Christmas carols and hymns are one aspect of the holiday season that never fails to lift the spirits and they require no baking, no tree stands, and no extension cords. There is a large body of well-known Christmas songs that are perennial favorites and there are many more that are new to many people every year. Clay Aiken has introduced many lesser-known, but wonderful Christmas carols and songs to his fans throughout the last few years.
Did you know……..
There is a distinction between a Christmas carol and a Christmas song. A Christmas Carol has a fairly rapid, regular beat, which would, therefore, exclude a meandering, crooning song such as “White Christmas”. A choir can often sing Christmas carols, but this is not the case for pop music.- The world’s most famous Christmas carol is “Silent Night”.
- “Jingle Bells” was originally named, “ One-Horse Open Sleigh”, and was written for Thanksgiving, not for Christmas.
- Charles Dickens story, “A Christmas Carol”, is the world’s most read Christmas story.
- In 2003, the Austrian Trade Union Federation, representing 100,000 workers, claimed that the non-stop playing of Christmas carols in shopping malls was “psychological terror.”
“The Christmas Waltz” is a modern Christmas song. The lyrics are by Sammy Cahn and the music is by Jule Styne. It is a good example of a modern secular Christmas song. This song describes the wonderful joy of the season without necessarily being religious. “The Christmas Waltz” has been reprised by many singers including Frank Sinatra and the Carpenters. Clay Aiken recorded this song on his EP, All Is Well.
The Christmas Waltz
Frosted window panes
Candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa’s on his way,
He’s filled his sleigh
With things, things for you and for me
It’s that time of year
When the world falls in love
Every song you hear
Seems to say
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true
And this song of mine
In three quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true
And this song of mine
In three quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too
Merry Christmas to you
Thanks for the interesting info about Christmas carols.
I love Clay's Christmas Waltz. He adds life to the song and it's really wonderful.
Well…I learned lots today…thanks Musicfan….I love everything "Christmas" that Clay sings….Once you hear his version, it's hard to listen to the same song with another artist…It just is. I find myself comparing, which I shouldn't, but it's just true…I heard "Mary Did You Know" by another artist the other day, and they absolutely ruined the song. It's been wonderful seeing all the spins on the radio of Clay this Christmas. No one sings Christmas songs better.
thank you music fan i sure do love every christmas song that clay sings once you hear clay singing christmas carols you think theres no one can sing a christmas song like our clay does i was hearing the radio on saturday and i herd anther singer sing mary did you know and yuck it was not as amazing as when clay sings that and no one sings christmas songs better then clay aiken
Guess I never stopped to think about the difference between a Christmas Carol and a Christmas song. To me Christmas, music and Clay are a natural fit. My favorite Clay Christmas song is OH. He brings such life and power into that song.
I always did wonder what the difference was between a Christmas Carol and a Christmas Song. I guess you answered my question. Thank You! I loved the version of Christmas Waltz Clay did on the JNT05. He kind of click his fingers and all the music stopped. It was magic. I have just been watching some of my d/l's of the JNT05 and The Christmas In The Heartland…and they are definitely works of art. I went to the JNT05 and my youngest granddaughter was intrigued by it. Always love your articles.
Thank you for this article. I did not know there is a difference between a Christmas song and a carol. I love Clay singing the Christmas Waltz as well as all the others he does. He is just the best to me.
I love the arrangement of Clay's version of "The Christmas Waltz."
WOW…..you always post something that makes me learn something!! Thank you!!
I don't even care what the song is, as long as Clay is singing!!!