!CHRISTMAS stores! I saw a truck of Christmas trees And each one had a tale, The driver stood them in a row And put them up for sale. He strung some twinkly lights And hung a sign up with a nail; "FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES" It said in red "FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES FOR SALE." He poured himself hot cocoa In a steaming thermos cup, And snowflakes started falling As a family car pulled up. A mom, a dad, and one small boy Who looked no more than three Jumped out and started searching For the perfect Christmas tree. The boy marched up and down the rows, His nose high in the air; "It smells like Christmas, mom! "It smells like Christmas everywhere!" "Let's get the biggest tree we can! "A tree that's ten miles high! "A tree to go right through our roof! "A tree to touch the sky!" "A tree SO big "That Santa Claus "Will stop and stare and say, "'Now, THAT'S the finest Christmas tree "'I've seen this Christmas Day!'" It seemed they looked at every tree At least three million times; Dad shook them, pinched them, turned them 'round To find the perfect pine. "I've found it, mom! "The Christmas tree I like the best of all! "It's got a little bare spot, "But we'll turn that to the wall!" "We'll put great-grandma's angel "On top the highest bough! "Oh, can we buy it? "Please, mom, PLEASE?! "Oh, can we buy it NOW?" "How 'bout some nice hot cocoa?" Asked the man who owned the lot. He twisted off the thermos top, "Now, THIS will hit the spot!" He poured the steaming chocolate In three tiny paper cups. They toasted, "Here's to Christmas!" And they drank the cocoa up. "Is this your choice?" The tree man asked, "This pine's the best one here!" The boy seemed sad--- "My daddy says "The price is just too dear." "Then, Merry Christmas!" Said the man, who wrapped the tree in twine, "It's yours for just one promise "You must keep at Christmas time!" "On Christmas Eve at bedtime "As you fold your hands to pray, "Promise in your heart "To keep the joy of Christmas Day!" "Now hurry home! This freezy wind "Is turning your cheeks pink! "And ask your dad "To trim that trunk and give that tree a drink!" And so it went on All that blustery eve As the tree man gave Tree upon tree upon tree To every last person Who came to the lot--- Who toasted with cocoa In small paper cups, Who promised the promise Of joy in their hearts--- And singing out carols, Drove off in the dark. And when it was over One tree stood alone; But no one was left there To give it a home. The tree man put on his Red parka and hood And dragged the last Christmas tree Out to the woods. He left the pine right by a stream In the cold, So the wood's homeless creatures Could make it their home. He smiled as he brushed off Some snow from his beard, When out of the thicket A reindeer appeared. He scratched that huge reindeer On top his huge head--- "It looks like we've "Started up Christmas again!" "There are miles more to travel, "And much more to do! "Let's go home, my friend, "And get started anew!" He looked to the sky And heard jingle bells sound--- And then, In a twinkling, That tree man was gone! story 2 THE GIFT OF THE MAGI by O. Henry One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by bulldozing the grocer and the vegetable man and the butcher until one's cheeks burned with the silent imputation of parsimony that such close dealing implied. Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty- seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas. There was clearly nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl. So Della did it. Which instigates the moral reflection that life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating. While the mistress of the home is gradually subsiding from the first stage to the second, take a look at the home. A furnished flat at $8 per week. It did not exactly beggar description, but it certainly had that word on the lookout for the mendicancy squad. In the vestibule below was a letter-box into which no letter would go, and an electric button from which no mortal finger could coax a ring. Also appertaining thereunto was a card bearing the name "Mr. James Dillingham Young." The "Dillingham" had been flung to the breeze during a former period of prosperity when its possessor was being paid $30 per week. Now, when the income was shrunk to $20, though, they were thinking seriously of contracting to a modest and unassuming D. But whenever Mr. James Dillingham Young came home and reached his flat above he was called "Jim" and greatly hugged by Mrs. James Dillingham Young, already introduced to you as Della. Which is all very good. Della finished her cry and attended to her cheeks with the powder rag. She stood by the window and looked out dully at a gray cat walking a gray fence in a gray backyard. Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, and she had only $1.87 with which to buy Jim a present. She had been saving every penny she could for months, with this result. Twenty dollars a week doesn't go far. Expenses had been greater than she had calculated. They always are. Only $1.87 to buy a present for Jim. Her Jim. Many a happy hour she had spent planning for something nice for him. Something fine and rare and sterling--something just a little bit near to being worthy of the honor of being owned by Jim. There was a pier-glass between the windows of the room. Perhaps you have seen a pier-glass in an $8 flat. A very thin and very agile person may, by observing his reflection in a rapid sequence of longitudinal strips, obtain a fairly accurate conception of his looks. Della, being slender, had mastered the art. Suddenly she whirled from the window and stood before the glass. her eyes were shining brilliantly, but her face had lost its color within twenty seconds. Rapidly she pulled down her hair and let it fall to its full length. Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim's gold watch that had been his father's and his grandfather's. The other was Della's hair. Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him pluck at his beard from envy. So now Della's beautiful hair fell about her rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters. It reached below her knee and made itself almost a garment for her. And then she did it up again nervously and quickly. Once she faltered for a minute and stood still while a tear or two splashed on the worn red carpet. On went her old brown jacket; on went her old brown hat. With a whirl of skirts and with the brilliant sparkle still in her eyes, she fluttered out the door and down the stairs to the street. Where she stopped the sign read: "Mne. Sofronie. Hair Goods of All Kinds." One flight up Della ran, and collected herself, panting. Madame, large, too white, chilly, hardly looked the "Sofronie." "Will you buy my hair?" asked Della. "I buy hair," said Madame. "Take yer hat off and let's have a sight at the looks of it." Down rippled the brown cascade. "Twenty dollars," said Madame, lifting the mass with a practised hand. "Give it to me quick," said Della. Oh, and the next two hours tripped by on rosy wings. Forget the hashed metaphor. She was ransacking the stores for Jim's present. She found it at last. It surely had been made for Jim and no one else. There was no other like it in any of the stores, and she had turned all of them inside out. It was a platinum fob chain simple and chaste in design, properly proclaiming its value by substance alone and not by meretricious ornamentation--as all good things should do. It was even worthy of The Watch. As soon as she saw it she knew that it must be Jim's. It was like him. Quietness and value--the description applied to both. Twenty-one dollars they took from her for it, and she hurried home with the 87 cents. With that chain on his watch Jim might be properly anxious about the time in any company. Grand as the watch was, he sometimes looked at it on the sly on account of the old leather strap that he used in place of a chain. When Della reached home her intoxication gave way a little to prudence and reason. She got out her curling irons and lighted the gas and went to work repairing the ravages made by generosity added to love. Which is always a tremendous task, dear friends--a mammoth task. Within forty minutes her head was covered with tiny, close-lying curls that made her look wonderfully like a truant schoolboy. She looked at her reflection in the mirror long, carefully, and critically. "If Jim doesn't kill me," she said to herself, "before he takes a second look at me, he'll say I look like a Coney Island chorus girl. But what could I do--oh! what could I do with a dollar and eighty- seven cents?" At 7 o'clock the coffee was made and the frying-pan was on the back of the stove hot and ready to cook the chops. Jim was never late. Della doubled the fob chain in her hand and sat on the corner of the table near the door that he always entered. Then she heard his step on the stair away down on the first flight, and she turned white for just a moment. She had a habit for saying little silent prayer about the simplest everyday things, and now she whispered: "Please God, make him think I am still pretty." The door opened and Jim stepped in and closed it. He looked thin and very serious. Poor fellow, he was only twenty-two--and to be burdened with a family! He needed a new overcoat and he was without gloves. Jim stopped inside the door, as immovable as a setter at the scent of quail. His eyes were fixed upon Della, and there was an expression in them that she could not read, and it terrified her. It was not anger, nor surprise, nor disapproval, nor horror, nor any of the sentiments that she had been prepared for. He simply stared at her fixedly with that peculiar expression on his face. Della wriggled off the table and went for him. "Jim, darling," she cried, "don't look at me that way. I had my hair cut off and sold because I couldn't have lived through Christmas without giving you a present. It'll grow out again--you won't mind, will you? I just had to do it. My hair grows awfully fast. Say `Merry Christmas!' Jim, and let's be happy. You don't know what a nice-- what a beautiful, nice gift I've got for you." "You've cut off your hair?" asked Jim, laboriously, as if he had not arrived at that patent fact yet even after the hardest mental labor. "Cut it off and sold it," said Della. "Don't you like me just as well, anyhow? I'm me without my hair, ain't I?" Jim looked about the room curiously. "You say your hair is gone?" he said, with an air almost of idiocy. "You needn't look for it," said Della. "It's sold, I tell you--sold and gone, too. It's Christmas Eve, boy. Be good to me, for it went for you. Maybe the hairs of my head were numbered," she went on with sudden serious sweetness, "but nobody could ever count my love for you. Shall I put the chops on, Jim?" Out of his trance Jim seemed quickly to wake. He enfolded his Della. For ten seconds let us regard with discreet scrutiny some inconsequential object in the other direction. Eight dollars a week or a million a year--what is the difference? A mathematician or a wit would give you the wrong answer. The magi brought valuable gifts, but that was not among them. This dark assertion will be illuminated later on. Jim drew a package from his overcoat pocket and threw it upon the table. "Don't make any mistake, Dell," he said, "about me. I don't think there's anything in the way of a haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less. But if you'll unwrap that package you may see why you had me going a while at first." White fingers and nimble tore at the string and paper. And then an ecstatic scream of joy; and then, alas! a quick feminine change to hysterical tears and wails, necessitating the immediate employment of all the comforting powers of the lord of the flat. For there lay The Combs--the set of combs, side and back, that Della had worshipped long in a Broadway window. Beautiful combs, pure tortoise shell, with jewelled rims--just the shade to wear in the beautiful vanished hair. They were expensive combs, she knew, and her heart had simply craved and yearned over them without the least hope of possession. And now, they were hers, but the tresses that should have adorned the coveted adornments were gone. But she hugged them to her bosom, and at length she was able to look up with dim eyes and a smile and say: "My hair grows so fast, Jim!" And them Della leaped up like a little singed cat and cried, "Oh, oh!" Jim had not yet seen his beautiful present. She held it out to him eagerly upon her open palm. The dull precious metal seemed to flash with a reflection of her bright and ardent spirit. "Isn't it a dandy, Jim? I hunted all over town to find it. You'll have to look at the time a hundred times a day now. Give me your watch. I want to see how it looks on it." Instead of obeying, Jim tumbled down on the couch and put his hands under the back of his head and smiled. "Dell," said he, "let's put our Christmas presents away and keep 'em a while. They're too nice to use just at present. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now suppose you put the chops on." The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi. http://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/Gift_of_the_Magi.html !ChRISTMAS POEMS! Charity Begins Where Interest Ends Charity begins where interest ends, Having little interest but in giving, Removing self from self, that there be space In which a much-loved guest might feel at home. So might one find delight, though ravens rend The unembroidered fabric of one's being: Miracle of unrequited grace, A wave of wonder welling up from stone, Singing as it breaks of selfless grieving. noCan Anyone Explain the Glow of Christmas Can anyone explain the glow of Christmas? Holidays are candles in the night. Rebirth comes from family and friends In one bright blur of food and talk that ends Still burning as a peaceful inner light. There is no way to substitute for Christmas. Miss it and no circumstance feels right. All my heart's with you, yet I must miss this Season thick with love and rich delight http://www.poemsforfree.com/canany.html

!CHRISTMAS SONGS! All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth James Pierpont. publ.1857 Every body stops and stares at me These two teeth are gone as you can see I don't know just who to blame for this catastrophe! But my one wish on Christmas Eve is as plain as it can be! All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth, see my two front teeth! Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth, then I could with you "Merry Christmas." It seems so long since I could say, "Sister Susie sitting on a thistle!" Gosh oh gee, how happy I'd be, if I could only whistle (thhhh) All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth, see my two front teeth. Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth, then I could wish you "Merry Christmas!" Angels From The Realms Of Glory Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o'er all the earth Ye who sang creations story, Now proclaim messiah's birth Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ the new-born king Shepherds in the field abiding, Watching oe'r your flocks by night God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the infant light. Sages leave your contemplations, Brighter visions beam afar. Seek the great desire of nations, Ye have seen his natal star. Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear Suddenly the Lord descending In his temple shall appear Away In The Manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there Deck The Halls Deck the halls with boughs of holly Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la 'Tis the season to be jolly Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Don we now our gay apparel Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la. Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. See the blazing Yule before us. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Strike the harp and join the chorus. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Follow me in merry measure. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la While I tell of Yule-tide treasure. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Fast away the old year passes. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Hail the new year, lads and lasses Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Sing we joyous, all together. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la heedless of the wind and weather. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Do You Hear What I Hear? Said the night wind to the little lamb, "Do you see what I see? Way up in the sky, little lamb, Do you see what I see? A star, a star, dancing in the night With a tail as big as a kite, With a tail as big as a kite." Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, "Do you hear what I hear? Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy, Do you hear what I hear? A song, a song high above the trees With a voice as big as the the sea, With a voice as big as the the sea." Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, "Do you know what I know? In your palace warm, mighty king, Do you know what I know? A Child, a Child shivers in the cold-- Let us bring him silver and gold, Let us bring him silver and gold." Said the king to the people everywhere, "Listen to what I say! Pray for peace, people, everywhere, Listen to what I say! The Child, the Child sleeping in the night He will bring us goodness and light, He will bring us goodness and light." Frosty The Snow Man Words and Music by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins, 1950 Chappell & Co. ~ ASCAP Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say, He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day. There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found. For when they placed it on his head he began to dance around. O, Frosty the snowman was alive as he could be, And the children say he could laugh and play just the same as you and me. Thumpetty thump thump, thumpety thump thump, Look at Frosty go. Thumpetty thump thump, thumpety thump thump, Over the hills of snow. Frosty the snowman knew the sun was hot that day, So he said, "Let's run and we'll have some fun now before I melt away." Down to the village, with a broomstick in his hand, Running here and there all around the square saying, Catch me if you can. He led them down the streets of town right to the traffic cop. And he only paused a moment when he heard him holler "Stop!" For Frosty the snow man had to hurry on his way, But he waved goodbye saying, "Don't you cry, I'll be back again some day." Thumpetty thump thump, thumpety thump thump, Look at Frosty go. Thumpetty thump thump, thumpety thump thump, Over the hills of snow. Go Tell It On The Mountain Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, Our Jesus Christ is born. When I was a seeker I sought both night and day, I asked the Lord to help me, And he showed me the way. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, Our Jesus Christ is born. He made me a watchman Upon a city wall, And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, Our Jesus Christ is born. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen God rest you merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas day, To save us all from Satan's pow'r When we were gone astray; O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. From God our heavenly Father A blessed angel came. And unto certain shepherds Brought tidings of the same, How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by name: O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy. "Fear not," then said the angel, "Let nothing you affright, This day is born a Savior, Of virtue, power, and might; So frequently to vanquish all The friends of Satan quite"; O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. The shepherds at those tidings Rejoiced much in mind, And left their flocks a-feeding, In tempest, storm, and wind, And went to Bethlehem straightway This blessed babe to find: O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. But when to Bethlehem they came, Whereat this infant lay They found him in a manger, Where oxen feed on hay; His mother Mary kneeling, Unto the Lord did pray: O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All others doth deface: O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy Good King Wenceslas Good King Wenceslas looked out, On the Feast of Stephen, When the snow lay round about, Deep and crisp and even; Brightly shone the moon that night, Tho' the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight, Gath'ring winter fuel. "Hither, page, and stand by me, If thou know'st it, telling, Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?" "Sire, he lives a good league hence, Underneath the mountain; Right against the forest fence, By Saint Agnes' fountain." "Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, Bring me pine logs hither: Thou and I will see him dine, When we bear them thither." Page and monarch, forth they went, Forth they went together; Thro' the rude wind's wild lament And the bitter weather. "Sire, the night is darker now, And the wind blows stronger; Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer." Mark my footsteps, good my page; Tread thou in them boldly: Thou shalt find the winter's rage Freeze thy blood less coldly." In his master's steps he trod Where the snow lay dinted; Heat was in the very sod Which the saint had printed. Therefore, Christian men, be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, Shall yourselves find blessing. Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there's no such thing as Santa, but as for me and grandpa we believe. She'd been drinking too much eggnog, and we begged her not to go. But she forgot her medication, and she staggered out the door into the snow. When we found her Christmas morning, at the scene of the attack, she had hoof-prints on her forehead, and incriminating Claus marks on her back. Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there's no such thing as Santa, but as for me and grandpa we believe. Now we're all so proud of grandpa, He's been taking this so well. See him in there watching football, drinking root beer and playing cards with Cousin Mel. It's not Christmas without Grandma, All the family's dressed in black and we just can't help but wonder: Should we open up her gifts, or send them back? Send them back!! Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there's no such thing as Santa, but as for me and grandpa we believe. Now the goose is on the table and the pudding made of fig and the blue and silver candles that would just have matched the hair on grandma's wig. I've warned all my friends and neighbors better watch out for yourselves, they should never give a license to a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves. Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there's no such thing as Santa, but as for me and grandpa we believe Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! the herald angels sing, - "Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled." Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem." Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King! Christ, by highest heav'n adored: Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come, Offspring of the favored one. Veil'd in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail, th'incarnate Deity: Pleased, as man, with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King! Hail! the heav'n-born Prince of peace! Hail! the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die: Born to raise the sone of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King Have Your Self A Merry Little Christmas (Song Has a long intro) from the film Meet Me In St. Louis Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane 1943 Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light From now on, our troubles will be out of sight Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Make the Yule-tide gay, From now on, our troubles will be miles away. Here were are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who are dear to us gather near to us once more. Through the years we all will be together If the Fates allow Hang a shining star upon the highest bough. And have yourself a merry little Christmas Here Comes Santa Claus Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman (c) 1947 Here comes Santa Claus! Here comes Santa Claus! Right down Santa Claus Lane! Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer are pulling on the reins. Bells are ringing, children singing; All is merry and bright. Hang your stockings and say your prayers, 'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight. Here comes Santa Claus! Here comes Santa Claus! Right down Santa Claus Lane! He's got a bag that is filled with toys for the boys and girls again. Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle, What a beautiful sight. Jump in bed, cover up your head, 'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus JT. Connor (c) 1952 I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus Underneath the mistletoe last night. She didn't see me creep down the stairs to have a peep; She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom fast asleep. Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus Underneath his beard so snowy white; Oh, what a laugh it would have been If Daddy had only seen Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night. I'll Be Home For Christmas Kim Gannon, Walter Kent (c) 1943 I'll be home for Christmas You can count on me Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree Christmas Eve will find me Where the love light gleams I'll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams

!MORE CHRITMAS SONGS! It Came Upon The Midnight Clear James Pierpont. publ.1857 It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold! "Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven's all gracious King! The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing. Still through the cloven skies they come With peaceful wings unfurled And still their heavenly music floats O'er all the weary world; Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hovering wing. And ever o'er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing. Yet with te woes of sin and strife The world hath suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not The love song which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, And hear the angels sing. For lo! the days are hastening on, By prophet bards foretold, When, with the ever-circling years, Shall come the Age of Gold; When peace shall over all the earth Its ancient splendors fling, And all the world give back the song Which now the angels sing. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas James Pierpont. publ.1857 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Ev'rywhere you go; Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again With candy canes and silver lanes aglow. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Toys in ev'ry store, But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be On your own front door. A pair of hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots Is the wish of Barney and Ben; Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk Is the hope of Janice and Jen; And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Ev'rywhere you go; There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well, The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas; Soon the bells will start, And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing Right within your heart. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year Eddie Pola, George Wyle 1963 It's the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling, and everyone telling you, "Be of good cheer," It's the most wonderful time of the year. There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow. there'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago. It's the most wonderful time of the year. There'll be much mistletoeing and hearts will be glowing, when loved ones are near. It's the most wonderful time of the year Jingle Bells James Pierpont. publ.1857 Dashing through the snow On a one-horse open sleigh, Over the fields we go, Laughing all the way; Bells on bob-tail ring, making spirits bright, What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight, O Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! O what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh (repeat) A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride, And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side; The horse was lean and lank; Misfortune seemed his lot; He got into a drifted bank, And we, we got upsot.O Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! o What fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. (repeat) A day or two ago, the story I must tell I went out on the snow And on my back I fell; A gent was riding by In a one-horse open sleigh, He laughed as there I sprawling lie, But quickly drove away, O Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! o What fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. (repeat) Now the ground is white Go it while you're young, Take the girls tonight And sing this sleighing song; Just get a bob-tailed bay two-forty as his speed Hitch him to an open sleigh And crack! you'll take the lead, O Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! o What fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. Jingle Bell Rock Bobby Helms Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun Now the jingle hop has begun Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square In the frosty air. What a bright time, it's the right time To rock the night away Jingle bell time is a swell time To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet Jingle around the clock Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet That's the jingle bell, That's the jingle bell, That's the jingle bell rock Jolly Old Saint Nicolas Jolly old Saint Nicholas, lean your ear this way! Don't you tell a single soul what I'm going to say: Christmas Eve is coming soon; now, you dear old man Whisper what you'll bring to me; tell me if you can. When the clock is striking twelve, when I'm fast asleep Down the chimney, broad and black, with your pack you'll creep All the stockings you will find hanging in a row Mine will be the shortest one, you'll be sure to know Bobby wants a pair of skates, Suzy wants a sled Nellie wants a picture book, yellow, blue, and red Now I think I'll leave to you what to give the rest Choose for me, dear Santa Claus; you will know the best. Joy To The World Joy to the world! The Lord is come: Let earth receive her King. Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and heaven and nature sing. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders of His love Little Drummer Boy James Pierpont. publ.1857 Come they told me pa rum pum pum pum A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum Our finest gifts we bring pa rum pum pum pum To lay before the King pa rum pum pum pum rum pum pum pum rum pum pum pum So to honor Him pa rum pum pum pum, when we come. Little Baby pa rum pum pum pum I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum I have no gift to bring pa rum pum pum pum That's fit to give our King pa rum pum pum pum rum pum pum pum rum pum pum pum Shall I play for you! pa rum pum pum on my drum. Mary nodded pa rum pum pum pum The ox and lamb kept time pa rum pum pum pum I played my drum for Him pa rum pum pum I played my best for Him pa rum pum pum pum rum pum pum pum rum pum pum pum Then He smiled at me pa rum pum pum pum me and my drum. Let It Snow Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne (c) 1945 Oh, the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we've no place to go, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. It doesn't show signs of stopping, And I brought some corn for popping; The lights are turned way down low, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. When we finally say good night, How I'll hate going out in the storm; But if you really hold me tight, All the way home I'll be warm. The fire is slowly dying, And, my dear, we're still good-bye-ing, But as long as you love me so. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Let There Be Peace On Earth Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me Let there be peace on earth The peace that was meant to be With God as our Father Brothers all are we Let me walk with my brother In perfect harmony Let peace begin with me Let this be the moment now WIth every step I take Let this be my solemn vow To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me Must Be Santa Who's got a beard that's long and white Santa's got a beard that's long and white Who comes around on a special night Santa comes around on a special night Special Night, beard that's white Must be Santa Must be Santa Must be Santa, Santa Clause Who wears boots and a suit of red Santa wears boots and a suit of red Who wears a long cap on his head Santa wears a long cap on his head Cap on head, suit that's red Special night, beard that's white Must be Santa Must be Santa Must be Santa, Santa Clause Who's got a big red cherry nose Santa's got a big red cherry nose Who laughs this way HO HO HO Santa laughs this way HO HO HO HO HO HO, cherry nose Cap on head, suit that's red Special night, beard that's white Must be Santa Must be Santa Must be Santa, Santa Clause Who very soon will come our way Santa very soon will come our way Eight little reindeer pull his sleigh Santa's little reindeer pull his sleigh Reindeer sleigh, come our way HO HO HO, cherry nose Cap on head, suit that's red Special night, beard that's white Must be Santa Must be Santa Must be Santa, Santa Clause Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen Reindeer sleigh, come our way HO HO HO, cherry nose Cap on head, suit that's red Special night, beard that's white Must be Santa Must be Santa Must be Santa, Santa Clause Nuttin' For Christmas S. Tepper, R. Bennett (c) 1955 I broke my bat on Johnny's head; Somebody snitched on me. I hid a frog in sister's bed; Somebody snitched on me. I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug; I made Tommy eat a bug; Bought some gum with a penny slug; Somebody snitched on me. Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas Mommy and Daddy are mad. I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas 'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad. I put a tack on teacher's chair somebody snitched on me. I tied a knot in Susie's hair somebody snitched on me. I did a dance on Mommy's plants climbed a tree and tore my pants Filled the sugar bowl with ants somebody snitched on me. So, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas Mommy and Daddy are mad. I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas 'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad. I won't be seeing Santa Claus; Somebody snitched on me. He won't come visit me because Somebody snitched on me. Next year I'll be going straight; Next year I'll be good, just wait I'd start now, but it's too late; Somebody snitched on me. So you better be good whatever you do 'Cause if you're bad, I'm warning you, You'll get nuttin' for Christmas O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How steadfast are your branches! Your boughs are green in summer's clime And through the snows of wintertime. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How steadfast are your branches! O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, What happiness befalls me When oft at joyous Christmas-time Your form inspires my song and rhyme. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, What happiness befalls me O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your boughs can teach a lesson That constant faith and hope sublime Lend strength and comfort through all time. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your boughs can teach a lesson O Come, ALL Ye Faithful. O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels! O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Sing, alleluia, All ye choirs of angels; O sing, all ye blissful ones of heav'n above. Glory to God - In the highest glory! O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv'n; Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Oh Holy Night! Words by Chappeau de Roquemaure Translated by John S. Dwight Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Savior's birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born Oh night divine Oh night divine Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming Here come the wise men from Orient land The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger In all our trials born to be our friend. Truly He taught us to love one another His law is love and His gospel is peace Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His name all oppression shall cease Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name O Little Town Of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem. How still we see thee lie; Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above, While mortals sleep the angels keep Their watch of wond'ring love. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth!

!eVEN mRE CHRISTMAS SONGS! Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Johnny Marks (c) 1949 You know Dasher and Dancer And Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid And Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall The most famous reindeer of all? Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (reindeer) Had a very shiny nose (like a light bulb) And if you ever saw it (saw it) You would even say it glows (like a flash light) All of the other reindeer (reindeer) Used to laugh and call him names (like Pinochio) They never let poor Rudolph (Rudolph) Play in any reindeer games (like Monopoly) Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say (Ho Ho Ho) Rudolph with your nose so bright Won't you guide my sleigh tonight? Then all the reindeer loved him (loved him) And they shouted out with glee (yippee) "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (reindeer) You'll go down in history!" (like Columbus) Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree Brenda Lee Rocking around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop Mistletoe hung where you can see every couple tries to stop Rocking around the Christmas tree, let the Christmas spirit ring Later we'll have some pumpkin pie and we'll do some caroling. You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear Voices singing let's be jolly, deck the halls with boughs of holly Rocking around the Christmas tree, have a happy holiday Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way. Santa Baby Sung by Madonna Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me I've been an awful good girl Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight Santa baby, an out-of-space convertible too, light blue I'll wait up for you dear Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight Think of all the fun I've missed Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed Next year I could be oh so good If you'd check off my Christmas list Boo doo bee doo Santa honey, I wanna yacht and really that's Not a lot I've been an angel all year Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight Santa cutie, there's one thing I really do need, the deed To a platinum mine Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight Santa baby, I'm filling my stocking with a duplex, and checks Sign your 'X' on the line Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight Come and trim my Christmas tree With some decorations bought at Tiffany's I really do believe in you Let's see if you believe in me Boo doo bee doo Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring I don't mean a phone Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight Hurry down the chimney tonight Hurry down the chimney tonight Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Song has Long Intro but worth the wait) J. Fred Coots, Henry Gillespie (c) 1934 You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I'm telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town He's making a list, And checking it twice; Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice. Santa Claus is coming to town He sees you when you're sleeping He knows when you're awake He knows if you've been bad or good So be good for goodness sake! O! You better watch out! You better not cry. Better not pout, I'm telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town. Santa Claus is coming to town. Silent Night Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly host sing, Alleluia, Christ, the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born! Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love's pure light, Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth. Silver Bells Christmas makes you feel emotional It may bring parties or thoughts devotional Whatever happens or what may be, Here is what Christmas time means to me. City sidewalk, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style. In the air there's a feeling of Christmas. Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile, And on every street corner you'll hear: Silver bells, silver bells, It's Christmas time in the city. Ring-a-ling, hear them ring, soon it will be Christmas day. City street lights, even stop lights, blink a bright red and green, As the shoppers rush home with their treasures. Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch, This is Santa's big scene, And above all this bustle you'll hear: Silver bells, silver bells, It's Christmas time in the city. Ring-a-ling, hear them ring, soon it will be Christmas day Sleigh Ride JMitchell Parish, Leroy Anderson 1948 Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling too Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you, Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "Yoo hoo," Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you. Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, let's go, Let's look at the show, We're riding in a wonderland of snow. Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, it's grand, Just holding your hand, We're gliding along with a song of a wintry fairy land. Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you. There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray It'll be the perfect ending a perfect day We'll be singing the songs we love to sing without a single stop, At the fireplace while we watch the chestnuts pop. Pop! pop! pop! There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy, When they pass around the chocolate and the pumpkin pie It'll nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives! Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling too Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you, Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "Yoo hoo," Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you. Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, let's go, Let's look at the show, We're riding in a wonderland of snow. Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, it's grand, Just holding your hand, We're gliding along with a song of a wintry fairy land Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you. Happy Xmas (War is over) John Lennon so this is Christmas and what have you done another year over a new one just begun and so this is Christmas i hope you have fun the near and the dear ones the old and the young a very merry Christmas and a happy new year let's hope it's a good one without any fear and so this is Christmas (war is over...) for weak and for strong (...if you want it) the rich and the poor ones the road is so long and so happy Christmas for black and for white for the yellow and red ones let's all stop the fight (2x) a very merry Christmas and a happy new year lets hope it's a good one without any fear so this is Christmas and what have you done war is over - if you want it war is over - if you want it war is over - if you want it war is over - if you want it The Christmas Song Chestnuts roasting on an open fire Jack Frost nipping at your nose Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir And folks dressed up like Eskimos. Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe Help to make the season bright Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow Will find it hard to sleep tonight. They know that Santa's on his way He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh And every mother's child is gonna spy To see if reindeer really know how to fly. And so I'm offering this simple phrase To kids from one to ninety-two Although it's been said many times, many ways Merry Christmas to you. The First Noel The first Noel, the angel did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter's night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. They looked up and saw a star Shining in the the East, beyond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. And by the light of that same star, Three wise men came from country far; To seek for a King was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. This star drew night to the northwest, O'er Bethlehem it took its rest; And there it did both stop and stay, Right over the place where Jesus lay. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. Then entered in those wise men three, Full reverently upon their knee; And offered there in his presence, Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel Twas The Night Before Christmas Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. All the stockings were hung by the chimney with care In the hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there. Then what to my wondering eyes should appear, A miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. A little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. And more rapid than eagles his reindeer all came As he shouted, "On Dasher" and each reindeer's name. And so up to the housetop the reindeer soon flew, with the sleigh full of toys and St. Nicholas too. Down the chimney he came with a leap and a bound He was dressed all in fur and his belly was round He spoke not a word but went straight to his work And filled all the stockings then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, then giving a nod up the chimney he rose But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight "Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night". The Wassail Song Here we come a-wassailing Among the leaves so green, Here we come a wand'ring, So fair to be seen. (Chorus) Love and joy come to you, And to your wassail too, And God bless you and send you a happy new year, And God send you a happy new year. We are not daily beggars Who beg from door to door, But we are neighbor's children Whom you have seen before. Chorus We have a little purse Made of ratching leather skin; We want some of your small change To line it well within. Chorus God bless the Master of this house, Likewise the Mistress too; And all the little children That round the table go. Chorus Twelve Days Of Christmas On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me: A partridge in a pear tree. On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree. On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Three French Hens, Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree. On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Four calling birds, Three French Hens, Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree. On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French Hens, Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree. On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Six geese a laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French Hens, Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Seven swans a swimming, Six geese a laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French Hens, Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree. On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Eight maids a milking, Seven swans a swimming, Six geese a laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French Hens, Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree. On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a milking, Seven swans a swimming, Six geese a laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French Hens, Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree. On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Ten lords a leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a milking, Seven swans a swimming, Six geese a laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French Hens, Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree. On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a milking, Seven swans a swimming, Six geese a laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French Hens, Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree. On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a milking, Seven swans a swimming, Six geese a laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French Hens, Two turtle doves And a Partridge in a pear tree Up On The House Top Up on the housetop reindeer pause, Out jumps good old Santa Claus. Down thru' the chimney with lots of toys, All for the little ones, Christmas joys. Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Up on the housetop, click, click, click, Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick. First comes the stocking of little Nell, Oh, dear Santa fill it well; Give her a dolly that laughs and cries One that will open and shut her eyes. Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Up on the housetop, click, click, click, Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick. Next comes the stocking of little Will, Oh just see what a glorious fill Here is a hammer and lots of tacks, Also a ball and a whip that cracks. Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Up on the housetop, click, click, click, Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick. We Three Kings Of Orient Are We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, morr and mountain, Following yonder Star. (Chorus) O, star of wonder, star of might, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to the perfect light. Born a babe on Bethlehem's plain; Gold we bring to crown Him again; King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign. Chorus Frankincense to offer have I; Incense owns a Deity nigh; Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God on High. Chorus Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom; Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Seal'd in the stone-cold tomb. Chorus Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice, Heaven sings, "Hallelujah!" Hallejujah!" Earth replies. Chorus We Wish You A Mery Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas And a happy New Year. Glad tidings we bring To you and your kin; Glad tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year! We want some figgy pudding We want some figgy pudding We want some figgy pudding Please bring it right here! Glad tidings we bring To you and your kin; Glad tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year! We won't go until we get some We won't go until we get some We won't go until we get some So bring it out here! Glad tidings we bring To you and your kin; Glad tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year! We wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas And a happy New Year. Glad tidings we bring To you and your kin; Glad tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year! What Child Is This What child is this, who, laid to rest On Mary's lap, is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come peasant king to own Him, The King of kings, salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Raise, raise the song on high, The Virgin sings her lullaby: Joy, joy, for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary! White Christmas (Very long intro... Worth the wait!) Irving Berlin 1942 I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white. Winter Wonderland (Has long intro but worth the wait!) Dick Smith, Felix Bernard 1934 Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, in the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland. Gone away is the bluebird, here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song, as we go along, walking in a winter wonderland. In the meadow we can build a snowman, Then pretend that he is Parson Brown He'll say: Are you married? we'll say: No man, But you can do the job when you're in town. Later on, we'll conspire, as we dream by the fire To face unafraid, the plans that we've made, walking in a winter wonderland. Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, in the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland. Gone away is the bluebird, here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song, as we go along, walking in a winter wonderland. In the meadow we can build a snowman, and pretend that he's a circus clown We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman, until the alligators knock him down. When it snows, ain't it thrilling, Though your nose gets a chilling We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way, walking in a winter wonderland. Walking in a winter wonderland, walking in a winter wonderland. http://www.the-north-pole.com/carols/wonder.html

!CHRISTMAS MIRACLES! Because of reasons in which we will not go into detail about, my husband had not spoken to his father for about eight years. All my husbands life he has wanted nothing more than a relationship with his father. Last Christmas my husbands "sister" had gotten in touch with my husbands father and called us up to tell us that she had not only gotten in touch with him but, also that they had exchanged e-mail addresses. So, starting December 25, 2001 my husband had started writing e-mails to his father in hopes of maybe beginning a relationship with him but, still not counting his chickens before they hatched. About a week later my husband finally received an e-mail from his father explaining what had happend with him not being in his life as well as apoligizing for not being in his life. They continued to write e-mails back and fourth to each-other in hopes of one day meeting each-other again face-to-face after eight years. Well, on July 29, 2002 my husband received a phone call from his father saying that he was in the area and would like to meet him and I as well as take us out to dinner. I can't tell you how EXCITED as well as SHOCKED my husband was when his miracle and dream of meeting his father again and beginning a relationship with him after eight years came true. miracle 2 About four years ago I ended up finally coming out of my shell and turned my adoptive father in for what he had done to me........He molested me not to the extent of most molestations but, for a period of time I did not feel comfortable being left alone with him. Due to me turning my father in for what he did to me caused a four year separation between me and my family. Although, after about three years of not speaking to each-other I finally called them up to try to reconcile the hurt feelings between us. Even after the calls I made to them in hopes of rebuilding our relationship things were never the way they use to be, they never will be, infact, my relationship with my family now is even better than before. At one time I even tried talking to my parents about coming and visiting with them so, they could meet my husband. My fathers response was "I don't think you coming down here would be the best idea, 'cause it won't be the type of visit you want." Finally, about a week ago on August 18, 2002 I received a phone call from my mother saying that they were going to be taking there vacation and was going to be driving through the area and wanted to know if it would be okay if they came and visited me and met my husband for the first time since we've been together. My heart just dropped and I thought it was all a dream. On August 27, 2002 my dream and miracle came true. I finally reunited with my family after not seeing them in almost four years Christmas Express By Gary Sledge Ron Flanary Santa, aka Don Royston, pitches a perfect game every year on the weekend before Thanksgiving. The alarm goes off at 4:30 in the morning. It's dark and cold outside, but Don Royston rolls out of a warm bed without missing a beat. It's the weekend before Thanksgiving and he has an assignment, one that he's handled for the last eight years. He's the guy in the red suit who rides the back of the Santa Train from Shelbiana, Kentucky, across the hills of southwestern Virginia, 110 miles through poor villages and old hill towns to Kingsport, Tennessee. The train leaves promptly at 7:30, and he has to pick up the pace to get there. He dresses on board. Royston looks the part of a jolly elf, with a little extra padding in his fur-fringed suit. The rest of the costume is more inventive. The wig and beard are made of yak hair. Not exactly Christmas canonical, but somehow appropriate for the cold. Santa's floppy hat is sewn into the wig so it won't blow off as the train whips down the track. The Santa Train tradition started in these hills 64 years ago, during the dark days of World War II. Some families have been coming for four generations to gather at favorite spots along the tracks. The event is stitched into the regional ritual of Christmas. Though the Clinchfield line is one of the busiest freight routes in the region, CSX no longer runs passenger trains on it. Only this one. Once a year, on the weekend before Thanksgiving. It is their gift to tradition and to the proud people of the coal region. Royston and his 36 Santa's helpers collect, pack and give out gifts and candy -- 15 tons of toys and goodies donated by folks and businesses. Handmade dolls, clothes, pretzels, stuffed animals, basketballs, three-ringed binders and pencils for school. Royston was no athlete in high school, but he's developed a pretty good throwing arm for tossing toys. Here's the thing, he says: "It's when I miss. And a big kid grabs a toy out of the air intended for some little one just behind him. And that kid hauls it in, takes a look around, turns and hands it to the child who really needs it. That touches me the most. That gives me the joy of being Santa." Angels come in all shapes, sizes and costumes. And all of them bring little miracles with them, prompting others to pass them along. Trading Places By Gary Sledge Scott Jones Junior firefighter Kevin Steohan and nurse Peggy Brown would cross paths twice in their lives. Some say everyday miracles are predestined. Time and distance do not matter. All that's necessary is readiness, the right circumstance for the appointed encounter. And it can happen anywhere -- on the street, on the job, even on a baseball diamond. In 1999, 11-year-old Kevin Stephan was a bat boy for his younger brother's Little League team in Lancaster, New York. It was an early evening in late July. The sun slanting across the field. The game unfolding in baseball time. Kevin was standing on the grass away from the plate, where another youngster was warming up. Swinging his bat back and forth, giving it all the power an elementary school kid could muster. The boy brought the bat back hard and hit Kevin square in the chest. His heart stopped. When Kevin fell to the ground, the mother of one of the players rushed out of the stands to his aid. Penny Brown hadn't planned to be there that day, but at the last minute, her shift at the hospital had been changed, and she was given the night off. Penny bent over the unconscious boy, his face already starting to turn blue, and administered CPR, breathing into his mouth and administering chest compressions. And he came back. It was a good thing, for a good kid. Kevin wasn't just a volunteer for his brother's baseball team -- he was a Boy Scout, one who went on to achieve Scouting's highest rank, Eagle. He became a volunteer junior firefighter, learning some of the emergency first-aid techniques that had saved his life. He studied hard in school and was saving money for college by working as a dishwasher in a local restaurant. He liked the people, but the work could be hard and pretty routine. Until the afternoon of January 27, 2006. Kevin, now 17, was working in the kitchen when he heard people screaming, customers in confusion, employees rushing toward a table. He hustled into the main room and saw a woman there, her face turning blue, her hands at her throat. She was choking. Quickly Kevin stepped behind her, wrapped his arms around her and clasped his hands. Then, using skills he'd first learned in Scouts, he jerked inward and up, once, twice, administering the Heimlich maneuver. The food that was trapped in the woman's throat was freed. The color began to return to her face. "The food was stuck. I couldn't breathe," she said. She thought she was dying. "I was very frightened." Who was the woman? Penny Brown. Wreaths of Remembrance By Gary Sledge Courtesy Arlington National Cemetery This year, Morrill Worcester's wreaths will go to 230 national and state cemeteries. Harrington, Maine, is a long way from the temples of pomp and power in Washington, D.C. It's a long way from the awesome monuments and austere fields of white markers at Arlington National Cemetery. Harrington is one of the poorer towns in a sparsely populated state where industry is not always robust and is sometimes seasonal -- especially for the Worcester Wreath Company, owned by Morrill Worcester. You don't make the Forbes 400 selling green boughs. But it's a feel-good business -- one that transforms the winter-worn front doors of thousands of American homes with a bright green symbol of joy and giving. Morrill Worcester has a lot to remember and a lot to be thankful for. When he was 12 years old, he won a trip to the capital, and it was the groves and white marble memorials of nearby Arlington that impressed him the most. He never forgot it. Every year since 1992, he has given thousands of wreaths to mark graves at Arlington Cemetery, stenciling the snow-covered earth with rings of remembrance. His company makes them, and a local trucking firm hauls the wreaths down. For all of us, every year. Last year 150 people, veterans and members of the military and Civil Air Patrol, came together to place wreaths on some 5,000 graves, including four at the Tomb of the Unknowns. A Hand on the Shoulder By Dave Berg David Crane/LA Daily News For David Ewart, practiving arpeggios is the best form of therapy. Was he dreaming? David Ewart saw a red ball of fire. He shot out of a deep sleep and heard his ten-year-old daughter, Heather, screaming. Then he felt the heat -- like lethal radiation from a blast furnace. Ewart bolted out of bed on the second floor of his home. Downstairs he heard loud popping noises. Glass bulbs, furniture, appliances exploding as fire consumed them. Three hundred and fifty people, friends and family, had attended Ewart's annual Christmas party at his home in Valencia, California. David was a giver. He'd coached youth baseball and soccer teams, played his violin for any teacher who asked, and had taken music to the jungles of Peru for his church. Music was always the centerpiece of the festivities, as it was of David's life. A renowned violinist, he has played on film scores for such composers as John Williams and Randy Newman. That night, as always, he played his Stradivarius-era violin while his guests sang "Silent Night." After the party, he and his 77-year-old mother, Esther, put out the candles -- all but one, overlooked and left burning on a holiday paper tablecloth. Now, as Ewart started down the hall to alert his parents and three children, he said a silent prayer: God, if it is your will, save us. The heat was hellish. But then he felt a hand on his shoulder -- and something that was not quite a voice guiding him, giving him direction: the bedroom window. He kicked out the window screen and told Heather to jump onto the patio cover, crawl to the edge and drop to the ground, ten feet below. Next he headed for his two sons, Jonathan, 13, and Michael, 15, who were screaming with pain. The air in their room was superhot, and every breath felt like liquid fire. David led Jonathan to the window. He returned for Michael, who was now helping his grandparents, trapped in their room behind a jammed door. Michael threw himself against it and finally burst through. David guided his mother, then Michael, to safety. Only his father remained. The 81-year-old's face was badly burned. He lost his footing and fell. David took his hand and helped him to the window. Too weak to hold on, his father rolled off the patio cover to the ground. Finally, David escaped. Seconds later, the second floor exploded. Yet all the while, he felt he was being led, under protection. The family survived, though David and Michael suffered extensive third-degree burns. They were placed in induced comas and swaddled in burn bandages. For weeks, it wasn't certain they would live. But Ewart's many friends in church and the community organized fund-raisers and blood drives. Jay Leno staged a benefit performance. It took weeks of skin grafts before they were released, and months of physical therapy followed. Many angels came to the Ewarts' aid. But that first one? Was it a dream? Firefighters say they are mystified as to how the family survived. David Ewart is not. After Katrina By Blake Bailey A month after we'd evacuated, I returned to New Orleans for the first time. My former life in a suburb near Lake Pontchartrain seemed a dream. There -- buried in waist-high debris -- was the lawn I'd lovingly mowed two days before the storm. Inside was the kitchen I'd cleaned, the hardwood floor I'd polished on my hands and knees, the furniture I'd assembled myself, the Persian rug I couldn't really afford -- all of it rancid, moldy, buckled and reeking. I tiptoed around the waterlogged books, breathing through my mouth. The only thing salvageable in my daughter's nursery was an old Pooh Bear perched on a highchair above the water line. I grabbed it and left. My wife, Mary, and our one-year-old daughter had moved to New Orleans just two months before the storm and settled into the first house we'd ever owned. Now we'd lost everything. For the next few months, we lived like nomads, first with friends in Oxford, Mississippi, then with family in Arkansas and Oklahoma, and finally in a dingy apartment in Gainesville, Florida, where Mary was finishing a doctoral degree at the university. Meanwhile, our daughter's weight dropped to the bottom-five percentile on the growth chart, and I tried to forget my own stress, the better to negotiate with insurance companies, banks and FEMA without the benefit of official documents lost in the flood. I was also working on a biography of novelist John Cheever, whom I'd once considered the unhappiest of men. Before I returned "home" to see if anything could be salvaged, I'd taken our 1998 Suzuki to a shop to have the AC fixed. After hours of diagnosing the problem, the mechanic told me the repair would cost roughly the Blue Book value of the car. I decided to cut my losses. An office employee was writing up the invoice for all the labor when she noticed my Louisiana license plate. "You from New Orleans?" she asked. I said I was. "No charge," she said, and firmly shook her head when I fumbled for my wallet. The next day, I went for a haircut, and the same thing happened. After our lease expired on the dingy apartment in Gainesville, we tried to find a rental house that we could afford while also paying off a mortgage on our moldy, ruined house in New Orleans. We looked at a lot of places, and they were all grim. We'd begun to accept that we'd have to live in drastically reduced circumstances for a while, when I got a very curious e-mail from one James Kennedy in California. He'd read some pieces I'd written about our ordeal for Slate, the online magazine, and wanted to give us ("no strings attached") a new house in a subdivision he was building in Mandeville, across the lake from New Orleans: "This is not a gimmick, not a scam," he wrote. It sounded way too good to be true, but I replied, thanking him for his "exceptional generosity," and added that we had no plans to move back to New Orleans. Around this time, too, a poet at the University of Florida offered to rent us his lovely Victorian house while he went to England on sabbatical; the rent was less than some of the awful hovels we'd looked at, but still a burden under the circumstances. I mentioned the poet's offer to James Kennedy, and the next day he FedExed a check covering our entire rent for eight months. Throughout this ordeal, the kindness of strangers has done much to restore my faith in humanity. It's almost worth losing your worldly possessions -- mere possessions, I should say -- to be reminded that people are really nice when given half a chance. Indeed, it's not a bad thing to start life over from scratch with that knowledge in mind. http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=30996&pageIndex=4

!Here are some videos about christmas!!! THE WORLD PREIMIERE OF THE NAVITY STORY! THE CHRISTMAS STORY! SILENT NIGHT! ] !Africian "Christmas!