History of Christmas Carols
Christian Christmas carols can be traced back to St. Francis of Assisi. In the mid-thirteenth century, he began the tradition when his nativity plays were narrated with song instead of spoken words. The first ones published can be traced back to Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (1833) by William B. Sandys. Christian Christmas carol lyrics revolve around the birth of Jesus Christ, the hope he gives to a starving world, his mother Mary and the angels sent to comfort her and the other witnesses.
Santa Claus is the focus of secular Christmas songs. It is believed that the original Santa Claus was a priest in Europe around the tenth century who made sure the poor children in his town received a gift during the Christmas season. Many songs have been written about him. Rather than focusing on the gift of the Christ child, these songs focus on toys and what the singer wants to receive. Some of these songs also talk about what he looks like or where he lives.
Hanukkah, which means ‘dedication’, is also known as the ‘Celebration of Lights’. This holiday was begun to memorialize the rededication of the temple in the second century. The miraculous burning candle in the temple is the focus of many songs for this holiday, as are the menorah, candles and the driedel.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by a man wanting to give the black community an alternative to the Christian and Jewish holidays celebrated in America. The name is derived from Swahili words meaning ‘first fruits.’ Much like Hanukkah, this celebration also revolves around the lighting of candles, and a dedication to remembering their history.
Songs of Praise: Christian Christmas song files
Our Master's Voice: An alphabetical list of gospel Christmas songs
Max Solbrekken: Songs and other information about Christian Christmas
GTA: The true meaning of the Christmas holiday
Christmas Lyrics: Lyrics for Christian and secular Christmas songs
U of Calgary: List of children’s stories about Christmas
Northpole: Santa’s favorite songs
Common Sense: Best Christmas movies for kids
Carnegie Library: List of favorite kids Christmas movies
Evanston: List of songs and resources for the holidays
Songs for Teaching: Hanukkah songs for children
Chabad.org: Hanukkah song files
CJP.org: Hanukkah in pop culture
Midrash: A traditional song and other Hanukkah information
Kwanzaa: The official Kwanzaa website
DLTK: Kwanzaa activities for kids