Christmas Carols

[Debbie Jean]

I think Silent Night is my favorite, because it brings back 2 of the most indelible memories of my life. I do a cut and paste from 2 different chapters of my autobiography here:

#1. I think our time at the lake was the only time growing up that we didn’t have our normal Christmas. That was at the time Dad & Mom split. Even with mom working 2 jobs plus getting child support, we didn't have very much money. I don’t think we had gifts or a tree then. Mom tried her best to “make do” with what we had. I remember that Mom had a beautiful singing voice, and she would sing Christmas carols to us kids after we were tucked into our beds. I remember specifically “silent night”, her rendition was so hauntingly beautiful that it alternately brought “shivers” to my skin and then tears to my eyes!

#2. Sadly, Larry was killed (in Vietnam) about 2 years after graduation. I was one of the pall bearers at his funeral. I took that quite hard. I and a couple of Larry’s other friends also scuffled with some anti-war protestors/demonstrators who were harassing us at the cemetery. That was quite common at military funerals back then. In some circles, Vietnam was a controversial and unpopular war. Fortunately there were several cops there who separated us, and restored calm. The service was at a small chapel out at the cemetery. They sang Christmas carols at the service. It wasn’t until many years after that I was able to enjoy, much less sing, “silent night”.

This brings up an interesting question though. How come they are called "carols" rather than songs or hymns?

hugs,
Deb

[Bernice]

For 25 year or more, every Christmas eve, I would audition the Mannheim Steamroller "Silent Night" before going to sleep. Not this year. No idea why.

In terms of actual carols, "Lo how a rose e'er blooming" is another favorite.

Hugs,

Bernice