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We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three Kings of Orient are;

Bearing gifts we travel so far,

field and fountain, moor and mountain,

following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain

Gold I bring to crown him again

King forever, ceasing never

Over us all to reign.

Star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light.

Frankincense to offer have I;

Incense owns a Deity nigh;

Prayer and praising, all men raising,

Worship him God most high.

Star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light.

Myrrh is mine; it's bitter perfume

Breathes a life of gathering gloom;

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,

Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

Star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light.

Glorious now behold him arise,

King and God and Sacrifice.

Alleluia, Alleluia,

Earth to heaven replies.

Star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light.

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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 the angelic host proclaim,

"Christ is born in Bethlehem."

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King!

Christ, by highest heaven adored:

Christ, the everlasting Lord;

Late in time behold him come,

Offspring of the favoured one.

Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;

Hail, the incarnate Deity:

Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,

Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King!

Hail! the heaven-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 son of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King!

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Oh 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.

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Adeste Fideles (Oh Come All .. Latin)

Adeste Fideles (Oh Come All Ye Faithful - Latin)

Adeste Fideles

Laeti triumphantes

Venite, venite in Bethlehem

Natum videte

Regem angelorum

Venite adoremus

Dominum

Cantet nunc io

Chorus angelorum

Cantet nunc aula caelestium

Gloria, gloria

In excelsis Deo

Venite adoremus

Dominum

Ergo qui natus

Die hodierna

Jesu, tibi sit gloria

Patris aeterni

Verbum caro factus

Venite adoremus

Dominum

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In The Bleak Midwinter

In the bleak midwinter,

frosty wind made moan,

earth stood hard as iron,

water like a stone;

snow had fallen, snow on snow,

snow on snow,

in the bleak midwinter,

long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him

nor earth sustain;

heaven and earth shall flee away

when he comes to reign:

in the bleak midwinter

a stable place sufficed

the Lord God incarnate,

Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels

may have gathered there

cherubim and seraphim

thronged the air;

but his mother only,

in her maiden bliss,

worshiped the beloved

with a kiss.

What can I give him,

poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd,

I would bring a lamb;

if I were a wise man,

I would do my part;

yet what I can I give him

give my heart.

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God Rest You Merry Gentlemen

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Let nothing you dismay,

Remember Christ our Saviour

Was born on Christmas day,

To save us all from Satan's power

When we were gone astray;

Glad tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy,

Glad 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:

Glad tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy,

Glad tidings of comfort and joy.

Fear not, then said the angel,

Let nothing you affright,

This day is born a Saviour,

Of virtue, power, and might;

So frequently to vanquish all

The friends of Satan quite;

Glad tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy,

Glad 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:

Glad tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy,

Glad 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:

Glad O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy,

Glad 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:

Glad tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy,

Glad tidings of comfort and joy.

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Away in a 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 till 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

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The Holly and The Ivy

The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all trees that are in the wood,

The holly bears the crown:

O, the rising of the sun,

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom,

As white as lily flower,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To be our dear Saviour,

O, the rising of the sun,

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a berry,

As red as any blood,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To do poor sinners good,

O, the rising of the sun,

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a prickle,

As sharp as any thorn,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

On Christmas Day in the morn,

O, the rising of the sun,

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a bark,

As bitter as the gall,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

For to redeem us all,

O, the rising of the sun,

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all trees that are in the wood,

The holly bears the crown,

O, the rising of the sun,

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

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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

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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.

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Once in Royal David's City

Once in Royal David's city

stood a lowly cattle shed,

where a mother laid her baby

in a manger for his bed:

Mary was that mother mild,

Jesus Christ her little child.

He came down to earth from heaven,

who is God and Lord of all,

and his shelter was a stable,

and his cradle was a stall;

with the poor, the scorned, the lowly,

lived on earth our Saviour holy.

And, through all his wondrous childhood,

he would honour and obey,

love and watch the lowly maiden

in whose gentle arms he lay:

Christian children all must be

mild, obedient, good as he.

For he is our childhood's pattern,

day by day like us he grew;

he was little, weak and helpless,

tears and smiles like us he knew.

and he feeleth for our sadness,

and he shareth in our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see him,

through his own redeeming love;

for that Child who seemed so helpless

is our Lord in heaven above;

and he leads his children on

to the place where he is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable,

with the oxen standing round,

we shall see him; but in heaven,

set at God's right hand on high;

when like stars his children crowned,

all in white shall wait around.

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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 hosts sing Alleluia,

Christ the Saviour is born!

Christ the Saviour is born.

Silent night, holy night!

Son of God love's pure light.

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.

Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.

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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.

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The Night Before Christmas - Moore

By Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that ST. NICHOLAS soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!

On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes - how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

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,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL - AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT."

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The Little Drummer Boy

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 honour 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 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 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

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Jingle Bells

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

Jingle bells

Jingle bells

jingle all the way!

O what fun it is to ride

In a one-horse open sleigh

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

Jingle Bells

Jingle Bells

Jingle all the way!

What fun it is to ride

In a one-horse open sleigh

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

Jingle Bells

Jingle Bells

Jingle all the way!

What fun it is to ride

In a one-horse open sleigh

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

Jingle Bells

Jingle Bells

Jingle all the way!

What fun it is to ride

In a one-horse open sleigh

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The 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 gold 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 gold 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 gold 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 gold 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 gold 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 gold 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 gold 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 gold rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtle doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

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White Christmas - Song

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

- by Irving Berlin

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Christmas

Christmas Day is on 25 December.

It is the day when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 26) are traditionally days when families spend time together at home.

We also recommend that you read the page called 'Christmas - A History' for a good overview of Christmas.

http://www.gouk.com/christmas/traditions/traditions2.asp?Name=Christmas+%2D+A+History

Christmas Evergreens

Evergreen plants are used as Christmas decorations - the most popular ones being holly and ivy.

Before Christianity these plants were thought to be magical and were hung up to protect against evil spirits and to encourage Spring to come. Christians used these plants in their customs to remind people that the prickles on the holly were like the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he died.

Welcome wreaths - a welcome wreath of evergreens is often placed on front doors and dates back to the Roman times when a garland of leaves signified good luck.

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Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on the branches of trees. Druids used mistletoe as a symbol of fertility. Victorians bound the mistletoe to a frame to make a "kissing ring." Each time a gentleman caught a lady under the mistletoe, he was allowed to claim a kiss. When the branches were bare, the kissing had to stop! A traditional rhyme about mistletoe is:

'Pick a berry off the mistletoe

For every kiss that's given.

When the berries have all gone

There's an end to kissing.'

It is still customary to kiss someone under the mistletoe.

In the Middle-Ages, aware of mistletoe's pagan origins, the church banned mistletoe and suggested that holly should be used as an alternative evergreen. However, the tradition refused to die out and mistletoe and holly can still be found side by side in most houses today during the Christmas period.

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Christmas Trees

The use of Christmas trees began in the 17th century in Strasbourg, France and spread throughout Europe. Evergreen fir trees are usually adorned with lights (as symbols of eternal life and hope) and decorations. In the UK, they were made popular by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, who had a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle from 1840.

Martin Luther, in the 16th century, is believed to be the first person to put a candle on a tree - the light signifying hope and symbolising the star in the east which guided the Three Wise Men in their quest to find baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

Woolworths sold the first manufactured Christmas tree ornaments in 1880 whilst electric tree lights were used for the first time in 1882.

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Christmas Presents

The notion of exchanging gifts at Christmas can be traced back to the Magi (the Three Wise Men) who, guided by a star in the sky, travelled to Bethlehem to offer gifts to Jesus: gold, incense and myrrh. However, it was not until the 1860s when the story of Santa Claus (St Nicholas) became fashionable that the idea really took hold and it became popular to give gifts to members of your family and friends.

Christmas presents are usually put under the Christmas tree and opened on Christmas Day.

For Christmas merchandise, click the link below.

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Christmas Cards

Christmas (and New Year) cards are given at Christmas time.

For Christmas merchandise, click the link below.

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Christmas Stockings

From 1870 children have hung up Christmas stockings at the ends of their beds or along the mantelpiece.

The stockings (or sacks) are filled during the night by Father Christmas whilst the children are asleep, ready for Christmas Day.

Children write letters to Father Christmas to let him know what they want. Usually they "post" these letters a few weeks before Christmas Day by leaving them in the fireplace for Father Christmas to collect.

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Santa Claus - His Story

There are dozens of names and millions of images depicting Santa Claus - each generation regarding him slight differently -  but the origins for Santa Claus go back to a real man: St Nichols of Myra.

St Nicholas was born in Myra (in modern day Turkey) in about 300 A.D. The only child of a wealthy family, Nicholas was orphaned as a young boy when his parents were taken by the plague. Raised by monks, Nicholas became a priest at the tender age of 17 and stories soon started to abound of his generosity and kindness, especially towards children. He became the bishop of Myra and, after his death, his grave became a shrine renowned throughout the Christian world.

In 1807, Italians sailors stole his remains and took them back to the port of Bari in Italy where they remain to this day in the basilica of San Nicola.

By the Middle Ages, Nicholas had been made a Saint and, given his reputation for being both kind and generous, was adopted as the patron saint of Russia and Greece, as well as for many charities, guilds and cities, and many churches were dedicated in his name.

Following the Reformation, Nicholas’ popularity waned throughout Europe as the new Protestant groups broke away from the traditions and saints of the Catholic church. Instead of one gift-giver, different countries found names for their own gift-giver: Father Christmas in the UK, Pere Noel in France, Christmas Man (Weihnachtsmann) in Germany, Grandfather Frost in Russia, and Sinterklaas in the Netherlands.

Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (now New York) took the tradition of Sinterklaas with them to America in the 17th century and Sinterklaas was rapidly accepted by the English-speaking majority there under the anglicised name of Santa Claus and his own legend became mixed with Nordic folktales about a magician who punished naughty children and rewarded good ones with gifts.

The Santa we know today was largely inspired in 1823 by one man, Clement Clarke Moore, in one poem, ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ in which he described St Nicholas as "chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf". Moore not only described Santa, he also set out the flying reindeer and the concept of Santa coming down the chimney on Christmas Eve and dolling out gifts to good little children.

Some 40 years later, the political cartoonist Thomas Nast produced a series of illustrations of Santa for the magazine Harper's Weekly. Nast’s Santa was a plump, jolly old fellow with a white beard. Then, between 1931 and 1964, Haddon Sundblom created a new Santa each Christmas for Coca-Cola advertisements that appeared worldwide on the back covers of Post and National Geographic magazines. This is the Santa we know and love today with a red suit trimmed with white fur, leather boots and belt, long white beard and a pack of toys slung onto his back. Many people wrongly believe that Santa’s red suit is down to Santa being dressed in Coca-Cola colours, but this is not true as the colours originate from the red clothes worn by the original St Nicholas when he was bishop of Myra.

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Christmas Dinner

It is traditional to have turkey with stuffing, sprouts, carrots, peas, and bacon/sausages for Christmas dinner, and Christmas plum pudding and/or mince pies with rum butter for desert.

The Christmas pudding has brandy poured over it and is lit. The flaming pudding is brought to the dinner table. A coin is often placed in the pudding - bringing "good luck" to the person who finds it.

For Delia Smith's Christmas cook book, click the link below.

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Christmas Crackers

A London sweet maker, Thomas Smith, invented Christmas crackers in 1846.

The idea of these crackers were taken from the French bonbons - sweets wrapped in twisted pieces of coloured paper.

Thomas Smith added love notes to the bonbons and then had the idea of making the sweets go bang.

Paper hats and small toys were also added to the crackers.

Christmas crackers are usually pulled around the dinner table before the meal starts.

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Christmas Games

A popular game for families to play at Christmas time is charades.

In charades, players have to act out words (usually the names of films, books, or song) in mime.

The other players who are watching the mime have to guess what the charade is.

Whoever guesses the charade first has to perform the next charade.

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Pantomimes

Pantomimes (usually shortened to "pantos") are traditional Christmas plays put on in theatres for children to watch.

Most pantos are based on popular children's stories such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Mother Goose, Aladdin.

In pantos, ugly women are always played by men, and handsome young men are always played by pretty young women!

It is traditional for the audience to join in with the panto - cheering the hero or heroine and hissing at the villains.

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Christmas Carols - Brief History

Carols (French 'noel') are popular religious songs usually sung at Christmas.

Carols are sung to remember the singing of the angels who sang 'Gloria in Excelsis Deo' in heaven to give thanks for Christ's birth.

Since Victorian days, singers and musicians have visited houses at Christmas time. The Carollers sing carols and collect money, which is usually given to charity. The Carollers are normally given drinks made of warm ale, apples, and spices - if they're lucky!

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New Year - Hogmanay

Scottish New Year

Scotland is well-known for its New Year Eve’s celebrations. There is a magical firework display and torchlight procession in Edinburgh and throughout many cities in Scotland. The Scots have a long heritage associated with the New Year which is known as Hogmanay.

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Hogmanay Customs

The theme that dominates all the traditions and customs surrounding Hogmanay is that the new year must begin on a happy note, with a clean break from all that may have been bad in the previous year.

Houses are cleaned in preparation for New Year as a purification ritual. After sunset, juniper branches are collected and burnt. They are carried throughout the house to purify the home.

Bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits and to get rid of the old year. Sometimes a straw figure known as "the Auld Wife" which represents the old year would be thrown on the bonfire.

On New Year’s Eve everyone links arms and sings the traditional new year song "Auld Lang Syne"

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First Footing

This is a time when relatives and friends come to visit the home. The first person to come to the door in the New Year should be a dark-haired man (or fair-haired depending on the area). He should bring a small gift such as a piece of coal, bread, salt, whisky which are symbols of life. This will ensure prosperity in the New Year.

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New Year Food

Haggis, shortbread, scones, oatmeal cakes, cheese, whisky and wine and traditional new year black buns are ate and drunk at New Year.

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Auld Lang Syne

Scottish words meaning: "good old days", or "time remembered with fondness."

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

7and days of Auld Lang Syne.

For Auld Lang Syne, my dear,

for Auld Lang Syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet

for Auld Lang Syne.

(Repeat entire verse)

LONGER VERSION

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And auld lang syne?

Chorus:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet

For auld lang syne.

And surely, ye'll be your pint stowp!

And surely I'll be mine!

And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

Chorus:

We twa hae mn about the braes

And pou'd the gowans fine;

But we've wander'd mony a weary foot

Sin' auld lang syne.

Chorus:

We two hae paidled i' the burn,

Frae morning sun till dine;

But seas between us braid hae roar'd

Sin' auld lang syne.

Chorus:

And here's a hand, my trusty fiere,

And gie's a hand o' thine;

And we'll tak' a right gude-willy waught,

For auld lang syne.

Chorus:

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Regent Street Lights

The main lights in London, along with Oxford Street

Switched on from the middle of November, 6-9pm onwards

Regent Street, W1

Tube: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly

Tel +44 (0)20 7491 2249

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.regentstreetonline.com/association/lights_history.asp

Somerset House Ice Rink

End of November to end of Jan

One of London’s most famous buildings turns its courtyard into an ice rink over the festive period.

Somerset House, Strand, WC2

Tube: Temple

Tel 020 7845 4600

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.somerset-house.org.UK

Christmas Market, Spitalfields

Usually second and third weeks of December

Shoreditch Church, Shoreditch High Street, E1

Tube: Old Street

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk

Cooking up History, Hampton Court

The Great Kitchens will be transformed into working kitchens from the Tudor, Stuart and Georgian periods. Historic cooks re-create dishes from these eras and invite visitors to learn more about the food and court life of the palace

Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU

Tel +44 (0)20 8781 9500

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.hrp.org.UK

Christmas Baroque Music

Charpentier’s joyful mass based on popular French carols together with the Nativity setting.

Nonsuch Singers, Canzona and young vocal soloists perform in a concert in Sir Christopher’s Wren’s favourite church.

St James’s Church, 197 Piccadilly, London

Tel: 020 7381 0441

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.st-james-piccadilly.org

Christmas Tree, Trafalgar Sq

The Christmas tree is a present from the people of Norway for the help that the British gave to them during WW2.

The tree is lit and carols are sung around the tree from 5pm to 9pm on certain evenings until 24 Dec, by groups in aid of various charities.

There will be a switch on ceremony at approximately 6.30 pm on 4th December 2003

Beginning December to 6th January

Trafalgar Square, WC2

Tel +44 (0)20 7983 4234

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.anglotrees.co.uk/info/famous_trafalgar_square.asp

Great Christmas Pudding Race

A relay race around the East Piazza in fancy dress, avoiding novelty obstacles whilst carrying a Christmas pudding on a tray. Events before and after the race in aid of the Cancer Research Campaign

Covent Garden, WC2N

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.coventgardenmarket.com

Blessing of the Crib

Hundreds of people gather as the Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields blesses the crib. Short outdoor service with carols and accompaniment by the Salvation Army Brass band.

Trafalgar Square, WC2

Tel +44 (0)20 7766 1100

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Varsity Rugby Match

Annual rugby match between the teams from Oxford and Cambridge Universities

First or second week of December

Rugby Football Union Ground, TW1 1DZ

Tel: +44 (0)20 8892 2000

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.Twickenham

Christmas At Leeds Castle

Giant Christmas trees, strings of white lights and Father Christmas in his grotto

Usually last two weeks of December

Leeds Castle, Kent, ME17 1PL

Tel +44 (0)1622 765400

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.leeds-castle.com/

Olympia Show Jumping

One of the premier show-jumping events of the year, with first-class horsemanship and the biggest names in the sport

Usually in the last two weeks of December

Olympia, Hammersmith Road, London, W14

Tel +44 (0)1865 388000

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.olympiashowjumping.com

Carol Services, London

Carol Service and Services on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, London

St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, WC2

24th December 2003 at approx 6.30.pm Carol Service

24th December 2003 at approx 11.30 pm Midnight Mass

25th and 26th December

Tel: 020 7766 1100

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Peter Pan Cup Swimming

Cold 100 yards swimming race held on Christmas Day since 1864. Spectators welcome

25th December

Hyde Park, W2

Tel: 01753 765000

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.serpentineswimmingclub.com/christmas_day_race.htm

Hampton Court Palace

Join in singing Christmas carols in the courtyards at Hampton Court Palace. Words provided.

The Tudor kitchens will produce food from 1602-3. Upstairs will be festive fun, dancing and games from the Elizabeth 1 period

Outdoor ice skating rink in the spectacular outdoor setting of Hampton Court Palace.

Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU

Tel +44 (0)20 8781 9500

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.hrp.org.uk

The Winter Treasure Trail

Solve the clues in the grounds and win prizes

End of December - Start of January

Leeds Castle, ME17 1PL

Tel +44 (0)1622 765400

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.leeds-castle.com

Covent Garden Market

Host of Christmas activities and entertainment - carol singers, street performers, visiting artistes, Christmas pudding race

November to December

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.coventgardenmarket.com

Edinburgh Hogmanay

UK’s largest street party, celebrating the New Year with live music, street theatre, carnival, dance, fireworks. Tickets required

End December to 4th January

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org

Bob Wilson Funfair

Funfair in Leicester Square’s resident funfair

Most of December and early January

Leicester Square, WC2

Tube: Leicester Square

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.funfairs.net/

Christmas Past

400 years of seasonal traditions in UK homes

November to January

Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, London, E2

Tube: Old Street or Liverpool Street

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.geffrye-museum.org.uk/

Christmas at Kew Gardens

London's Kew Gardens is changed into a world of magical lights, music and family entertainment. Events includes late-night opening, shopping, live music, guided Christmas tree walks and more.

November to January

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London

Tube: Kew Gardens

020 8332 5655

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.kew.org

Dickensian Christmas

Victorian Christmas in Rochester’s High Street - Scrooge, carol singers, bellringers, street theatre, children's shows, Father Christmas and Dickensian characters.

Usually in early December

Rochester, Kent

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.medway.gov.uk/tourism

Honda Challenge Tennis

Some of the world’s great tennis legends compete over the 5 day tournament

Usually in early December

Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP

Tel +44 (0)020 7351 7499

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.hondachallengetennis.co.UK

Claus.com

This is a great site for kids aged 3 to 103. Lots of interactive fun - you can find out how naughty or nice you've been, play online games, and even track Santa's progress on 24th December.

"Santa Claus is really excited you've come to visit, and he has the North Pole Village full of fun things to do for both kids and parents, including lots of new things this year. Check your Naughty or Nice rating. Choose your very own Elf Buddy. Play games in Elf School. Print your Honorary Elf Diploma. Sing along with new original Christmas songs. Try funny holiday recipes. Visit the amazing Toy Workshop. Send E-mail to Santa Claus. Follow Santa Claus in his sleigh on Christmas Eve. See how many cookies Santa Claus eats on his trip. Wonderful illustrations and a creative family experience. CLAUS.COM is one of the top-rated Santa Claus websites and is known around the world."

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.claus.com/

Christmas.com

"Christmas.com's WorldView started in 1994 as an effort to share how Christmas is celebrated around the world. This year we've combined the best music, recipes, features and information of the past in a new community based format. Our goal is to have some amount of information for every country in the world. Although, we currently have over 387 worldview entries and/or articles, some countries still don't have complete information. Our content team is actively filling in the gaps with more and more information being added every day. New for this year is a feature that gives you quick statistics about each major region and country. This should easily allow you to see what's available."

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://christmas.com/worldview/

Christmas Funnies

Fun and humour for Santa lovers everywhere.

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.netcore.ca/~gkillops/xmas.html

Christmas In Poland

"For Poles, Christmas Eve is a time of family gathering and reconciliation. It's also a night of magic: Animals are said to talk in a human voice and people have the power to tell the future. The belief was born with our ancestors who claimed that Dec. 24 was a day to mark the beginning of a new era. It was bolstered by sayings such as, "As goes Christmas Eve, goes the year." Hoping for a good 12 months, everyone was polite and generous to one another and forgave past grievances."

To visit the associated website, click the link below.

http://www.polishworld.com/christmas/

Christmas Movies

If you're looking for a Christmas film - it's probably here! Click the link below:

http://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/christmas_movie.html

Christmas Seal Campaign

"Canada's first Christmas Seal campaign was in 1927. Since then, the Canadian public has provided funds for sanatoria, TB prevention, community programs, and research into preventing and treating lung disease.

About 3,000 cases of tuberculosis still occur every year in Canada, and the occurrence of other diseases of the lungs such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma has increased enormously."

To visit the associated website, click the link belo