Monday, December 1, 2008

Caroling Advent

Thanksgiving was sweet. I baked rolls and our friends took care of the rest. All we had to do this year was show up, which was good considering Dave's post-call nap I had to wake him up from just before the feast. It was a sunny day.

Welcome to a not too sunny December 1st. On days like this I can keep the Christmas tree lights on all day for extra cheer through our window.

One of my favorite things about this season is song. The songs surrounding Christmas have a way of instantly connecting us with the spirit and with each other. This year I'm putting together a Caroling Advent for the count down to Christmas. Each day there will be a song and ornament to open. For this, I imagine little numbered drawstring bags (yet to be purchased or made) sitting atop the piano. I'm sure Malcolm will get a kick out of it and this new tradition will help us expand our holiday singing repertoire. Of course this idea only started to formulate Sunday afternoon - so I'll be making and putting it together as I go along this month. I'll share my ideas and make note of the progress here. If you want to do this for your own family - the fist thing to do is to make a list of 25 Christmas/Holiday Songs. Find some way to package each song for the countdown. I'm thinking this could be as easy as a paper chain. But here I go making ornaments... (I really am trying to keep things simple this year.) I'm looking forward to looking up songs I don't usually remember or songs where I don't know all the words. It will be good motivation for me to practice the piano and guitar.

Here's the list of songs I put together for this year's Caroling Advent.

1 - Away in a Manger
2 - Go, Tell it on the Mountain
3 - God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
4 - Deck the Hall
5 - The First Noel
6 - Frosty the Snowman
7 - Angels We Have Heard on High
8 - Little Drummer Boy
9 - O Little Town of Bethlehem
10- Up on the Housetop
11- Once in Royal David's City
12- Twelve Days of Christmas
13- Sleigh Ride
14- It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
15- With Wondering Awe
16- Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
17- Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains
18- Feliz Navidad
19- Jingle Bells
20- Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
21- Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful
22- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
23- O Christmas Tree
24- Silent Night
25- Joy to the World



I really, really love Sleigh Ride. What song are you most excited to start singing?

7 comments:

Natalie said...

What a fun idea! I love advent calendars! And I love Christmas songs too! I'm learning some new Christmas songs on the guitar as well and my ward even talked me into playing at our ward Christmas party- ahh! Better practice! Hope you're enjoying this wonderful Christmas season! Are you coming to Salt lake for Christmas? I would love to see you if you're ever around!

Jessie said...

What a lovely idea. I'll not be doing it, but I'll be admiring you doing it.
My favorites this year are "Go Tell It on the Mountain", and "Let It Snow" (though I'd rather it not snow at all).
Happy December!

Jen I said...

Too fun. I'll be excited to see all your creations. I got waaayyy into Christmas music this year. Keeps me peppy. (Cause peppy is so my style?) Anyway, I downloaded a ton of fun music and really, they are all peppy. I need upper music going on to boost my spirits and it seems to make everyone in the house happier. And dancier.

Anonymous said...

The Song I am Required to Sing Every Year at the Family Christmas Party: "The Hanover Winter Song"

This is just because I once pulled a barely acceptable bass-baritone voice from somewhere south of my diaphragm. It's a heckuva fun song, but not really a Christmas carol.

The Song I Love to Sing Every Year at the Family Christmas Party: O Holy Night

Because my aunt Jane harmonizes beautifully.

sarah manville gann said...

My favorite non-religious Christmas song is Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives.

My favorite religious Christmas song is also O Holy Night, just like Bill.

But you have never, never heard anything like the Hanover Christmas Song. Really.

Sarah Starr Alleman Smith said...

Jen - I love imagining your house "dancier" & I want more info on your play list - we need to download some new tunes.

Bill - I want to hear you sing the Hanover Winter Song. If I make a treat will you come over and sing it?

Jenilee said...

What a great idea. I just might use it. We made our Christmas chain yesterday, so maybe I will add some songs. Savannah would love it.