Christmas History

 Christmas Songs, Christmas Traditions

Christmas music is perhaps one of the best known associations to Christmas traditions. After all, who doesn't know Jingle Bells or Silent Night?

Just hearing these Christmas oldies lightens the mood and brings back fond memories of Christmas past.

While song and dance have long been elements or various celebrations, Christmas songs seem to have a particularly strong hold on those celebrating the season. Many people look back with fond memories on the times spent celebrating the Christmas season with caroling and sing-alongs.

Some of the most popular Christmas songs come from times when the world was in crisis. I’ll be Home for Christmas is one such song written and recorded during World War II.  It became popular as it touched hearts of those who were separated from their families during the crisis.

Another song that cropped up during that era was White Christmas which in now considered one of the most famous and well known Christmas songs of all time.

These songs became Christmas traditions for families, particularly during times of war or extenuating circumstances that kept families apart.

Other Christmas music is more faith based in its origins.  Originally, the German Christmas hymn, "Stille Nacht,” Silent Night, Holy Night is a much loved Christmas traditions for many Christian families.

It is believed that there are more than 300 translations of this Christmas song worldwide. Away in a Manger is another classic family Christmas tradition.  Originally published in 1885 in a Lutheran Sunday school book, the author of this classic is unknown.  Its words and melody, however, live on.