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 8 years.
Did you know…
1. 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”. Christmas carols can often be sung by a choir, but this is not the case for pop music.
2. The world’s most famous Christmas carol is “Silent Night”.
3. “Jingle Bells” was originally named, “One-Horse Open Sleigh”, and was written for Thanksgiving, not for Christmas.
4. Charles Dickens’s story, “A Christmas Carol”, is the world’s most read Christmas story.
5. 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
On December 19th, 2007, Clay visited Minneapolis, MN. The “Christmas Waltz” was a great part of the evening.
Have you ever heard Clay Aiken sing The Christmas Waltz in concert?
I love Clay's version of A Christmas Waltz. Thanks for a great video. (and I have to say that this is one of my favorite Clay looks, very handsome!) 🙂
A Christmas Waltz is a feel good song and I love the way Clay sings it.
PLEASE,CLAY…we need a Christmas tour next year!!
Thanks for the info.
WOW………love the holiday banner and background.
This site is the BEST!!
Me too. Very beautiful!
I have always loved how he sang The Christmas Waltz. I especially liked how he did it in the JNT5. The one where he had the different little stories. That was an awesome show. I hope Clay can put out another Christmas Album and tour next year.
I loved watching Clay sing The Christmas Waltz. In my opinion, Clay is the best at singing any Christmas carol or song. Thank you for writing about the difference between the two, because I did not know there was one. I am hoping we will see a new Christmas cd and concert next year.