Carols date back to around the 16th / 17th Centuries or the Middle ages. They were originally written to accompany performances of religious dances and dramas which would typically depict the birth of Jesus Christ. In many European countries the poor used to take song on the streets in the way of caroling going from door to door in return they would be rewarded either food, money or a hot drink.

Traditionally Christmas Carols, also called Noel, were only sung in the build up to Christmas which is the 21st December or St Thomas’s Day until the morning of the 25th December or Christmas Day, however today Christmas Carols can be heard from the beginning of December right through to Christmas Day.

Examples of Christmas Carols are as follows:

Away in a Manger carol
Joy to the World
O Come All Ye Faithful
O Come O Come Emmanuel
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Once in Royal Davids City
Silent Night carol
The First Noel carol
The Holly and the Ivy
The Wassail Song
We Three Kings of Orient are
Christians Awake salute the Happy Morn
Deck the Halls carol
Ding Dong Merrily on High
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Good Christian Men Rejoice
Good King Wenceslas carol
Hark the Herald Angels Sing

There are many stories and myths as to where the name Christmas Carol came from however the strongest belief is that the word Carol translates from the ancient Greek word “choros” meaning to dance in circles!

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