For many, the very mention of Christmas evokes a sense of celebration—a time to indulge and revel. Often, it’s synonymous with lavish spending on things that promise joy and gratification. Yet, happiness and pleasure take on countless meanings depending on who you ask. In my youth, however, the pinnacle of festive delight was delightfully simple: a steaming plate of rice crowned with tender beef or chicken, followed by the sweet, fizzy luxury of bottle of Fanta—a dessert so perfect, it felt like a royal indulgence then.
The word Christmas traces its roots to two Old English terms: Cristes and Mæsse. Cristes refers to Christ, a name derived from the Greek word Christos, meaning “anointed one,” which in turn translates to “Messiah” in Hebrew. Mæsse, on the other hand, originates from the Latin word missa, signifying “mass” or “the celebration of the Eucharist.” Together, these words encapsulate the essence of Christmas: the sacred celebration of the anointed Savior.
Celebration, therefore, lies at the very heart of Christmas, but it is no ordinary festivity—it is a joyous recognition of the birth of the Anointed One. This is a celebration set apart, one that calls for deep reverence and heartfelt honor for the One at the center of it all. It is a time to lift our hearts in gratitude and awe, reflecting the profound significance of Christ’s arrival into the world.
One of the most cherished traditions of Christmas is the singing of carols—festive songs or hymns that beautifully capture the spirit of the season. Rooted in the story of the Nativity, carols celebrate themes of peace, goodwill, and the joy of Christ’s birth. Whether sung in the hallowed halls of churches, the warmth of homes, or the lively buzz of public squares, these timeless melodies have brought people together for centuries, spreading hope and unity through their heartfelt tunes and powerful messages.
In many cultures, caroling is a beloved tradition where groups of singers go door to door, spreading the festive spirit through song. The heart of this practice lies in the joy and goodwill it brings, not in the expectation of material rewards. However, in some regions, it is customary for listeners to express their appreciation with small tokens—perhaps a warm cup of tea, cocoa, or coffee, a few cookies, or even a modest gift. For some, monetary gestures also serve as a way to honor the effort and cheer carolers bring. Many readers may recall the scene from Mr. Bean, where a group of carolers performs outside his home, only to be rudely met with a slammed door.
The tradition of Christmas carols boasts a rich history, with its origins tracing back to the 4th century. One of the earliest contributors was the Archbishop of Milan, Ambrose, who composed hymns linked to the celebration of Christmas, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the carols we know today. By the 15th century, the tradition had gained momentum in England. In 1426, John Awdlay, an English clergyman, documented a collection of twenty-five “caroles of Cristemas”. These songs were likely performed by groups of well-wishers traveling from house to house, spreading festive cheer—a practice that continues to this day.
Some of the most beloved Christmas carols include timeless classics such as “Silent Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Joy to the World.” Lesser-known yet equally beautiful are gems like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night,” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Interestingly, “Jingle Bells,” a lively tune composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, is widely embraced as a Christmas carol despite lacking explicit Christmas lyrics. Originally titled “The One Horse Open Sleigh,” the song captures the thrill of a snowy sleigh ride, and its jubilant melody has made it synonymous with the festive season. Its association with Christmas is further cemented by the fact that, in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas falls during the heart of winter—a time of frosty fun and cozy celebrations that the song vividly evokes.
The timeless carol “Silent Night” first emerged in 1816, born from the inspiration of Joseph Mohr, a young Catholic priest, as he reflected on the tranquil beauty of the Austrian countryside. The lyrics, originally penned as a poem titled “Stille Nacht” in German, captured the peace and hope of the Nativity story. On Christmas Eve in 1818, Mohr sought to bring his poem to life with music for the Midnight Mass at St. Nicholas Church. However, the church organ was reportedly broken—some say due to rodent damage, though this remains a matter of debate.
Determined to proceed, Mohr turned to his friend Franz Xaver Gruber, the church organist and a schoolteacher, asking him to compose a melody that could be performed with guitar accompaniment. Rising to the challenge, Gruber created a simple yet soul-stirring tune perfectly suited to Mohr’s heartfelt lyrics. That evening, December 24th, 1818, the two performed “Silent Night” for the very first time, with Mohr on guitar and both singing in harmony. The congregation of St. Nicholas Church experienced this serene and poignant debut in a humble setting, unaware that they were witnessing the birth of a carol that would resonate across the world for generations.