Every December British families and friends come together and sing Christmas carols. Carols are often about the birth of Jesus and the Christmas season. Since medieval times, carol singers have gone from place to place at Christmas time. The carollers sing Christmas carols for other people. In these days they also collect money for charity at the same time. If they are lucky the singers are also served drinks made from warm ale (type of beer), apples, and spices or hot chocolate.

 

The word "carol" comes from the French word "carole", which means dancing around in a circle. The tradition of carol singing dates back to medieval times, when minstrels travelled from castle to castle. In the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi introduced the tradition of singing Christmas carols to formal church services in Italy. As patron of the arts, he inspired composers and poets in England and other countries to deliver Christmas music. Between 1649 and 1660 Christmas carols and Christmas parties were however forbidden in England by the severe Protestant Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans. The Puritans wanted Christmas to be a solemn day. People were only allowed to celebrate Christmas in church. People secretly continued to sing carols but it wasn't until Victorian times that singing Christmas carols was accepted again.

 

There are a lot of very famous British Christmas carols and songs. The most famous religious carols are: "Oh come all ye faithful", "The first Noel" and "The Holly and the Ivy". The most popular non religious Christmas songs are: "We wish you a merry Christmas", "Little Drummer boy" and "The Twelve days of Christmas". Today Christmas Carols are not only a beloved tradition, but also a big business. Every Christmas season music companies try to release new compact discs with religious and secular Christmas songs.

 

"We wish you a merry Christmas" is undoubtedly one of the most famous and popular of all British Christmas songs. The author and the composer is however unknown. It is assumed that the text dates back to the sixteenth century. The song tells about the tradition of carol singing. The carollers in the song are asking for a Christmas treat -  a "figgy pudding": A figgy pudding consists of figs, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, dried fruits, ginger and cinnamon. It very much tastes like the traditional Christmas pudding. You'll find the lyrics and the music of the song as well as the recipe in the links below. In our Learner's Corner you can also have a go at our quiz about this famous Christmas song.

 

"The Christmas Carol" is not a carol, but one of the most famous Christmas stories of English literature. The story by Charles Dickens (1812-1870) tells the tale of a stingy old man called Scrooge. The miser is visited by three ghosts, who point out how mean and inhuman he is. He becomes aware of his own mistakes and changes his behaviour. "A Christmas Carol" is a beautiful story about the true meaning of Christmas.

 

There is no doubt about it – Christmas would not be the same without Christmas Carols and Christmas stories. For many people they can bring back wonderful childhood memories. Researchers even found out that the combination of carols, candles and the smell of cinnamon evoke the Christmas feeling best. You don't feel christmassy, yet? Just light some candles, enjoy the smell of cinnamon and listen to some Christmas Carols.