Doris Day (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)This in a tradition that goes back through the centuries as far as the middle ages.
This being caused by the believe of those who stuck firm to the notion that since Christmas was not mentioned in the bible; it ought not to be celebrated; as doing so would be an act of sin.
Christmas music now a days can be for the most part divided in to two categories; they being carols and songs, with carols concentrating on the religious side of Christmas and all that has to do with the birth of Christ, such as the virgin Mary, the town of Bethlehem, angels and the star which guided the three wise men to the place of Jesus' birth.
It is songs like these that make for a quit evening at home, perhaps around a fireplace, if one happens to have one though I am reminded of my youth in New York.
All the time showing nothing on the screen but a fireplace with one burning log.
It however seemed strange to me that after watching the log burning for sometime; I started to get a feeling of warmth which no doubt must have been created by my mind as it is highly doubtful that the TV set would have radiated more heat because of this image.
All of which includes the need to plan how we will spend this day along with the shopping done; in more often then not crowed stores, as we look for bargains or that perfect gift for that certain someone.
Where carols focus on the religious side of Christmas, songs do so on all the rest that is connected to this time of year, which includes the commercial angles of shopping and decorations plus the sentimental side of Christmas that makes people come together.
It is songs such as these that have contributed perhaps even more then carols to Christmas being so vastly celebrated through out the world.
Christmas songs can also be very good for bringing out the joy of giving presents or receiving them as well as being close to one's loved ones; weather they be our children or parents or just that special romantic relationship; one may be involved in at the time of Christmas.
In a way where little other then each other's society is required.
As for myself, I have always enjoyed listening to such songs with my wife in a romantic setting where our tree of the season is never out of sight.
"Jingle Bells" actually was not originally released as a Christmas song but a pop song about winter which for the reason that most countries in the north celebrate this time of year during their cold months has come to be considered as a Christmas song.
"Jingle Bells" however is not the only song to become popular during Christmas simply because it makes reference to the snow and cold to be found in most of the northern countries as "Baby, It's Cold Outside" or "Let It Snow" or "Winter Wonderland" do likewise whilst also failing to use the words Christmas or even Santa Claus.
This song can also be found on the Christmas album by "The Three Tenors".
"Last Christmas" by the pop group "Wham" perhaps is a perfect example of how such feelings are not being kept out of this kind music which tries to cater to feelings that might arise during this most special time of the year.
As for my taste when it comes to such romantic Christmas songs, it leans toward the ones recorded so many years ago by those now legendary performers, like Dean Martin (real name Dino Crocetti and who incidentally died on December 25, 1995), Doris Day, Bing Crosby and who could forget Frank Sinatra, "the voice".
Christmas perhaps most of all is enjoyed by children as to them everything is new and the presents they get are of most importance to them then anybody else and it is for them that some songs have been specially written.
Of course, there are a variety of songs for this time of year; some of which are simply about Christmas partying such as Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" or Slade's "Merry Xmas Everybody".
However in this that be music of the season, John Lennon also contributed a song called "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" which undoubtedly captures the ideas of this time of year while throwing a bit of a political view as it makes reference to American participation in what become known as the Vietnam War.
First with Sarah Brightman and then with his fellow tenors, Carreras and Pavarotti.
For instance "Silent Night" (composed by Mohr and Gruber) comes to us from Austria and because of this we can imagine that it was originally written in
German; as is the case.
If for no other reason then just to see how they differ from those in our own countries.
When it comes to Christmas songs, they not only are not limited by international boundaries but by musical styles as songs of the season have been covered from artist as diverse as "The 3 Tenors", McCartney, Lennon, Slade, Brian Adams, Steve Vai, Kenny G, Kenny Rogers in styles of music that include country,
disco and recently even hip-hop.
In conclusion I would say there is no denying the influence Christmas has had on music as there is no denying the same for what music has meant to Christmas, for what would be this season without those songs we grew up with? Songs which we perhaps sang in school, which will last forever as will this day, therefore
it is with this in mind that I suggest to all who enjoy Christmas not to exclude those songs and carols which like the tree itself will bring to our homes that spirit of giving which is so abundant during this time of year known as Christmas.
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