their life quite humbly
Yet come the time of advent
All time and effort is then spent
In the seasonal preparations
Of the coming celebrations
Where the good couple dwelt
Festive odours could be smelt
As special victuals quietly matured
As they cooked and baked and cured
This went on till advent passed
And they had cooked their last
Then the boxes were well packed
To ensure that no one lacked
The boxes were then sent on their way
To be delivered for Christmas day
To the poor and needy of the town
To those that society had let down
But not all was sent on its way
There was plenty kept for Christmas day
When friends and neighbour’s all
Were invited to the little church hall
Where on that Christmas day
Their bounty was on display
Biscuits, bread and well filled pies
Cakes and sweets of varying size
Roasted meats, fowl and game
Fruits and nuts of every name
And a good time was had by all
At the happy feast at the church hall
The good husband and his wife
The happy partners in each other’s life
Content in each other’s company
Sat in the corner quite humbly
Spectators at the feast of their making
Quietly satisfied with their undertaking
Content with their preparations
And happy with the Christmas celebrations
THE FIRST NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Bethlehem,
Joseph was searching for a room for them
He searched and he searched all-round the town
But nowhere to stay for them could be found
So they went to a stable and in a bed made of hay
The Christ child was born on the first Christmas Day
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 20 AVE MARIA
Ave Maria
Ave Maria, gratia plena.
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus,
Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris,
Ventris tui, Jesus.
Ave Maria.
(Some versions add the following)
Ave Maria, Mater Dei,
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
Ora, ora pro nobis;
Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
Nunc et in hora mortis,
In hora mortis nostrae.
In hora, hora mortis nostrae,
In hora mortis nostrae.
Ave Maria
GIFTS FOR EVERYONE
Jimmy got an iPod
Sally got an iPhone
Dad got an iPad
Mum got an iRon
Happy Christmas? iThink not
Tuesday 22 November 2016
Stocking Stuffers # 8
CHRISTMAS AGAIN
The advent candle is lit again
The Christmas cards are writ again
Beneath the tree gifts sit again
We’ve overspent a bit again
The Christmas table is set again
Our loved ones are met again
We drink a toast of wet again
And say merry Christmas yet again
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 8
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the abode
Came the rancid smell like an un-emptied commode
It made your eyes water to be perfectly crude
Wow this baby needs to start eating solid food
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – A CHRISTMAS DANCE
Jack (Andrew McCarthy) is an executive in a financial brokerage firm and seems to have it all.
He is a rising star in line for a big promotion and has already impressed the boss, Drew Clayton (Chris Gillett), He is also dating the boss’s daughter the beautiful and elegant Demi Clayton (Stephanie Mills).
Jack plans to propose to Demi at her father's lavish annual Christmas Dance but in order to create the perfect impression on the night he signs up for ballroom dance lessons.
Which is when he meets dance instructor, Christine (Michelle Nolden), and the story really begins.
SAD SANTA
Santa Claus is depressed
Its declining standards you see
The naughty list is now so long
It needs storing electronically
Where as the good list has shrunk
And now fits on a sheet of A3
A NOCTURNAL UPON ST LUCY'S DAY
"A Nocturnal upon St Lucy's Day” was written by John Donne who lived between 1572 and 1631.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS # 4
All I want for Christmas
Is the special girl I love
All I want for Christmas
Is my angel from above
She need not be wrapped
And tied up with a bow
I’ll take her as she is
Smiling face aglow
Any other Christmas gift
Is valueless to me
I just want my angel
Beneath the Christmas tree
So on Christmas day
As we stand beside the tree
I will take her in my arms
And kiss her tenderly
CROWNED LUCIA
In Scandinavia the Christmas celebrations begin on St. Lucia Day when each town and village crowns a Lucia on the first Sunday of Advent.
Apart from the religious duties the crowned Lucia must visit hospitals, community centers and nursing homes before Christmas.
DECEMBER SKY
Under the rich December sky
Breath plumed in the frost filled air
The winter sky sparkled with stars
Like diamonds stitched to the curtain of night
The moon was almost full
And from that December moon
The lunar light bathed the landscape
So that light sparkled on the ice crystals
Creating a myriad of twinkling stars
To mimic their celestial cousins
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 24 - MARY’S BOY CHILD
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty fourth selection.
Mary's Boy Child
Written by Jester Hairston
Harry Belafonte
(chorus)
Long time ago in Bethlehem,
So the Holy Bible say,
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ,
Was born on Christmas day,
Hark, now hear the angels sing,
A new-born King today,
And man will live forevermore,
Because of Christmas day.
Trumpets sound and angels sing,
Listen to what they say,
That Man will live forevermore,
Because of Christmas day.
(verse 1)
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
They saw a bright new shining star,
They heard a choir sing,
The music seemed to come from afar,
(verse 2)
Now, Joseph and his wife, Mary,
Come to Bethlehem that night,
They found no place to bear her child,
Not a single room was in sight.
(verse 3)
By and by, they find a little nook,
In a stable all forlorn,
And in a manger cold and dark,
Mary's little Boy was born!
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1932 a
An earthquake measuring 7.6 struck Gansu in China killing
70,000 people.
NO TURNING
On St. Lucy's Day any activity involving turning motions are forbidden, including spinning, stirring, and working a grindstone as these circular motions might interfere with the return of the sun.
CHRISTMAS DAY IS ALMOST HERE
Christmas day is almost here
The time of year
I hold so dear
When to tradition we must adhere
When to every ear
We are sincere
A time of goodwill and cheer
A time to care
A time to share
Christmas is when we banish fear
Keep close those near
And those dear
Christmas day is almost here
The time of year
When we revere
ST LUCIA FACT
Before the introduction of the Gregorian calendar St. Lucia's Day fell on the winter solstice.
WHEN WINTER COMES
When winter comes
And the first snowflakes fall
Who is the first one in my thoughts?
Who is the first person I call
When winter comes
And there is a fresh fall of snow
Who makes snow angels with you?
Is it that you’re the best angel maker I know?
When winter comes
And there’s fresh snow on the ground
Who builds the snowman with you?
Is it that you make the best snowmen around?
When winter comes
And we spend all of our time together
Have you ever wondered why?
Do you think that I just like the snowy weather?
When winter comes
There is a reason why every winter I call you
It’s the same reason I’ve had since we were seven
I’ve wanted to tell you but have been to scared to
When winter comes
The reason I pull off your wet gloves?
And the reason I gently warm your cold hands?
Is that you’re the one I love
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 19 ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
Angels We Have Heard On High
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Refrain:
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song?
Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the new-born King.
See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.
CHRISTMAS JOY
I have a new love in my life
That all Christmas I’ll be pleas’n
I will bring Joy to her world
When I go south for the season
THERE’S NO BETTER TIME THAN CHRISTMAS
There’s no better time than Christmas
I’ve always believed it to be so
When we remember Christ the saviour
Born two thousand years ago
There’s no better time than Christmas
When we celebrate his birth
In the sanctuary of a candlelit church
We rejoice for all we’re worth
There’s no better time than Christmas
To look beneath ageing skin
Of any of the old souls in the season
And still find a child within
There’s no better time than Christmas
I’ve always believed it to be so
When we remember Christ the saviour
Born two thousand years ago
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1914
Just after midnight on Christmas morning the unofficial "Christmas Truce" began, German troops ceased firing their guns and artillery and then started singing Christmas carols. Later in the day men from both sides left their trenches and met in No man's land where they traded gifts with the enemy. The truce lasted for three days.
THE JINGLE OF SLEIGH BELLS
The Jingle of sleigh bells, herald
His coming on Christmas Eve
When Santa Claus takes the time
To fill our stocking and I believe
That Santa Claus thinks sincerely
It’s better to give than to receive
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1926
Hirohito becomes Emperor of Japan, succeeding the Taisho Emperor.
YULETIDE GATHERING
On the oak and iron studded door
There hung a wreath of yuletide
That was so pleasing to the eye
It seemed to welcome you inside
The hallway was lit with candles
Of every shape, size and hue
And tasteful Christmas decorations
Seemed to be constantly in view
Down the entire length of the stairs
Entwining the polished mahogany
Garlands of holly and evergreen
Filled the scene most sumptuously
The drawing room was minimalist
Each decoration chosen with care
The focal point was the mantelpiece
And the little stocking hanging there
In the corner stood a mighty tree
Festively decked in all its glory
But their was more to the gathering
Than just the Christmas story
Every face bore a relaxed smile
Such was the festive atmosphere
And so proud was the hostess
But not just for the festive cheer
For this was the first Christmas
For their newborn son and heir
And so proud was the mother
Of her newborn son so fair
The advent candle is lit again
The Christmas cards are writ again
Beneath the tree gifts sit again
We’ve overspent a bit again
The Christmas table is set again
Our loved ones are met again
We drink a toast of wet again
And say merry Christmas yet again
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 8
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the abode
Came the rancid smell like an un-emptied commode
It made your eyes water to be perfectly crude
Wow this baby needs to start eating solid food
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – A CHRISTMAS DANCE
Jack (Andrew McCarthy) is an executive in a financial brokerage firm and seems to have it all.
He is a rising star in line for a big promotion and has already impressed the boss, Drew Clayton (Chris Gillett), He is also dating the boss’s daughter the beautiful and elegant Demi Clayton (Stephanie Mills).
Jack plans to propose to Demi at her father's lavish annual Christmas Dance but in order to create the perfect impression on the night he signs up for ballroom dance lessons.
Which is when he meets dance instructor, Christine (Michelle Nolden), and the story really begins.
SAD SANTA
Santa Claus is depressed
Its declining standards you see
The naughty list is now so long
It needs storing electronically
Where as the good list has shrunk
And now fits on a sheet of A3
A NOCTURNAL UPON ST LUCY'S DAY
"A Nocturnal upon St Lucy's Day” was written by John Donne who lived between 1572 and 1631.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS # 4
All I want for Christmas
Is the special girl I love
All I want for Christmas
Is my angel from above
She need not be wrapped
And tied up with a bow
I’ll take her as she is
Smiling face aglow
Any other Christmas gift
Is valueless to me
I just want my angel
Beneath the Christmas tree
So on Christmas day
As we stand beside the tree
I will take her in my arms
And kiss her tenderly
CROWNED LUCIA
In Scandinavia the Christmas celebrations begin on St. Lucia Day when each town and village crowns a Lucia on the first Sunday of Advent.
Apart from the religious duties the crowned Lucia must visit hospitals, community centers and nursing homes before Christmas.
DECEMBER SKY
Under the rich December sky
Breath plumed in the frost filled air
The winter sky sparkled with stars
Like diamonds stitched to the curtain of night
The moon was almost full
And from that December moon
The lunar light bathed the landscape
So that light sparkled on the ice crystals
Creating a myriad of twinkling stars
To mimic their celestial cousins
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 24 - MARY’S BOY CHILD
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty fourth selection.
Mary's Boy Child
Written by Jester Hairston
Harry Belafonte
(chorus)
Long time ago in Bethlehem,
So the Holy Bible say,
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ,
Was born on Christmas day,
Hark, now hear the angels sing,
A new-born King today,
And man will live forevermore,
Because of Christmas day.
Trumpets sound and angels sing,
Listen to what they say,
That Man will live forevermore,
Because of Christmas day.
(verse 1)
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
They saw a bright new shining star,
They heard a choir sing,
The music seemed to come from afar,
(verse 2)
Now, Joseph and his wife, Mary,
Come to Bethlehem that night,
They found no place to bear her child,
Not a single room was in sight.
(verse 3)
By and by, they find a little nook,
In a stable all forlorn,
And in a manger cold and dark,
Mary's little Boy was born!
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1932 a
An earthquake measuring 7.6 struck Gansu in China killing
70,000 people.
NO TURNING
On St. Lucy's Day any activity involving turning motions are forbidden, including spinning, stirring, and working a grindstone as these circular motions might interfere with the return of the sun.
CHRISTMAS DAY IS ALMOST HERE
Christmas day is almost here
The time of year
I hold so dear
When to tradition we must adhere
When to every ear
We are sincere
A time of goodwill and cheer
A time to care
A time to share
Christmas is when we banish fear
Keep close those near
And those dear
Christmas day is almost here
The time of year
When we revere
ST LUCIA FACT
Before the introduction of the Gregorian calendar St. Lucia's Day fell on the winter solstice.
WHEN WINTER COMES
When winter comes
And the first snowflakes fall
Who is the first one in my thoughts?
Who is the first person I call
When winter comes
And there is a fresh fall of snow
Who makes snow angels with you?
Is it that you’re the best angel maker I know?
When winter comes
And there’s fresh snow on the ground
Who builds the snowman with you?
Is it that you make the best snowmen around?
When winter comes
And we spend all of our time together
Have you ever wondered why?
Do you think that I just like the snowy weather?
When winter comes
There is a reason why every winter I call you
It’s the same reason I’ve had since we were seven
I’ve wanted to tell you but have been to scared to
When winter comes
The reason I pull off your wet gloves?
And the reason I gently warm your cold hands?
Is that you’re the one I love
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 19 ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
Angels We Have Heard On High
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Refrain:
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song?
Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the new-born King.
See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.
CHRISTMAS JOY
I have a new love in my life
That all Christmas I’ll be pleas’n
I will bring Joy to her world
When I go south for the season
THERE’S NO BETTER TIME THAN CHRISTMAS
There’s no better time than Christmas
I’ve always believed it to be so
When we remember Christ the saviour
Born two thousand years ago
There’s no better time than Christmas
When we celebrate his birth
In the sanctuary of a candlelit church
We rejoice for all we’re worth
There’s no better time than Christmas
To look beneath ageing skin
Of any of the old souls in the season
And still find a child within
There’s no better time than Christmas
I’ve always believed it to be so
When we remember Christ the saviour
Born two thousand years ago
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1914
Just after midnight on Christmas morning the unofficial "Christmas Truce" began, German troops ceased firing their guns and artillery and then started singing Christmas carols. Later in the day men from both sides left their trenches and met in No man's land where they traded gifts with the enemy. The truce lasted for three days.
THE JINGLE OF SLEIGH BELLS
The Jingle of sleigh bells, herald
His coming on Christmas Eve
When Santa Claus takes the time
To fill our stocking and I believe
That Santa Claus thinks sincerely
It’s better to give than to receive
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1926
Hirohito becomes Emperor of Japan, succeeding the Taisho Emperor.
YULETIDE GATHERING
On the oak and iron studded door
There hung a wreath of yuletide
That was so pleasing to the eye
It seemed to welcome you inside
The hallway was lit with candles
Of every shape, size and hue
And tasteful Christmas decorations
Seemed to be constantly in view
Down the entire length of the stairs
Entwining the polished mahogany
Garlands of holly and evergreen
Filled the scene most sumptuously
The drawing room was minimalist
Each decoration chosen with care
The focal point was the mantelpiece
And the little stocking hanging there
In the corner stood a mighty tree
Festively decked in all its glory
But their was more to the gathering
Than just the Christmas story
Every face bore a relaxed smile
Such was the festive atmosphere
And so proud was the hostess
But not just for the festive cheer
For this was the first Christmas
For their newborn son and heir
And so proud was the mother
Of her newborn son so fair
Monday 21 November 2016
Stocking Stuffers # 7
TREE OF LIFE
Proudly standing there
In the town’s main square
The Christmas tree stands tall
Admired by one and all
Decked with coloured lights
Of red and green and blue and white
And every kind of coloured bauble
Short and long, large and small
Candy canes and bows adorn it
And myriad forms of other trinkets
This wonder easily catches the eye
Of every busy passer by
Who simply marvel at the sight
With open mouthed delight
Who before they continue on their way
Have to wipe a tear away
But it’s not the tree reaching to the sky
That brings a tear to the eye
But the parcels of every shape and size
A festive feast for weary eyes
A testament to people’s generosity
Sitting beneath this wondrous tree
Such a generous response to the endeavour
Thank God for those who know the answer
When want and need begs the question
Praise be to those who never forget
With hearts so full of Christmas spirit
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 6
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the castle
Not a soul was stirring not even the rascal
And the reason for all the silence within
Was an over indulgence of wine and gin
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – THE REAL ST NICK
Kate (Torrey Devitto), a pretty psychiatrist is saved from an accident during an earthquake by a man who, after hitting his head on a rock, believes he is Santa Claus.
She has him admitted to the clinic where she works and begins to nurse him back to health.
He soon "infects" everyone in the ward with the spirit of Christmas.
This may be considered as corny, predictable, holiday fare but it is very watchable nonetheless.
Jack (Kenneth Choi) as one of patients who thinks he's Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." Steals the show though and brings the movie above the mundane.
KING CANUTE
During the reign of King Canute, A thousand years ago decreed that Christmas should last for a month.
Beginning on December 13th, the feast of St. Lucia and ending on January 13th, St. Canute's Day.
BRIGHTEST TIME
At Christmas time
There is only one thing
Brighter than the Christmas lights
And that is the magical look
On a child’s face
Full of wonder and delight
STAR BOYS
The ancient tradition of “star boys” who now often accompanied the Lucia dates back to the time when boys went from door to door playing tricks, singing and begging for money to celebrate the winter solstice.
SANTA’S TOYS
When Santa was a boy
No bigger than an elf
He was in the workshop
Making toys himself
But he has no time now
For making his own toys
Because he’s out delivering
To all the girls and boys
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 25 - WINTER WONDERLAND
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty fifth selection.
Winter Wonderland
Music Written By Felix Bernard
Lyrics Written By Richard B. Smith
Performed By Darlene Love
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.
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.
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.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1932 b
While King George V was delivering his Christmas dinner speech his chair collapsed.
OH GOD TO YOU WE PRAY
Oh God to you we pray
To let peace on earth come our way
Oh God to you we pray
Would that we could have our way
Oh God grant this day
That peace on earth will come our way
Oh God we hear you say
That peace on earth will come our way
If we could from this day
Just live Christmas every day
Inspired by Helen Steiner Rice (1900-1981)
LUCIA PATRON SAINT OF
St Lucia of Syracuse is the patron saint of authors, blind people, blindness, cutlers, dysentery, eye disease, eye problems, fire, glaziers, hemorrhages, laborers, martyrs, notaries
Peasants, peddlers Perugia Italy, saddlers, salesmen, servant girls
Stained glass workers, scribes, Syracuse Sicily, tailors, throat infections, virgins,
Weavers and writers.
OH MY PRETTY LITTLE ELFIN FACED GIRL (PART TWO)
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
In green woolly tights and pixie shoes
Please notice me beneath the mistletoe
And kiss away my Christmas blues
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
I wish you would grant my Christmas wish
But it appears that I wish in vain
For you don’t even know that I exist
So I stand alone with my Christmas punch
Looking out at the fresh fallen snow
When I see your elfin face smile at me
And you’re holding a sprig of mistletoe
LUCY’S BREAKFAST
On the morning of December 13th, the eldest daughter in the household is dressed in a white dress with a red sash and a wreath with four lighted candles on her head.
She must carry a breakfast of coffee, gingerbread cookies and sun-colored saffron buns to her parents in their bedroom.
She is followed by her sisters also dressed in white carrying lighted candles and her brothers called "star boys" wearing tall pointed caps.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 18 ONCE IN ROYAL DAVIDS CITY
Once in Royal David’s City
Lyrics by Cecil Frances Alexander and Music by Henry John Gauntlett
Once in royal David’s city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby,
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little Child.
He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall:
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.
For He is our childhood's pattern;
Day by day, like us, He grew;
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles, like us He knew;
And He cares when we are sad,
And he shares when we are glad.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that Child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above:
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1868 b
The Ezo Republic was founded in Hokkaido by Shogunate rebels.
MOTHER CHRISTMAS, THANKS
Mums make Christmas
Only they can
That is a fact of life
Her mission is simple
Every year
Recreating the day
Christmas for her
Holidays for her
Require of her to
Illuminate the season
Supply an army
Trim and decorate
Make and manufacture
Aid and assist
Sustain and nourish
Thank her
Honour her
Assist her
Neglect her not
Kids and spouses
Should respect her
CAROLS BY CANDLE LIGHT
Christmas is a time
Of many traditions
Like carol singing
With candle lit processions
But not anymore
A years old tradition
Has to had to go
For fear of litigation
“Health and safety”
So gets on my wick
As this year we had
Carols by glow stick
ST LUCIA’S DAY MIRACLES
It is believed that on the eve of St Lucia’s day that miracles occur at the stroke of midnight.
Anyone awake at the midnight hour might hear animals speaking or observe running water turned into wine.
SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT
Silent night, holy night
Such a sweet carol
Neither rousing nor stirring
But moving and inspiring
A carol to unite in adoration
A song to touch the soul
Poignant and joyous
Holy music at its most powerful
Simple and unpretentious
LAST CHRISTMAS
Last Christmas
We got the winter vomiting virus
It wasn’t nice
And it was shared by all of us
It was the worst
We didn’t see much Christmas cheer
I tell you one thing
We’ve just asked for money this year
Proudly standing there
In the town’s main square
The Christmas tree stands tall
Admired by one and all
Decked with coloured lights
Of red and green and blue and white
And every kind of coloured bauble
Short and long, large and small
Candy canes and bows adorn it
And myriad forms of other trinkets
This wonder easily catches the eye
Of every busy passer by
Who simply marvel at the sight
With open mouthed delight
Who before they continue on their way
Have to wipe a tear away
But it’s not the tree reaching to the sky
That brings a tear to the eye
But the parcels of every shape and size
A festive feast for weary eyes
A testament to people’s generosity
Sitting beneath this wondrous tree
Such a generous response to the endeavour
Thank God for those who know the answer
When want and need begs the question
Praise be to those who never forget
With hearts so full of Christmas spirit
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 6
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the castle
Not a soul was stirring not even the rascal
And the reason for all the silence within
Was an over indulgence of wine and gin
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – THE REAL ST NICK
Kate (Torrey Devitto), a pretty psychiatrist is saved from an accident during an earthquake by a man who, after hitting his head on a rock, believes he is Santa Claus.
She has him admitted to the clinic where she works and begins to nurse him back to health.
He soon "infects" everyone in the ward with the spirit of Christmas.
This may be considered as corny, predictable, holiday fare but it is very watchable nonetheless.
Jack (Kenneth Choi) as one of patients who thinks he's Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." Steals the show though and brings the movie above the mundane.
KING CANUTE
During the reign of King Canute, A thousand years ago decreed that Christmas should last for a month.
Beginning on December 13th, the feast of St. Lucia and ending on January 13th, St. Canute's Day.
BRIGHTEST TIME
At Christmas time
There is only one thing
Brighter than the Christmas lights
And that is the magical look
On a child’s face
Full of wonder and delight
STAR BOYS
The ancient tradition of “star boys” who now often accompanied the Lucia dates back to the time when boys went from door to door playing tricks, singing and begging for money to celebrate the winter solstice.
SANTA’S TOYS
When Santa was a boy
No bigger than an elf
He was in the workshop
Making toys himself
But he has no time now
For making his own toys
Because he’s out delivering
To all the girls and boys
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 25 - WINTER WONDERLAND
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty fifth selection.
Winter Wonderland
Music Written By Felix Bernard
Lyrics Written By Richard B. Smith
Performed By Darlene Love
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.
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.
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.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1932 b
While King George V was delivering his Christmas dinner speech his chair collapsed.
OH GOD TO YOU WE PRAY
Oh God to you we pray
To let peace on earth come our way
Oh God to you we pray
Would that we could have our way
Oh God grant this day
That peace on earth will come our way
Oh God we hear you say
That peace on earth will come our way
If we could from this day
Just live Christmas every day
Inspired by Helen Steiner Rice (1900-1981)
LUCIA PATRON SAINT OF
St Lucia of Syracuse is the patron saint of authors, blind people, blindness, cutlers, dysentery, eye disease, eye problems, fire, glaziers, hemorrhages, laborers, martyrs, notaries
Peasants, peddlers Perugia Italy, saddlers, salesmen, servant girls
Stained glass workers, scribes, Syracuse Sicily, tailors, throat infections, virgins,
Weavers and writers.
OH MY PRETTY LITTLE ELFIN FACED GIRL (PART TWO)
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
In green woolly tights and pixie shoes
Please notice me beneath the mistletoe
And kiss away my Christmas blues
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
I wish you would grant my Christmas wish
But it appears that I wish in vain
For you don’t even know that I exist
So I stand alone with my Christmas punch
Looking out at the fresh fallen snow
When I see your elfin face smile at me
And you’re holding a sprig of mistletoe
LUCY’S BREAKFAST
On the morning of December 13th, the eldest daughter in the household is dressed in a white dress with a red sash and a wreath with four lighted candles on her head.
She must carry a breakfast of coffee, gingerbread cookies and sun-colored saffron buns to her parents in their bedroom.
She is followed by her sisters also dressed in white carrying lighted candles and her brothers called "star boys" wearing tall pointed caps.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 18 ONCE IN ROYAL DAVIDS CITY
Once in Royal David’s City
Lyrics by Cecil Frances Alexander and Music by Henry John Gauntlett
Once in royal David’s city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby,
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little Child.
He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall:
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.
For He is our childhood's pattern;
Day by day, like us, He grew;
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles, like us He knew;
And He cares when we are sad,
And he shares when we are glad.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that Child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above:
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1868 b
The Ezo Republic was founded in Hokkaido by Shogunate rebels.
MOTHER CHRISTMAS, THANKS
Mums make Christmas
Only they can
That is a fact of life
Her mission is simple
Every year
Recreating the day
Christmas for her
Holidays for her
Require of her to
Illuminate the season
Supply an army
Trim and decorate
Make and manufacture
Aid and assist
Sustain and nourish
Thank her
Honour her
Assist her
Neglect her not
Kids and spouses
Should respect her
CAROLS BY CANDLE LIGHT
Christmas is a time
Of many traditions
Like carol singing
With candle lit processions
But not anymore
A years old tradition
Has to had to go
For fear of litigation
“Health and safety”
So gets on my wick
As this year we had
Carols by glow stick
ST LUCIA’S DAY MIRACLES
It is believed that on the eve of St Lucia’s day that miracles occur at the stroke of midnight.
Anyone awake at the midnight hour might hear animals speaking or observe running water turned into wine.
SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT
Silent night, holy night
Such a sweet carol
Neither rousing nor stirring
But moving and inspiring
A carol to unite in adoration
A song to touch the soul
Poignant and joyous
Holy music at its most powerful
Simple and unpretentious
LAST CHRISTMAS
Last Christmas
We got the winter vomiting virus
It wasn’t nice
And it was shared by all of us
It was the worst
We didn’t see much Christmas cheer
I tell you one thing
We’ve just asked for money this year
Sunday 20 November 2016
Stocking Stuffers # 6
OH MY PRETTY LITTLE ELFIN FACED GIRL (PART ONE)
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
In green woolly tights and pixie shoes
I’ve admired you from a distance
Where your smile melts away my blues
I watched you bloom in the spring
And bask in the warm summer glow
Then dressed in russet colours of autumn
And all the year I’ve felt my love grow
Now winter is here and Christmas is near
Oh how I long to kiss your sweet lips so
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
I pray I meet you beneath the mistletoe
MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS GIFT
My favourite Christmas gift
Costs nothing it’s free
It’s the overflowing gift of joy
I get from my family
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 7
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the Hotel
There were creatures emitting a terrible smell
And the cause of the awful pungent aroma
Was an octogenarian party from Cromer
BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY # 6
On Christmas day 1908 Quentin Crisp, gay author and activist for homosexuals was born while fellow author Carlos Castaneda arrived in 1925.
Rod Serling scriptwriter and the host of The Twilight Zone was born Christmas day 1924 and in 1913 it was Henri Nannen, journalist and publisher.
SANTA SHOWS THE WAY
Several years ago in a small town in Pennsylvania a paramedic responded to help a motorist who had suffered a heart attack.
When he arrived on scene he noticed a man in a Santa suit directing traffic around the area of the incident.
He later discovered it was a firefighter who had been playing Santa at a children's party and came upon the accident on his way home.
CHRISTMAS PASSED
I miss my dad, I miss my mum
And my brother now he’s gone
But though we are forever apart
They live on still in my heart
Through every special memory
Of the time they shared with me
So although they have gone away
They will be with me on Christmas day
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – JOYEUX NOËL
Joyeux Noël portrays a small part of the historic events of Christmas Eve 1914 when numerous sections of the Western Front called an informal, and unauthorized, truce where the French, German and British front-line soldiers of the conflict met peacefully in No Man's Land.
The film shines a light on the rare window of peace when men met to share a precious pause in the hostilities to exchange mementoes and sing Christmas songs.
The short respite when humanity briefly returned to the battle scarred land was soon at an end but this film portrays events beautifully.
GANNA
Christmas in Ethiopia is known as Ganna and as the orthodox Ethiopian church uses the old Julian calendar and is celebrated on January 7th.
The most spiritual place experience a traditional Ganna is in Lalibela, which was built by King Lalibela in the 12th century as Ethiopia's own Jerusalem.
Pilgrims travel for days to attend colorful Ganna ceremonies in one of the thirteen ancient churches carved from solid volcanic rock.
In the rest of the country and particularly in the capital Addis Adaba the celebration takes place in modern churches that are designed in three concentric circles.
Men and boys have to sit separately from the girls and the women and the choir sings from the outside circle.
As the People enter the churches they receive candles and after lighting them everyone walks around the church three times.
Once people take their places they then stand throughout the mass, which can last as long as three hours
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 26 - HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty sixth selection.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Written By Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Performed By Judy Garland
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be
Out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yule-tide gay
Next year all our troubles will be
Miles away
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us once more
Someday soon, we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
TWO THOUSAND YEARS HAVE PASSED
Two thousand years have passed
Since you died on that cross of pain
Dying for our salvation
Which began your holy reign
Two thousand years have passed
And when Christmas comes again
We will celebrate the day of you birth
Which began your holy reign
TASKING
Folklore surrounding St Lucia suggests that unfinished tasks should be completed by St Lucia’s day such as the grain from the year's harvest should be threshed and all spinning, weaving, cleaning and decorating.
CHRISTMAS PIG
In preparation for Christmas farmers slaughter the Christmas pig on St. Lucy's Day.
GROTTOS GO LEGAL
Santa’s little helpers, the first contacts,
Have all been given revised contracts
They will be known by the Santa Claus’s
From this year on as subordinate clauses
TOMTEN
The Victor Rydberg poem, "Tomten," is always read at the Lucia Fest of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 17 IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Written by Edmund Sears
From heavens all gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay
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.
NORTHERN LIGHTS
We have just learned
Candles may not be burned
In Santa’s workshop
The practise has to stop
A spokesman claims
That elfin safety is to blame
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM THE PACIFIC
Hawaii
Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou
New Zealand (Maori)
Meri Kirihimete
Papua New Guinea
Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu
Philippines
Maligayan Pasko
Philippines (Tagalog)
Maligayamg Pasko
Masaganang Bagong Taon
Samoa
La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1901
The Boers launched a surprise attack against the British forces in the Orange-Free state at the Battle at Tweefontein.
CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WORKHOUSE # 2
It’s Christmas day in the workhouse
In a typical parish establishment
Full of the inebriated and the loose
She we should have a Christmas goose
DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?
What would you call a man?
With a big belly and no dress sense
Who never replies to your letters
A man that’s too lazy to shave
And is obsessed with stockings,
Who can only be relied upon for one day a year
Will never stop to ask for directions
A man who only owns one suit
Never gets you the present you asked for
And needs to be rewarded with food and drink
Oh and always leaves the dirty dishes
Well what do you think? Could be any man alive eh?
So what would you call this man?
I would call him Santa
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
In green woolly tights and pixie shoes
I’ve admired you from a distance
Where your smile melts away my blues
I watched you bloom in the spring
And bask in the warm summer glow
Then dressed in russet colours of autumn
And all the year I’ve felt my love grow
Now winter is here and Christmas is near
Oh how I long to kiss your sweet lips so
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
I pray I meet you beneath the mistletoe
MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS GIFT
My favourite Christmas gift
Costs nothing it’s free
It’s the overflowing gift of joy
I get from my family
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 7
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the Hotel
There were creatures emitting a terrible smell
And the cause of the awful pungent aroma
Was an octogenarian party from Cromer
BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY # 6
On Christmas day 1908 Quentin Crisp, gay author and activist for homosexuals was born while fellow author Carlos Castaneda arrived in 1925.
Rod Serling scriptwriter and the host of The Twilight Zone was born Christmas day 1924 and in 1913 it was Henri Nannen, journalist and publisher.
SANTA SHOWS THE WAY
Several years ago in a small town in Pennsylvania a paramedic responded to help a motorist who had suffered a heart attack.
When he arrived on scene he noticed a man in a Santa suit directing traffic around the area of the incident.
He later discovered it was a firefighter who had been playing Santa at a children's party and came upon the accident on his way home.
CHRISTMAS PASSED
I miss my dad, I miss my mum
And my brother now he’s gone
But though we are forever apart
They live on still in my heart
Through every special memory
Of the time they shared with me
So although they have gone away
They will be with me on Christmas day
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – JOYEUX NOËL
Joyeux Noël portrays a small part of the historic events of Christmas Eve 1914 when numerous sections of the Western Front called an informal, and unauthorized, truce where the French, German and British front-line soldiers of the conflict met peacefully in No Man's Land.
The film shines a light on the rare window of peace when men met to share a precious pause in the hostilities to exchange mementoes and sing Christmas songs.
The short respite when humanity briefly returned to the battle scarred land was soon at an end but this film portrays events beautifully.
GANNA
Christmas in Ethiopia is known as Ganna and as the orthodox Ethiopian church uses the old Julian calendar and is celebrated on January 7th.
The most spiritual place experience a traditional Ganna is in Lalibela, which was built by King Lalibela in the 12th century as Ethiopia's own Jerusalem.
Pilgrims travel for days to attend colorful Ganna ceremonies in one of the thirteen ancient churches carved from solid volcanic rock.
In the rest of the country and particularly in the capital Addis Adaba the celebration takes place in modern churches that are designed in three concentric circles.
Men and boys have to sit separately from the girls and the women and the choir sings from the outside circle.
As the People enter the churches they receive candles and after lighting them everyone walks around the church three times.
Once people take their places they then stand throughout the mass, which can last as long as three hours
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 26 - HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty sixth selection.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Written By Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Performed By Judy Garland
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be
Out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yule-tide gay
Next year all our troubles will be
Miles away
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us once more
Someday soon, we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
TWO THOUSAND YEARS HAVE PASSED
Two thousand years have passed
Since you died on that cross of pain
Dying for our salvation
Which began your holy reign
Two thousand years have passed
And when Christmas comes again
We will celebrate the day of you birth
Which began your holy reign
TASKING
Folklore surrounding St Lucia suggests that unfinished tasks should be completed by St Lucia’s day such as the grain from the year's harvest should be threshed and all spinning, weaving, cleaning and decorating.
CHRISTMAS PIG
In preparation for Christmas farmers slaughter the Christmas pig on St. Lucy's Day.
GROTTOS GO LEGAL
Santa’s little helpers, the first contacts,
Have all been given revised contracts
They will be known by the Santa Claus’s
From this year on as subordinate clauses
TOMTEN
The Victor Rydberg poem, "Tomten," is always read at the Lucia Fest of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 17 IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Written by Edmund Sears
From heavens all gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay
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.
NORTHERN LIGHTS
We have just learned
Candles may not be burned
In Santa’s workshop
The practise has to stop
A spokesman claims
That elfin safety is to blame
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM THE PACIFIC
Hawaii
Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou
New Zealand (Maori)
Meri Kirihimete
Papua New Guinea
Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu
Philippines
Maligayan Pasko
Philippines (Tagalog)
Maligayamg Pasko
Masaganang Bagong Taon
Samoa
La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1901
The Boers launched a surprise attack against the British forces in the Orange-Free state at the Battle at Tweefontein.
CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WORKHOUSE # 2
It’s Christmas day in the workhouse
In a typical parish establishment
Full of the inebriated and the loose
She we should have a Christmas goose
DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?
What would you call a man?
With a big belly and no dress sense
Who never replies to your letters
A man that’s too lazy to shave
And is obsessed with stockings,
Who can only be relied upon for one day a year
Will never stop to ask for directions
A man who only owns one suit
Never gets you the present you asked for
And needs to be rewarded with food and drink
Oh and always leaves the dirty dishes
Well what do you think? Could be any man alive eh?
So what would you call this man?
I would call him Santa
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