“Christmas is more than a time of carols, cards and candy; it is a season of dedication and decision.”
– William Arthur Ward
If you were to open my Christmas Music folder in iTunes, a quick scroll downward would tell you something else about my holiday tastes: apart from being a “purist” I’m also a traditionalist.
You won’t find Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Let it Snow, or White Christmas.
What you will find is The Cambridge Singers, Hereford Cathedral Choir, and a smattering of various monastery choirs.
You will hear Good King Wenceslas, The Cherry Tree Carol, Adeste Fideles, quite a bit of Handel, Angels We Have Heard on High, Quem Pastores Laudevere, and my very favorite The Sussex Carol.
Mum and used to sing Fum Fum Fum, while baking Christmas treats. The whole clan, if in a silly mood, could try the Hallelujah Chorus, blissfully murdering time and tune.
Like so many other good things, though, even Christmas songs can’t be taken too seriously. Because, traditionalist I may be, but dour faced pillar of tradition I am not!
Small Dog Syndrome 
We went last night in NYC to hear 16th century choral Christmas songs by Palestrina, etc. Heavenly!
Being a Canadian, I love the Canadian “Huron Carol”…
Twas in the moon of wintertime, when all the birds had fled, that mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead…
http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/cmascorner/Huron.htm
written in 1643!
can’t forget bach’s Christmas Oratorio or any of his advent/christmas cantate! and i love advent hymns as well–most are medieval and reflect the modal rather than tonal tradition. love it.
youre missing out with harry for the holidays though. you have to have some fun music too!
best. video. ever.
Good post! We are linking to this great article on our website.
Keep up the great writing.