In some countries, Christmas cards reach their recipients around the end of December, or are simply distributed in offices at that time. However, in France, the tradition differs, and cards are sent before Christmas, ideally around mid-December, so that those who receive them can exchange greetings...
With Christmas fast approaching, comes the stress of planning Christmas Eve. A task that no one can escape, and synonymous with running around the shops to find Christmas gifts, buy the tree, decorations, ingredients for the meal, drinks, wrapping paper, etc.
A huge hit by Elton John, for which he himself composed the music, "Step into Christmas" is now one of the favorite Christmas songs of the 21st century. However, when it was released as a single in 1973, it didn't achieve the success that had been hoped for. It took several years of airplay for it to finally become a...
Former Beatles member Paul McCartney claims to be not only the author and performer of Wonderful Christmastime, but also the only musician to play all the instruments featured in this Christmas song. Recorded in 1979, it had little success in the United States, but in McCartney's home country, it still managed to…
In 1984, while watching a report on the American television network BBC, which was broadcasting images of the famine raging in Ethiopia, Midge Ure, rock guitarist, singer and songwriter, was suddenly inspired. Wanting to raise funds to help the Ethiopian population, he appealed to…
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas was popularized by American actor and singer Burl Ives, who was known for his impressive repertoire of songs. While he wasn't the first to perform this song, his version was the only one to achieve enormous success, and it was still being played on radio during the 1930s.
Edmund Sears, pastor of the Unitarium Church, claims to be the author of this old Christmas carol, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. The lyrics, composed in 1849, in both poem and song form, are said to have originated from one or two melodies, although the true authorship is unknown. However, we do know...
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year was composed in 1963 by Edward Pola, composer, actor, and television producer, and George Wyle, conductor and composer. The latter is well known for having written the theme song for the popular 1960s series, Gilligan's Island. The lyrics of the song…
A yearned for by billions of children, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, at least for those whose religion respects this tradition. Assuming that it should celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus, many would tend to believe that it has always been a Christian holiday. However, the Nativity, since such is its…
Christmas is a time of joy, rejoicing, reunions, and festivities, but also of worrying about choosing gifts. Holiday shopping, that inevitable chore that almost becomes a puzzle to solve, can nevertheless be very easy when you have a list in advance. Since there are some gifts that make...
Every year, billions of people around the world celebrate Christmas, but few celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus. Set on December 25, this date is purely conventional, as historically speaking, the day and year of Jesus of Nazareth's birth are not known. Even the…
Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world, and while some traditions are common to all countries, others are unique to each. Let's take a quick look around the world to discover each country's customs. In Germany, the Christmas tree is only decorated on December 24th, and it's the children...
One of the late Elvis Presley's biggest Christmas hits, Blue Christmas has long been a staple of traditional country songs played during the holiday season. However, while many believe he was the first to perform it, others have preceded him. That honor belongs to Doye O'Dell, a country singer from…
Composed by the Reverend John Henry Hopkins Jr., "Wee Three Kings" is of Christian origin and refers to the Three Wise Men who came to offer their gifts to the baby Jesus on Christmas Day. Possibly dating from 1857, there is very little information about this ancient Christmas carol, like all…
Santa Claus If there is one symbol often associated with Christmas, it is Santa Claus, who was inspired by Saint Nicholas. We must go back to the 17th century to trace his origins. It is believed that German or Dutch immigrants brought this character to the United States. Certainly, in those distant times,…
Although Greensleeves was not originally a Christmas carol, it has since been revived and renamed What Child is This. According to history, it first appeared in manuscript form, written in honor of a lady with green sleeves named Anne Boleyn. Its title is said to come from…
Written in 1941, this Christmas carol, inspired by a 20th-century Czech lullaby, The Little Drummer Boy, was written by a teacher and classical composer named Katherine K. Davis. Originally titled Carol of the Drum, it was intended for an amateur choir composed solely of…
What a headache it is to have to choose a Christmas gift that will please the recipient! Year after year, this problem resurfaces, causing many an uproar. This year, to make things easier for you, here is a list of gift suggestions, chosen from among the best and most affordable. Teenagers Let's start with the...
