Favourite Christmas songs or carols

I love this version of White Christmas.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV3JtL2iPxU

Lovely, Maniac!

www.gitikapartington.com/2012/12/04/the-partington-family-singers-deck the halls/

A last attempt to send our family version of 'Deck the Halls' 1970 vintage

the halls/

Happy singing,Happy Christmas

artygran I agree about in The bleak midwinter its best with the Harold Darke tune.
I have also just done a Bob Chilcott version "Midwinter" which is a lovely gentle tune.

Mishap Daisy Bethlehem Down is wonderful. Also The Three Kings! Peter Cornelius .

I also go for "Lo he comes with clouds ascending." You can't beat a good Charles Wesley hymn! with a chorus.

Oh dear yes, I wouldn't inflict that kind of 'singing' even on the prime minister.

Rachel and Becky have made a programme about winter traditions so Tar Barrels In Dale should be featured. Not something I'd heard of but am fascinated by these old traditions. Something else to put on my tick list.

I heard that too.....it was DIRE

I saw a clip of the switching on of the lights outside No.10 - they had a couple of participants (?winners!!) of some TV talent show who then sang a carol - it was truly appalling!!! - and even DC looked as though he might be sick!

One of the sweetest sounds is listening to little ones trying out the words of Christmas songs they have heard. I was listening to my barely 2-year old great nephew singing to himself the words of Away in a Manger as he played with a toy train.
It really touched me that he had so many of the words and the tune was carried so well

Hearing the Salvation Army Band playing Carols always moves me. The original Band Aid 'Do they know it's Christmas' does it for me.

Tar Barrel in Dale ( new year really) The Unthanks

Does anyone remember 'Like silver lamps on a distant shrine the stars are sparkling bright'? I haven't heard it for years.Used to sing it as a child.

Thanks for the reminder of 'Bethlehem Down' Mishap - it's beautiful. There's a medieval English carol called 'Hail Mary full of grace' that I love. One Christmas a few years ago I couldn't find the cassette tape I had with 'Hail Mary' on it. I gave up and went and turned on the radio. 'Hail Mary full of grace' was being broadcast at that moment - an amazing coincidence.

I so agree, Mishap - the disco style carols that emanate from the Round Table's Santa Sleigh (due any time now) turns me into Scrooge. I once told the collector that I disliked their noise pollution but don't think he understood me. OK - not quite Scrooge: I do give them a donation and hope they'll move on quickly. Bah, humbug!

I hate - "popped up" carols played in supermarkets and shopping centres - yukk and double yukk!!

I love - Bethlehem Down by Peter Warlock - sad in places but the harmonies are magic. And West Gallery carols that are still sung in pubs round the north of England - a good lusty sound intended for a motley crew of singers and players - Sweet Chiming Bells, Hail Smiling Morn etc. Live music that is genuine and not messed about with - wonderful!

Did anyone see Rod Stewart's Christmas Party at Stirling Castle shown on the box last night? He managed to turn every carol or Christmas song into a dirge and sang, what I can only think is the American version of Silent Night and to end murdered Auld Lang Syne. His biggest crime however was that he had Nichola Benedettie, Kylie Minogue and Michael Buble as guests and they were each permitted one duet with Rod - nothing on their own, what a waste of top talent. He also had backing singers, child singers, full orchestra, backing group and pipers. DH took great exception to the Celtic Football Club logo on the drummer's kit.

We watched because we can see the Castle from our house and, indeed, were rewarded by panoramic views from the Castle showing our hills and the lights of the village but otherwise what an expensive farce!

I give up!!!!

That didn't work .Try partington family singers or scroll down on
Partington's Blog

We've had no mention of carols yet this year.
My DD has had a bout of nostalgia.You might enjoy the tape she dug out of our version of 'Deck the Halls' recorded over 40 yrs ago.
Family singers' -on DDs blog

'Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas' bugs me too - makes me feel like throwing up! Never did like soppy stuff though.

Really enjoy most carols and songs. Pet hate is 'Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas' which I find very patronising! Not a Cliff Richard fan but anything from Fairytale of New York to Messiah will do nicely. Given the current ad's I think I might like the new Michael Buble cd too.

Hark the Herald.

I like "risen with healing in his wings".

Like gma - once in Royal David's City' sung at the Kings College carol service broadcast live on the BBC Christmas Eve always moves me. Seems like Christmas has started. This from a pagan!

Yes, I really like your choice, NannaAnna.