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Recommendations for a Christmas Full of Great Music

It is without much room for doubt, safe to say that no other holiday (religious or secular), or day of the year or time of which has so much in the way of music dedicated to it; as does Christmas. This in a tradition that goes back through the centuries as far as the middle ages. However it was during the years of the reformation that a lot of the music connected to Christmas was banned as was the celebrating of Christmas itself. This being caused by the believe of those who stuck firm to the notion that since Christmas was not mentioned in the bible; it ought not to be celebrated; as doing so would be an act of sin. With time however Christmas celebrating was brought back as was the music connected to it which in the last 100 years has become connected more with carols and songs then with the church orchestral music which those of centuries prior used to associate this time of year with. Christmas music now a days can be for the most part divided in to two categories; they being carols and songs, with carols concentrating on the religious side of Christmas and all that has to do with the birth of Christ, such as the virgin mary, the town of Bethlehem, angels and the star which guided the three wise men to the place of Jesus’ birth. Carols include such numbers as “Oh, Come O’ Ye Faithful” “Joy To The World” and “Silent Night” which as stated in this paragraph capture the essence of what in fact is being celebrated and that being the birth of Christ. It is songs like these that make for a quit evening at home, perhaps around a fireplace, if one happens to have one though I am reminded of my youth in New York. This being not because I had a fireplace but because it was in New York that channel 11 would play Christmas music exclusively from 9 pm till midnight of the 24th of December. All the time showing nothing on the screen but a fireplace with one burning log. I guess channel 11, figured most people would be limiting themselves to listening to the music and not watching what was on the screen. It however seemed strange to me that after watching the log burning for sometime; I started to get a feeling of warmth which no doubt must have been created by my mind as it is highly doubtful that the TV set would have radiated more heat because of this image. As for Christmas Carols; I would also say they offer relaxation from the hustle and bustle that is the Christmas season. All of which includes the need to plan how we will spend this day along with the shopping done; in more often then not crowed stores, as we look for bargains or that perfect gift for that certain someone. It is from this that we can come home to a lovely melody of the season which for us older folks would be accompanied by a cup of coffee with brandy while the younger ones may enjoy a cup of hot chocolate which would not be just right without those marshmallows. Where carols focus on the religious side of Christmas, songs do so on all the rest that is connected to this time of year, which includes the commercial angles of shopping and decorations plus the sentimental side of Christmas that makes people come together. As some examples of Christmas songs one could mention “White Christmas”, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”, and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”. It is songs such as these that have contributed perhaps even more then carols to Christmas being so vastly celebrated through out the world. As in an age when people are turning away from believe in God, they may find something in songs that put emphases on simply having a good time or being together in sharing our love of humanity. Christmas songs can also be very good for bringing out the joy of giving presents or receiving them as well as being close to one’s loved ones; weather they be our children or parents or just that special romantic relationship; one may be involved in at the time of Christmas. As these songs remind people of the simple way two people can share this time of year. In a way where little other then each other’s society is required. Songs like “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” or “I’ll Be Home For Christmas or “Blue Christmas” are the ones I have in mind when it comes to expressing such ideas. As for myself, I have always enjoyed listening to such songs with my wife in a romantic setting where our tree of the season is never out of sight. When it comes to Christmas songs, “Jingle Bells” is arguably the most popular of all and yet strangely enough the lyrics of this song have almost nothing to do with Christmas as they do not even mention it by name for that matter. “Jingle Bells” actually was not originally released as a Christmas song but a pop song about winter which for the reason that most countries in the north celebrate this time of year during their cold months has come to be considered as a Christmas song. It in my opinion is a nice little piece which most children through out the world have heard and though it has no real connection with Christmas it is always a lot of fun and has even been covered by “The Three Tenors” on their Christmas Album of 2000. “Jingle Bells” however is not the only song to become popular during Christmas simply because it makes reference to the snow and cold to be found in most of the northern countries as “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” or “Let It Snow” or “Winter Wonderland” do likewise whilst also failing to use the words Christmas or even Santa Claus. As for myself, I particularly like the song “Sleigh Ride” and its merry melody which also does not say anything about Christmas but gives the listener plenty to be merry about. This song can also be found on the Christmas album by “The Three Tenors”. Another variety of Christmas song which has become popular is those which are basically of little difference from romantic songs other then they tell of a romance during Christmas time. “Last Christmas” by the pop group “Wham” perhaps is a perfect example of how such feelings are not being kept out of this kind music which tries to cater to feelings that might arise during this most special time of the year. So, lovers need not feel excluded as there are many such songs to fill the hearts of those who really care little for anything that concerns this season; save being with the one they love above all else in a romantic way. As for my taste when it comes to such romantic Christmas songs, it leans toward the ones recorded so many years ago by those now legendary performers, like Dean Martin (real name Dino Crocetti and who incidentally died on December 25, 1995), Doris Day, Bing Crosby and who could forget Frank Sinatra, “the voice”. It is these singers that have been played on my stereo many a time during Christmas; as there is something in their renditions of songs like “A Winter Romance”, “I’ve Got My Baby To Keep Me Warm” and some of the ones already mentioned that in my opinion truly brings out the romance that some of us now associate with this time of year. Christmas perhaps most of all is enjoyed by children as to them everything is new and the presents they get are of most importance to them then anybody else and it is for them that some songs have been specially written. For instance “Frosty, The Snowman”, ( not really a Christmas song, as it does not mention it) truly captures the spirit of this time of year in the countries of cold with its happy melody reminding all, specially the young that they need not fuss with school and may go out and build all their imagination and snow will allow them to. Of course, there are a variety of songs for this time of year; some of which are simply about Christmas partying such as Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” or Slade’s “Merry Xmas Everybody”. It is songs like this and several others which for the most part are nice songs to even dance to in a party setting with drinks and general good cheer. However in this that be music of the season, John Lennon also contributed a song called “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” which undoubtedly captures the ideas of this time of year while throwing a bit of a political view as it makes reference to American participation in what become known as the Vietnam War. This song however in spite of its politics and reference to a war which has been over for over 30 years is still popular and was even covered twice by my idol, Placido Domingo. First with Sarah Brightman and then with his fellow tenors, Carreras and Pavarotti. Christmas songs however come from all over the world and many times some of the songs we believe to be from our country; turn out to be from overseas and were translated in to our language. For instance “Silent Night” (composed by Mohr and Gruber) comes to us from Austria and because of this we can imagine that it was originally written in German; as is the case. France for instance has given us “Oh, Holly Night” while Spain is not without classics of its own such as “Ay, Para Navidad”; so it is this Christmas that I urge those who enjoy music of this season to try some songs from other countries. If for no other reason then just to see how they differ from those in our own countries. Poland for instance has a nice song called “Dormi Bambino” which thanks to Carreras having a Polish girlfriend at the time ended up being performed by “The 3 Tenors” on their Christmas album which I recommend to all, even those who be not fans of classical music. When it comes to Christmas songs, they not only are not limited by international boundaries but by musical styles as songs of the season have been covered from artist as diverse as “The 3 Tenors”, McCartney, Lennon, Slade, Brian Adams, Steve Vai, Kenny G, Kenny Rogers in styles of music that include country, disco and recently even hip-hop. I however always incline to the traditional arrangements as those are the ones I grew up on. In conclusion I would say there is no denying the influence Christmas has had on music as there is no denying the same for what music has meant to Christmas, for what would be this season without those songs we grew up with? Songs which we perhaps sang in school, which will last forever as will this day, therefore it is with this in mind that I suggest to all who enjoy Christmas not to exclude those songs and carols which like the tree itself will bring to our homes that spirit of giving which is so abundant during this time of year known as Christmas.
About the Author

My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. As for the details regarding my life I would say that there is nothing that lifts them above the ordinary. I was born in New York City in 1967 on May 21st and am presently living in Warsaw, Poland where I wrote my first book “New York’s Opera Society” now Available on Amazon.

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How Surprising Secrets of the Top Holiday Tunes

The holidays are filled with joyful emotions and honored traditions, including the playing of songs about snowmen, St. Nick, evergreen trees, and presents wrapped up with big pretty bows. No matter how you celebrate the season, you'll hear these songs on the radio, on TV, at the mall, in the office, and just about anywhere music is performed. If you think the same songs are played over and over, you're right, but if this bothers you, consider the alternative: Christmas carols were banned in England between 1649 and 1660. Oliver Cromwell, serving as Lord Protector of Britain, believed Christmas should be solemn and also banned parties, limiting celebrations to sermons and prayer services. Lots of holiday songs are festive, many have spiritual overtones, and all are played so often that they are familiar no matter what your faith. But what do you know about how these songs were created and the people who wrote them? There are some fascinating facts behind this memorable music. So, toss a log in the fireplace, pour yourself a hot toddy or some cold eggnog, and sit back as we reveal the secrets behind many of the tunes you are going to be hearing dozens of times during December. "The Christmas Song," Mel Torme and Bob Wells, 1944. On a sweltering July day in Los Angeles, 19-year-old jazz singer Torme worked with 23-year-old Wells to create this beautiful tune. Full of wintry images and a charming wistfulness for all the delights of the season, the song became an enormous hit by Nat "King" Cole the following year. In Torme's autobiography, he says Wells wasn't trying to write lyrics but was simply jotting down ideas that would help him forget about the heat wave. "The First Noel," Traditional, 16th or 17th century. Some say this is a song with a British background while others insist it has French origins. So far, no one has any definitive proof. Two things are for certain: first, it's very popular if two countries are claiming it; and second, counting the title, the word "Noel" appears in the song 30 times. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," Felix Mendelssohn, Charles Wesley, and William Cummings, 1739-1855. Wesley's opening line was "Hark how all the welkin rings" and he protested when a colleague changed it. Wesley wanted a slow and solemn anthem for his song, but William Cummings set the lyrics to rousing music by Felix Mendolssohn (from a cantata about movable type inventor Johann Gutenberg). For his part, Mendolssohn specified that his composition only appear in a secular context, not spiritual. So both original authors' wishes were thwarted in the creation of this glorious song. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, 1943. The songwriting team of Martin (music) and Blane (lyrics) worked together for five decades, producing Oscar- and Tony-nominated songs. This hauntingly lovely tune was made famous by Judy Garland in the 1944 film, "Meet Me in St. Louis." While the song is a bittersweet gem, the original lyrics were actually darker and not to Garland's liking. Since she was a huge star at the time, and was dating the film's director, Vincent Minnelli (she married him the following year), the changes were made. "I'll Be Home for Christmas," Kim Gannon and Walter Kent, 1942. Gannon (lyrics) and Kent (composer) worked often together, but even with her three Academy Award nominations, nothing was as successful as this wartime song. By getting it to Bing Crosby, they were assured of big sales even though it competed with Crosby's recording of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas." The song is a perennial favorite, and appears often in films, including "Catch Me If You Can" and "The Polar Express." "Jingle Bells," James Pierpont, 1850s. Starting out as a lively celebration of the Salem Street sleigh races, the song called "One-Horse Open Sleigh" made a fast transition to the more sober atmosphere of the church social and became known as "Jingle Bells." While there are four verses, only the first is usually sung because of the lyrics in the remaining three verses. A woman named Fannie Bright appears in verse two, which also features a sleigh crash. The third verse displays an anti-Samaritan laughing at a fallen sleigh driver and leaving him sprawled in a snow bank, while the final verse offers such lines as "Go it while you’re young" and "Take the girls tonight." Ah yes, just good clean mid-nineteenth century fun. "Joy to the World," Isaac Watts and Lowell Mason, 1719 and 1822. The words, inspired by the 98th Psalm, were written by Watts, a British pastor, preacher, and poet. More than a century later, banker and choral teacher Mason composed music for the piece but attributed it to Handel, presumably to make the hymn more popular. It took another century for the hoax to be uncovered. "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Johnny Marks, 1949. Beginning as a coloring book written by advertising copywriter Robert L. May in 1939, the story of an unloved caribou triumphing over adversity was a promotional item for Montgomery Ward department stores. May's fairy-tale was enormously popular, and became even more so when May's brother-in-law, songwriter Marks, composed music and lyrics and got the composition to singer Gene Autry. That version sold 2 million copies the first year alone. While most of the other reindeer names were invented by Clement Moore in his 1822 poem, "The Night Before Christmas," the hero of the May story was called Rollo. Wait, that name was nixed by store executives, so he became Reginald. Oops, that was rejected, too. Finally, May's daughter suggested Rudolf. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," Haven Gillespie and J. Fred Coots, 1932. After countless versions by stars as varied as Bruce Springsteen and Perry Como, it's hard to believe that Gillespie and Coots' song was turned down all over town because it was "a kid's song." Even though Coots was a writer on the Eddie Cantor radio show, Cantor at first passed on the song, only agreeing to do it at the urging of his wife. Now it's so successful there's even a parody version by Bob Rivers (in the style of Springsteen) called "Santa Claus is Foolin' Around." "Silent Night," Joseph Mohr and Franz X. Gruber, 1816-1818. There are numerous stories and fanciful speculations about the origin of this beautiful song. Tossing aside the more lurid stories, we are left with this: the poem, "Stille Nacht," was written by Mohr, who became assistant pastor of the St. Nicholas Church (really!) in Oberndorf, Austria. Mohr gave the poem to Gruber, the church organist, reportedly on Christmas Eve, 1818, and was performed that same midnight. Oddly, the first version did not involve an organ, but was arranged for two voices, guitar and choir. Both Mohr and Gruber created manuscripts with different instrumentation at various times from 1820 to 1855. The tune first made its way around the world as a "Tyrolean Folk Song" before gaining enough fame to be instantly recognized with its first two words or first four notes. The Silent Night Web page (www.silentnight.web.za) claims there are more than 300 translations of the song and features links to 180 versions in 121 languages. "The Twelve Days of Christmas," Traditional, 16th Century. Okay, let's get the two most popular myths out of the way: the dozen days are December 26 through January 6, and there is no hidden religious meaning to the lyrics. It's simply a song that's also a memory game. Little brother sings a line, you sing two lines, Aunt Lucy sings three lines, and so on around the room. This passed for a good time in 1590. The "four calling birds" are another popular misconception. It's actually "four colley birds" (or blackbirds). Besides the seven swans a-swimming and six geese a-laying, there are more birds in the lyrics than you might think, as "five golden rings" actually refers to ring-necked birds, such as pheasants. "White Christmas," Irving Berlin, 1942. Sometimes considered America's most popular holiday song, Berlin composed it for a movie soundtrack ("Holiday Inn" starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire). With its quiet power and elegant longing for the simple pleasures of the past, it was the perfect song for the gloomy months during the middle of World War II. Composer Berlin was not positive about the song when he first presented it to Crosby, but Bing's confidence was well-founded. Spawning a movie of its own (1954's "White Christmas" with Crosby and Danny Kaye), the song hit the Top 30 nearly 20 times and has now sold more than 30 million copies. There are reportedly 500+ recorded versions of the tune in two dozen languages. # # #

The holidays are filled with joyful emotions and honored traditions, including the playing of songs about snowmen, St. Nick, evergreen trees, and presents wrapped up with big pretty bows. No matter how you celebrate the season, you'll hear these songs on the radio, on TV, at the mall, in the office, and just about anywhere music is performed.

If you think the same songs are played over and over, you're right, but if this bothers you, consider the alternative: Christmas carols were banned in England between 1649 and 1660. Oliver Cromwell, serving as Lord Protector of Britain, believed Christmas should be solemn and also banned parties, limiting celebrations to sermons and prayer services.

Lots of holiday songs are festive, many have spiritual overtones, and all are played so often that they are familiar no matter what your faith. But what do you know about how these songs were created and the people who wrote them?

There are some fascinating facts behind this memorable music. So, toss a log in the fireplace, pour yourself a hot toddy or some cold eggnog, and sit back as we reveal the secrets behind many of the tunes you are going to be hearing dozens of times during December.

"The Christmas Song," Mel Torme and Bob Wells, 1944.

On a sweltering July day in Los Angeles, 19-year-old jazz singer Torme worked with 23-year-old Wells to create this beautiful tune. Full of wintry images and a charming wistfulness for all the delights of the season, the song became an enormous hit by Nat "King" Cole the following year. In Torme's autobiography, he says Wells wasn't trying to write lyrics but was simply jotting down ideas that would help him forget about the heat wave.

"The First Noel," Traditional, 16th or 17th century.

Some say this is a song with a British background while others insist it has French origins. So far, no one has any definitive proof. Two things are for certain: first, it's very popular if two countries are claiming it; and second, counting the title, the word "Noel" appears in the song 30 times.

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," Felix Mendelssohn, Charles Wesley, and William Cummings, 1739-1855.

Wesley's opening line was "Hark how all the welkin rings" and he protested when a colleague changed it. Wesley wanted a slow and solemn anthem for his song, but William Cummings set the lyrics to rousing music by Felix Mendolssohn (from a cantata about movable type inventor Johann Gutenberg). For his part, Mendolssohn specified that his composition only appear in a secular context, not spiritual. So both original authors' wishes were thwarted in the creation of this glorious song.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, 1943.

The songwriting team of Martin (music) and Blane (lyrics) worked together for five decades, producing Oscar- and Tony-nominated songs. This hauntingly lovely tune was made famous by Judy Garland in the 1944 film, "Meet Me in St. Louis." While the song is a bittersweet gem, the original lyrics were actually darker and not to Garland's liking. Since she was a huge star at the time, and was dating the film's director, Vincent Minnelli (she married him the following year), the changes were made.

"I'll Be Home for Christmas," Kim Gannon and Walter Kent, 1942.

Gannon (lyrics) and Kent (composer) worked often together, but even with her three Academy Award nominations, nothing was as successful as this wartime song. By getting it to Bing Crosby, they were assured of big sales even though it competed with Crosby's recording of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas." The song is a perennial favorite, and appears often in films, including "Catch Me If You Can" and "The Polar Express."

"Jingle Bells," James Pierpont, 1850s.

Starting out as a lively celebration of the Salem Street sleigh races, the song called "One-Horse Open Sleigh" made a fast transition to the more sober atmosphere of the church social and became known as "Jingle Bells." While there are four verses, only the first is usually sung because of the lyrics in the remaining three verses. A woman named Fannie Bright appears in verse two, which also features a sleigh crash. The third verse displays an anti-Samaritan laughing at a fallen sleigh driver and leaving him sprawled in a snow bank, while the final verse offers such lines as "Go it while you’re young" and "Take the girls tonight." Ah yes, just good clean mid-nineteenth century fun.

"Joy to the World," Isaac Watts and Lowell Mason, 1719 and 1822.

The words, inspired by the 98th Psalm, were written by Watts, a British pastor, preacher, and poet. More than a century later, banker and choral teacher Mason composed music for the piece but attributed it to Handel, presumably to make the hymn more popular. It took another century for the hoax to be uncovered.

"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Johnny Marks, 1949.

Beginning as a coloring book written by advertising copywriter Robert L. May in 1939, the story of an unloved caribou triumphing over adversity was a promotional item for Montgomery Ward department stores. May's fairy-tale was enormously popular, and became even more so when May's brother-in-law, songwriter Marks, composed music and lyrics and got the composition to singer Gene Autry. That version sold 2 million copies the first year alone. While most of the other reindeer names were invented by Clement Moore in his 1822 poem, "The Night Before Christmas," the hero of the May story was called Rollo. Wait, that name was nixed by store executives, so he became Reginald. Oops, that was rejected, too. Finally, May's daughter suggested Rudolf.

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town," Haven Gillespie and J. Fred Coots, 1932.

After countless versions by stars as varied as Bruce Springsteen and Perry Como, it's hard to believe that Gillespie and Coots' song was turned down all over town because it was "a kid's song." Even though Coots was a writer on the Eddie Cantor radio show, Cantor at first passed on the song, only agreeing to do it at the urging of his wife. Now it's so successful there's even a parody version by Bob Rivers (in the style of Springsteen) called "Santa Claus is Foolin' Around."

"Silent Night," Joseph Mohr and Franz X. Gruber, 1816-1818.

There are numerous stories and fanciful speculations about the origin of this beautiful song. Tossing aside the more lurid stories, we are left with this: the poem, "Stille Nacht," was written by Mohr, who became assistant pastor of the St. Nicholas Church (really!) in Oberndorf, Austria. Mohr gave the poem to Gruber, the church organist, reportedly on Christmas Eve, 1818, and was performed that same midnight. Oddly, the first version did not involve an organ, but was arranged for two voices, guitar and choir. Both Mohr and Gruber created manuscripts with different instrumentation at various times from 1820 to 1855. The tune first made its way around the world as a "Tyrolean Folk Song" before gaining enough fame to be instantly recognized with its first two words or first four notes. The Silent Night Web page (www.silentnight.web.za) claims there are more than 300 translations of the song and features links to 180 versions in 121 languages.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas," Traditional, 16th Century.

Okay, let's get the two most popular myths out of the way: the dozen days are December 26 through January 6, and there is no hidden religious meaning to the lyrics. It's simply a song that's also a memory game. Little brother sings a line, you sing two lines, Aunt Lucy sings three lines, and so on around the room. This passed for a good time in 1590. The "four calling birds" are another popular misconception. It's actually "four colley birds" (or blackbirds). Besides the seven swans a-swimming and six geese a-laying, there are more birds in the lyrics than you might think, as "five golden rings" actually refers to ring-necked birds, such as pheasants.

"White Christmas," Irving Berlin, 1942.

Sometimes considered America's most popular holiday song, Berlin composed it for a movie soundtrack ("Holiday Inn" starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire). With its quiet power and elegant longing for the simple pleasures of the past, it was the perfect song for the gloomy months during the middle of World War II. Composer Berlin was not positive about the song when he first presented it to Crosby, but Bing's confidence was well-founded. Spawning a movie of its own (1954's "White Christmas" with Crosby and Danny Kaye), the song hit the Top 30 nearly 20 times and has now sold more than 30 million copies. There are reportedly 500+ recorded versions of the tune in two dozen languages.

# # #

About the Author

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Making Christmas Memories

Remember when you were a kid, and how anxious you were for Christmas to get here? Things were less hectic then. People did more things together as a family. Today, in many cases, both parents have to work and time is at a premium. Many kids spend as much time with the baby-sitter as they do with their own family.

During the Christmas season, make it a point to plan some special activities as a family. Forget about those chores around the house. The laundry will wait and there is nothing good on TV.

One nice Christmas activity is looking for a Christmas tree. Do some research and locate the nearest Christmas tree farm. Dress everyone warmly, pack two or three Christmas CD’s into the car, and hit the road. Crank up those CD’s right away and make sure everyone sings along. Don’t be afraid to have fun. Use a funny voice, make a few funny faces, tickle someone, and most importantly LAUGH.

When you arrive at your destination, grab a saw from the proprietor and head on out. Sing your favorite Christmas carols as you trudge along in search of the perfect tree. If your family is as picky as mine, it will take an hour or more. Again, don’t be afraid to have fun. The funny memories you create today will make your kids laugh for years to come!

After securing the tree, sing Christmas carols all the way home. Have a contest to see who can do the best Santa imitation. See who can come closest to guessing the total number of needles on the tree. (Pretend you know.)

The real magic of future Christmas gatherings will be based on the memories that you create now. Some of my fondest memories involve simple inexpensive things that we did with (and for) our kids when they were young.

Make an effort to create memories that will last a lifetime! It doesn't have to be expensive. Our annual Christmas tree excursion is an example of the fun things you can do as a family that can bring a lifetime worth of laughter.

Get involved with your kids, do crafts, projects, and activities with them. I recall one activity; using nothing more than an inexpensive piece of cloth, we created a gift for our five-year old. It was a simple inexpensive gift that we made for less than a dollar. The real value in the gift was the wonderful story that we crafted about the object. Her squeals of delight and the look of absolute amazement on her face as she discovered it on Christmas morning was priceless. What's more, she was the envy of her neighborhood friends when she showed them her precious treasure!

You can create lasting memories in many ways. For starters, there's a great website for young children. It's called Santa's Place. It's a daily journal of Santa's activities that started on October 1. In it, Santa talks directly to your child (or grand-child). He asks them questions, fills them in on how the elves and reindeer are doing, sings songs, etc. Your children will love you for it!

About the Author

Visit Santa's Place at http://santasplace.blogspot.com

For that inexpensive, yet memorable gift above: http://www.howtoebooksite.com/Santasplace.html

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Download Sherlock Holmes Movie for Free - Watch in HD/DVD Quality

Watching a good movie over the weekend is a good way to relax and spend some quality time away from work. But managing movie tickets is not easy, especially when you want to watch an eagerly awaited thriller of the year on the day of its release. **To Download Sherlock Holmes Movie for Free visit the link www.newfulllengthmovies.com.

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As for the plot, without revealing the suspense let us just tell you what it is all about. The movie is set in the 1891 England and tracks how England’s most favorite detective Sherlock Holmes along with his ally John Watson avert a conspiracy that can destroy the country. Together they have to defeat the viscous schemes of Lord Blackwood who is determined to return to avenge his death. How the duo manages to stop Blackwood and save England forms the crux of the story. The movie also sees Rachel McAdams matching and sometimes outwitting Holmes in wit and sharp thinking.

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Positive Effects of Christmas Music for Children

Just as November slips into December and the winds get a little wintry, there is a sudden spurt of enthusiasm in the atmosphere. You can feel the change in the way everybody reacts and talks and there is a festive mood everywhere. You are confronted with the '"Sale" sign wherever you go and quite suddenly, the shopping bug bites you too. You hardly feel like working anymore in the offices and even the discussion there is centered on Christmas. Children too join in and are swept away by the preparations leading to the big night. It is quite natural for Christmas music for children to join the popularity ranks too. Kids music plays a huge role in the celebrations and children find their own way of making the occasion a memorable one.

Special Place For Music

It has been widely discussed that music has a special place in the life of every kid. It influences his entire life and helps to add purpose to his life. His happiness is expressed through music and his desolate moments also find solace through soulful music. But Christmas music for children has scaled new heights with kids getting attracted to it like nothing else. There will hardly be a single soul who has not heard of Santa Claus and "Jingle Bells". Children wait with bated breath to open their stockings and find the presents which Santa has gifted them. And if these gifts include personalized kids CDs, then they are really overjoyed.

Learn About The Culture

Christmas music for children has a special role to play in the life of every child. They not only get into the Christmas mood and enjoy all the festivities going round but also get to know more about the culture through these songs. Christmas is the time to remember jesus christ and celebrate his birth. The carols sung during Christmas are all tributes to the great son of God. It is important for the children to learn more about their religion and how the Christmas atmosphere helps in overcoming the evil. The positive effects of kids music can be felt when the kids turn out in large numbers to attend church and sing the carols along with their parents.

Arrange For Fun Games

The environment is so charged up that you can even feel the healthy vibes that are transmitted throughout. There is a chance to forget all about the miseries of life and get totally immersed in enjoying the festive season. Planning parties for children can be fun during Christmas. A quiz can be arranged based on the stories of Jesus' birth and his life. You can include Christmas music for children during these sessions to bring a touch of entertainment for the kids. Kids will love to take part in these quiz shows and this is certain to have a positive effect on them.

Messages Spread Through Christmas

If history is to be believed, then the puritans did not have any liking for Christmas carols. They discouraged the singing of carols and frowned upon their being sung in any congregation during Christmas. With the passing years, the puritans lost their hold and carols became popular throughout the world. This was towards the nineteenth century when people realized the joy of celebrating Christmas and helping their kids have a good time too. Christmas songs for children began to be sung in full steam and kids discovered the message of goodwill that was spread through music.

Media Will Pitch in

With the advances made in technology, kids music has found great popularity through CDs and MP3s. The Internet has become a great medium to spread the cheer. Be it classical carols or new renditions; all of them can be sung when you get around the Christmas tree and celebrate Christmas in style.

About the Author

Z Kids Music specializes in offering kids personalized music by incorporating the child's name in the song. You can order your personalized kids CDs at http://zkidsmusic.com.

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Christmas Games for Families, Office Parties, or Any Holiday Get Together

Whether you are at a Christmas party with friends or neighbors, planning a work party for co-workers or employees, or just sitting around the living room with your own family, the 7 games listed below are sure to be a hit for any family, people of all ages, and groups of all sizes.

1) Gift Unwrapping Madness: In preparation, wrap a gift inside a box (wrap it a few times), and then place that box inside a box and also wrap that box many times, etc. – do this with a few boxes. Place the gift in the center with a pair of mis-matched gloves. The goal is to be the first to unwrap all the boxes to win the gift. At ‘Go’ the first person will roll two dice. If they roll double 3’s or 6’s, they will put on the gloves and start unwrapping. The next person will then roll, and once they also roll two 3’s or 6’s, the first person will stop and the next person now puts on the gloves and starts unwrapping. This continues until one person un-wraps everything and wins the gift.

2) The Gift Giving/Taking Frenzy: Each person will come to the party with a wrapped gift. The item can be a ‘white elephant’ or very nice item. Place all the gifts in the center and everyone sits in a circle. The first person will go and choose one gift and unwrap it in front of everyone. Going to the left, the next person can either choose a new gift from the center, or take the gift from the first person (or anyone else in the circle who has chosen one as the game progresses). But, after the 3rd time a gift has passed hands, it is frozen and can’t be chosen any more. If a gift is taken from you, you choose another gift (either from the center or from someone else – but no taking the gift back that someone just took from you). Each person will have a gift at the end of the game.

3) Christmas Carol Drawing Charades: Everyone will write a common Christmas story or carol and place them all in a bowl. Divide everyone playing into two teams. One person from each team will come to the front and together choose one slip. They will then go back to their team and at ‘go,’ have to draw the story/carol on a paper. No talking – just drawing. The first team to guess correctly gets a point. The team with the most points once all the slips have been drawn is the winner! A variation is rather than drawing, teams will have to act the carol.

4) C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S  Digital Race: Divide everyone playing into teams of three, and each team will need a car and digital camera (or cell phone camera).  At ‘go,’ each team will venture out and drive around the city and try to find random Christmas related objects for each letter of the word C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S., and take a picture of it. For example, teams might take a picture of a Santa for ‘S’, a Christmas Tree for ‘T’, or Mistletoe for ‘M’, etc.  The first team back wins (only if they have a picture for each letter as proof that they found an item for each letter)!

5) Christmas Spelling: Write down the letters of the alphabet on little slips of paper so that each letter is on its own slip (you will need to actually do this a few times so there are 3-4 slips for each letter). Then, in preparation, write down many Christmas related words (examples: tree, presents, mistletoe, reindeer, Santa, Rudolph, gifts, shopping, manger, Christ, chimney, etc.).  Divide everyone playing into two teams, and to start, send one person from each team to the front. At the front will be a table will all the letters scattered on the table (letters facing up and mixed). At ‘go,’ a moderator will yell out one of the Christmas related words. The two at the table will race to spell that word out, using the letters on the table. The first to spell the word correctly (placing slips of paper in a row to spell the word) receives a point. Send another player up from each team, and this repeats until one team scores 20 points and wins!

6) Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt: This game takes a little preparation, but it is certainly a blast. Go out through the neighborhood one night and look at neighbors’ Christmas lights. Write down clues that will help players know what house / lights are being described from the clues, without actually revealing the house or neighbors names (Example, I'm a two story house dressed in red and white lights near the school). Then, divide everyone into groups of three and give each team a copy of all the clues. Each team should have the clues in different order, so they are not all going in the same route. As teams go, they have to write down the actual address of each house to prove they actually went there. The first team back wins!

7) Christmas Card Game & Gift Stealing: For that next family game night at Christmas time, pull out a deck of cards and play this fun game. But, in order to play, everyone has to come to the game with a wrapped White Elephant gift. Deal out 8 cards to each player. The person to the left of the dealer will lay a card – whatever card is laid, everyone else has to lay a card from that suit. Then, the person who has the highest card wins that hand and gets to choose a gift. They will unwrap the gift so everyone can see it. Then, that person will lead out with another card, and again, everyone will lay. Whoever now lays the highest card can either choose a new gift, or take the gift from the last person. This continues, and there is no limit to how many times a gift can exchange hands, and you can take a gift from anyone at any time. It is possible for people to get many gifts if they keep winning hands too. Once everyone runs out of their eight cards, deal again, and continue playing until either every gift has been chosen or until whenever you want to stop.

Have Fun!

About the Author

Matt is the founder of http://www.Tips4Families.com/ – a website full of helpful parenting advice, fun games and activities, traditions and holiday ideas, and tips and articles for families everywhere. Matt is also the author of: “Great Games! 175 Games & Activities for Families, Groups, & Children.” To view the book and learn more, visit: http://www.GreatGamesBook.com/

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