"Sing Out, Louise!"

Loved the clouds and mist--and this was the non-foggy day!

What an amazing weekend at Kripalu!!  So much to tell you about my singing workshop and the weekend itself.

Way back in fifth grade, as we prepared to enter sixth, I considered joining the junior high school choir because I loved to sing.  But a friend warned me off, saying you had to sing alone in front of the whole choir.  That did it; I signed up for art and spent months drawing a single bottle with a pencil.  Blah.  I tried singing again in Chicago in the all-women Artemis Singers but didn't stay with it too long because I was too self-conscious.  (And practices were far away.)  And so, as an adult, I've fulfilled my love of singing at home with the family casually, in the car to the radio, at church for 2-3 hymns a week, and as a Girl Scout leader.  I'm a great group singer--I just follow along, with more enthusiasm than talent.  I'm terrible with lyrics but very good at inventing them.

And I sing to my hospice patients.  Once patients pass a certain point on their dying journey, they don't really respond to conversation anymore.  But they like to feel a visitor's presence and so I sing.  I try to sing soft things--"Amazing Grace," if they are religious (there are sometimes rosaries or prayer cards and the like on the nightstand), or familiar songs like "Simple Gifts" and "Love Me Tender."  I carry the lyrics around in case I forget.  Sometimes I sing for 30 minutes or more, moving into lullabies, folk songs, and various simple chants.  And I repeat.

When I saw that Kripalu offered The Natural Singer workshop, I decided to take it--to boost my confidence and to acquire some singing techniques, skills, warm ups that would stand me in good stead.  And it did all that and more.

Of course, when I signed up way back when, I had no idea there would be a Woman's March (much less not a woman president.)  Sigh.  Marching isn't my thing, physically, so I didn't cancel the class.

The Workshop

Saw lots of fun patterns for Zentangle

There were 30 people in our group, ranging from little singing ability to professional (albeit ones who desired improvement); only three were men.  I was definitely one of the youngest, with maybe two or three others--the rest were in their 50s and 60s.  Almost all white.  (So, very much like Kripalu itself--middle aged, white, female.)

Our teacher was Claude Stein, an industry professional who has worked as a vocal coach, producer, and now, in addition, teaches these workshops to encourage non- and budding professionals.  He says he tried his hand at writing but found he could make a career out of vocal coaching.  His ear and his skill with impromptu piano playing were impressive!

I don't want to say too much about the class itself, knowing that he offers it several times a year and earns his livelihood from it, in part.  Besides, I'm not really qualified to accurately describe the theories and practices.

So, the class was organized around warm ups and exercises AND personal vocal coaching.  For the first two of ten hours, we learned ways to improve our voice, our instrument.  Mainly, we focused on lowering the voice box, checking pitch, loosening our jaws, etc., through "nyawn," "MMMmmmm," "bum bum bum," "eh-gah-eh," lip thrills, etc.  We also did a lot of call and response, repeat-after-me singing.  And we even paired up with another person and sang directly to them.

Together, we sang alleluia, "We Shall Overcome," "This Little Light of Mine," "How Could Anyone?," and, one of my new favorites, "It's in Every One of Us."  Yes, lots of relatively liberal, feel-good songs that we sing at my Unitarian Universalist church, too--perfect for the day of the inauguration and the day of the Women's March.

We started each session with some exercises and some group singing.  And then we had vocal coaching.  I sang "Mama Loves Me," by Deidre McCalla, the lullaby about two mothers and their rainbow-color kids.  I know it backwards and forwards and thought I could sing it without panicking. I'd considered "Water is Wide" and "Summertime" but wasn't confident of the lyrics under pressure.

Oh, the pressure.  I was so nervous.  And it actually got worse as I sang, so that my voice shook.  And I got teared up.  It wasn't just singing in front of people, or singing the song from the kiddos' babyhood; it was also having discussed my hospice work beforehand.  "So," he asked, "yours is probably the last song they hear?" or something to that effect.  Yeah, I hadn't quite considered it that way.  But yes, I have sung in several cases the last music patients have heard, to the best of my knowledge (I'm rarely there at the very end.)  He said more than once that I did good, important work.  And immediately, a few of my class started tearing up (especially when I did, but several of us were cryers.)

Oddly, really oddly, I sang so much higher than I usually do.  I don't know if I started off to high or if it was the physiology of it--he suggested it was the energy of the moment, when I asked--but he said "the fragile thing" worked for my voice and needs.  Can't usually belt or jam out in a hospice setting, it's true.  And so I practiced gentleness, smoothness, tenderness.  He applauded that I sang right through the emotion, that I just kept going even when it made my voice unreliable.  He tried to get me to dispel my fears with some call-and-response, first loud (even with stomping my foot and belting) and then softly ("I have the voice of an angel.  I bring love.  I bring peace.")  It was all very emotional.  (Three people came up to me afterwards, two with hospice stories, and one with a bisexual daughter.  It meant a lot to me to talk to them.)


It was easier to listen to, learn from, and clap for everyone else once I was done!  He met each person where she or he was (we had let him know what we wanted--I wanted more confidence and skill to sing to my hospice patients), from beginner all the way to pro.  And he was always encouraging, even when he was fierce or funny or had us say "fuck!"  I learned so much just listening--and there was some great music and new songs and touching breakthroughs.

On Saturday night, many of the group met informally for karaoke.  We sang a lot of women's empowerment music--"I Will Survive," "Natural Woman," "These Boots were Made for Walking," etc.  I sang both "Cottonfields" and "Summertime" a cappella, just because I didn't want to have to chase the karaoke accompaniment.  And this time my voice was more like my regular singing voice, lower.  But with more resonance--all those low voice box and jaw exercises.  I liked it.  And these women were fun--we laughed and sang and cheered together for two hours.

I can already tell that I have more confidence in my singing, not because I'm that much better, but because I know I enjoy it and that there really isn't anything to be embarrassed about--even if I go higher than I'm used to, forget the lyrics, bottom out on the low notes, get off key, or forget the tune.  It's more about my passion and emotional expression.  And that is a priceless gift from this weekend.

Even better:  I signed up for weekly online exercises, particularly because I know I'll forget aspects of the ones we tried.  I've already practiced today!  (Don't laugh, but I think there have been two unexpected benefits:  singing exercises my core AND the jaw and throat exercises seem to have helped the ear pressure which contributed to my hearing loss issues!!!)  I've also made a Kripalu play list with some of the songs people sang this weekend, many of which were new to me--"How Can I Keep From Singing?," "Give Yourself to Love," "Moonshadow."  I love learning new songs.

We ended the weekend with a sing along, finishing with Kate Wolf's "Give Yourself to Love," which really encapsulated the weekend.

Kind friends all gathered 'round, there's something I would say:
That what brings us together here has blessed us all today.
Love has made a circle that holds us all inside.
Where strangers are as family, loneliness can't hide.
You must give yourself to love if love is what you're after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
I've walked these mountains in the rain and learned to love the wind;
I've been up before the sunrise to watch the day begin.
I've always knew I'd find you, though I never did know how;
Like sunshine on a cloudy day stand before me now.
So give yourself to love if love is what you're after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
Love is born in fire; it's planted like a seed.
Love can't give you everything, but it gives you what you need.
And love comes when you're ready, love comes when you're afraid;
It'll be your greatest teacher, the best friend you have made.
So give yourself to love if love is what you're after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
Give yourself to love if love is what you're after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love

Kripalu
And you know I love many aspects of Kripalu--the food, the labyrinth, the amazing mountain scenery, the gift shop!  Yeah, it's a little hard for me to be around all those extremely fit bodies in extremely revealing Lycra yoga clothes.  At least it was winter and they were more covered up--no mid-drifts or obvious camel-toes because of the long shirts.  If I didn't have body issues, being at Kripalu would probably give me some--though, no one treated me any differently.

Some of the food:

• breakfast:  masala soy chai, steel cut oatmeal, quinoa or millet "cream," egg bakes with turkey bacon or kale and the like, buckwheat blueberry muffins, Kripalu granola, roasted potatoes.
• lunch and dinner:  mixed greens with House Dressing, macaroni and cheese, squash "mac", pad thai, Sesame Tofu, chipotle chicken, sauteed kale, roasted roots, curried egg salad, vegan spread, chicken with green peppercorn sauce, white fish with fennel and onion, and others I can't recall now . . . 
• Iced Moroccan Mint tea, vanilla cake, banana bread with whipped cream

And, for the first time, I did Yoga Dance (with teacher Michelle Dalbec.)  I'm not sure how to explain it.  It's more interpretive dance than yoga, in that there are no poses or choreography.  You respond to prompts--make a pattern with your feet or your arms, use your left side or your right mainly, dance to the rhythm, dance the spirit of forgiveness . . . I can't think of all the prompts.  She quoted Jewel Mathieson's poem about high-powered dance, referred to the 5Rhythms work of Gabrielle Roth, even quoted Stravinsky ("I haven't understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it.")  All these women dancing their dance to the music.  I found it all very freeing, especially a spoken word performance by John De Kadt called "I am" ("I am not healed.  I am not broken.  I am not my story.  I am not my pain. etc"  And I danced and danced.  And with all that arm waving and foot tapping, it was a bit of a workout, too.

Why dance? 
This dance floor, my canvass, my playground
my therapist, my lover, my meditation, my church
The keys to the kingdom are rattling in my chest
the breath, lifeline to the divine
I come here for the caress of holy spirit thru my body
to feel the beloved in my blood, for a transfusion of light
I come here for the higher powered dance
To feel God's love blazing in my body
salvation from my small self
this body, kindling for this fire, this rhythm refuge
every beat and rest of one heart
this is my tribal church, my communion
this monastery of mind
this holy place in my heart
this pagoda in my palm alms
this sanctuary in my spine a sacrifice
this temple in my torso testifying
this shrine in chakra number three freeing
this higher powered dance
this, this is why I'm here
this is why we're here
for THIS dance
Jewel Mathieson

I also attended an evening Yoga Nidra, or sleepy yoga, session.  I'd done a bit of yoga nidra at another retreat.  You pretty much fall asleep for a short nap, complete with a warm blanket (and, this time, and eye cover) to the gentle voice of the teacher doing a guided meditation in a room with lots of other people.  They say you don't actually fall asleep--something about theta waves or whatever.  But some people were snoring and I definitely checked out awhile.  It is extremely relaxing, so that you have this heavy calmness afterwards.  I got a CD for Mama to use when she can't sleep (though, it didn't work on Bud last night!) I went to sleep not long afterwards.  

And the labyrinth--I walked it twice!  Even with the overcast, drippy but not actually chilly (until the last day) weather (besides, I like looking at lots of gray cloud layers.)  I just love walking labyrinths.  And this is a good one, with neat, even paths and nice shrubs; no wildflowers this time of year.  Nor did I see the mama bear and cub that apparently hibernate on the property (and who have been seen recently.)  On my first walk, I introduced a woman to labyrinths who was walking for the first time--she was confusing it with a maze and was afraid she would get lost.  I told her she wouldn't and that there were only two real guidelines--step out of the way if you pass someone and walk in quiet if not silence (yeah, she was chatting with me a lot, but we were the only two there so I helped.)  Otherwise, I told her it could be seen as a metaphor for life and that she just had to walk her own path.  I forgot to tell her about leaving an offering/trinket in the middle, but I know she stood and stared at the collection.  I had an art rock for each visit.  After she left, I sang my metta meditation chant as I walked:

May all beings be happy,
all beings be at peace.
May all beings be happy,
all beings be at peace.
All free from suffering,
all free from suffering.
All beings be happy,
all beings be at peace.
(Kristopher Lindquist)

My second walk was with Mama, who joined me on Monday for lunch and a few hours on site before driving home.   We always walk separately, but I still love sharing labyrinths with her.  She liked it and the food and the view.  I know she'd never take the singing workshop, but maybe we can go to Kripalu together sometime.

And I know there will be lots of singing before that.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Thai Sesame Tofu--approximation of Kripalu recipe
l package firm tofu
6 TBS each of: tamari, brown rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup water
1-2 TBS white wine
2 TBS chopped ginger
2 TBS chopped garlic
1 1/2-2 TBS honey
Toasted sesame seeds
Canola or other flavorless oil for greasing the pan                      

Dice the tofu into approximately 1″ squares. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Add the tofu and marinate for 30-60 minutes. Drain tofu and place the cubes on lightly oiled baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

(Alternative:  1/2-1 cup extra firm tofu in 1/2" cubes,  marinated in 1 tsp soy sauce for approx. ten minutes.   Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min)

Kripalu House Dressing

Makes about 2 cups

1 cup sunflower oil or grape seed oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
¼ cup tamari (natural soy sauce)
¼ cup lemon juice
1/3 cup sesame tahini
2 cloves garlic
½ tablespoon dry mustard powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ tablespoon chili powder
pinch cayenne
½ cup water

Combine all ingredients and blend using a standard blender or immersion blender.

Kripalu Moroccan Mint Tea

Makes 6 cups

6½ cups water
½ cup fresh mint (stems and all), washed
2 tablespoons or 6 tea bags green tea
1 to 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (organic sugar, agave, or honey)

Bring water to a boil. Turn off heat, add mint, and allow to steep for five minutes. Return to a boil, turn off heat, and add tea. Allow tea to steep no more than three minutes. (Green tea becomes bitter when steeped too long.) Remove tea and mint; sweeten to taste. Serve hot, or make iced tea by refrigerating until cold, or pouring cooled tea over ice.

Masala Chai

Makes about 4 cups.

2 tablespoons whole cardamom
2 teaspoons whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 whole stars of anise
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon slice fresh ginger
4 black tea bags
2 cups milk (or substitute soy milk)
2 cups water
1 to 3 tablespoons sweetener of choice

Combine all spices and tie them in a cheesecloth. Using a rolling pin or other heavy utensil, lightly pound the spices to crush them slightly. Place milk, water, and spices in the cheesecloth in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes. Bring water back to a boil, turn off, and add black tea. Let steep for 5 minutes, then strain. Add sweetener of choice and stir to dissolve. Serve warm, or chill over ice for a cooling afternoon treat.

The Great Camp Out

I survived 13 girls and some siblings (including Bud) in the woods on Friday night.  And they survived the woods!  I know it was the first outside sleepover in the woods for my two and some of the others as well.  It was great.

We arrived around 5 pm and hauled our sleeping bags and stuff up the hill to the campsite; there was a single, big platform tent for the troop downhill from the campfire and several lean-tos for the boys above the campfire.  I actually slept in a lean-to myself, since the big tent was pretty full and the lean-to was easier to sleep in.

But sleep was a long way off.

We made pizza first, with the girls mixing and kneading their dough by hand.  They even wandered the lovely herb garden to find toppings for their pizzas.  "I can't believe we can just pick leaves and eat them!" one said, as they sampled sorrel, onion chives, garlic chives, lemon balm, sage, basil, cherry tomatoes, kale, and other things.  The pizzas were pretty good.  Well, Bud thought it was dough-y but loved all the herbs; Sis got to make hers with no sauce, just cheese.

Next we lit the campfire, which I tended while they went on an extended night hike (the whole event was for their Night Owl badges.)  They had a very exciting time--climbing rocks, watching for wildlife, gazing out at the city below--maybe too exciting, since they were near a tall cliff!   The hike was Sis and Bud's favorite part.  I sat meditating by the fire, listening to the symphony of the forest, and making and eating by myself the best s'more ever.  I only missed hearing any owls.



The kids returned all full of stories and inhaled their s'mores.   We then all shared our experiences with wildlife--turkeys in the yard, hawks on the wing, a bear on the road.  The woman in charge of our group, an outdoorsy woman with shorn hair and an impish smile, told of a deer jumping over her one night as she slept by the fire.  She loves kids, you could tell, and talked straight to them.  (And all the leaders giggled when she made one of our precious snowflakes pick food out of the garbage can for the compost bin and another return a wheelbarrow she had tried to avoid putting back!!!)  And most of them liked her (except a few snowflakes.)

And we sang around the fire--"Baby Shark," "Bear Hunt," my favorite "Barges," "Linger," "On the Loose," and "Taps."  Such a lovely time.

And then there was no sleep.  I could hear the girls all the way up the hill until around 3.  I think Bud fell asleep despite it all.

Then the coyotes started around 4 a.m.  Bud heard them, too.

But I missed the owls hooting at 5 a.m., apparently.

And we were up at 6 a.m. by the fire to warm up.  I had actually been relatively comfortable in my bag, even with the chilly mist--I thought it was great sleeping weather; everyone else was cold.  I loved watching the full harvest moon through the trees and the flicker of the waning fire.  The sound of the girls and the insects and even traffic in the distance were comforting.

For breakfast, the girls gathered eggs in the chicken coop and picked some more herbs.  They also admired the sheep and ducks.  And their parents soon arrived to take them home.

It had been a great camping trip.

And I napped three hours that afternoon.

-=-=-=-=-=-=

"Linger"

Hmmm, I want to linger.
Hmmm, A little longer.
Hmmm, A little longer,
Here with you.

Hmmm, It's such a perfect night.
Hmmm, It doesn't seem quite right.
Hmmm, That this should be,
My last with you.

Hmmm, And come September,
Hmmm, I will remember,
Hmmm, Our Scouting days,
Of friendships true.

Hmmm, And as the years go by,
Hmmm, I'll think of you and sigh.
Hmmm, This is good night
And not good bye.

Hmmm I want to linger.
Hmmm A little longer.
Hmmm A little longer,
Here with you.

"On the Loose"

Have you ever seen the sunrise turn the sky completely red?
Have you slept beneath the moon and stars with a pine bough for your head?
Have you sat and talked with friends, though a word was never said?
Then you're like me and you've been on the loose.

Chorus:
On the loose to climb a mountain,
On the loose where I am free.
On the loose to live my life,
The way I think my life should be.
For I've only got a moment,
And a whole world yet to see,
And I'll be searching for tomorrow, on the loose.

There's a trail that I'll be hiking
Just to see where it might go.
Many places yet to visit,
Many people yet to know.
And in following my dreams,
I will live and I will grow,
On a trail that's out there waiting, on the loose.

Chorus

So in search of love and laughter,
I'll be travelling through this land.
Never sure of where I'm going,
For I haven't any plans.
But in time when you are ready,
Come and join me, take my hand.
And together we'll find life,
Out on the loose!

Chorus

Christmas Magic Comes Early

It's common this time of year to bemoan the early arrival of Christmas carols, particularly over store PA systems.  And while I will hum along, as I did today and last week at the craft store, I usually like to wait until after Thanksgiving to start the caroling.

But today was different.  Today, my hospice patient had me push a button on an angel someone had given her, eliciting a tinny tune.  But we sang along to "Silent Night" and kept going from there, together singing several of the Christmas classics.  Such peace and joy on her face as she sang along, possibly remembering 90+ years of celebrations and carols. She talked about caroling as a child and receiving apples, oranges, and a few walnuts in her stocking. And I was so happy to help her find those memories.  We laughed at the words we couldn't remember--I totally blanked on "O Little Town of Bethlehem"--but she actually did really well, all things considered, remembering words and having the breath to sing along.  She complimented my singing voice, after "O Holy Night."  We both said Johnny Mathis was one of our favorite Christmas crooners and I vowed to bring a copy of his CD next time.  We even branched off into showtunes at some point, singing a bit from Oklahoma and then Sound of Music, and discussed the dearth of Thanksgiving songs (beyond "We Gather Together" and "Super Turkey," which of course she did not know), but we came around back to Christmas carols before I left 1 1/2 hours later, promising to bring the lyrics with me next time.

So, for next time, after Thanksgiving, here are the words to some of the songs I hope we'll sing:

Angels We Have Heard On High

Angels we have heard on high

Sweetly singing o’er the plains

And the mountains in reply,

Echoing their joyous strains.

Glo-ori-a

In excelsis de-o

Glo-ori-a

In excelsis de-o

Shepherds, why this Jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be

Which inspire your heavenly song?

Glo-ori-a

In excelsis de-o

Glo-ori-a

In excelsis de-o

Come to Bethlehem and see

Him whose birth the angels sing;

Come, adore on bended knee

Christ, the Lord,

The newborn King

Glo-ori-a

In excelsis de-o

Glo-ori-a

In excelsis de-o

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger,

No crib for His bed,

The little Lord Jesus

Laid down His sweet head;

The stars in the heavens

Looked down where He lay,

The little Lord Jesus

Asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing,

The poor Baby wakes,

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 fit us for Heaven

To live with Thee there.

The Christmas Song

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

Jack Frost nipping at your nose

Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir

And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey

And some mistletoe

Help to make the season bright

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow

Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa’s on his way

He’s loaded lots of toys

And goodies on his sleigh

And every mother’s child is gonna spy

To see if reindeer

Really know how to fly.

And so I’m offering this simple phrase

To kids from one to ninety-two

Although it’s been said

Many times, many ways

Merry Christmas to you.

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

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Said the night wind to the little lamb,

Do you see what I see

Way up in the sky, little lamb,

Do you see what I see

A star, a star, dancing in the night

With a tail as big as a kite

With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the

shepherd boy,

Do you hear what I hear

Ringing through the sky,

shepherd boy,

Do you hear what I hear

A song, a song, high above the trees

With a voice as big as the sea

With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the

mighty king,

Do you know what I know

In your palace warm, mighty king,

Do you know what I know

A Child, a Child shivers in the cold

Let us bring Him silver and gold

Let us bring Him silver and gold

Said the king to the people

everywhere,

Listen to what I say

Pray for peace, people everywhere!

Listen to what I say

The Child, the Child, sleeping in

the night

He will bring us goodness and light

He will bring us goodness and light

“From home to home, and heart

to heart, from one place to

another. The warmth and joy of

Christmas, brings us closer to

each other.”

The First Noel

The first Noel the angels 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 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!

The Friendly Beasts

Jesus our brother kind and good

Was humbly born in a stable rude.

And the friendly beasts around him stood

Jesus our brother, kind and good.

"I," said the donkey, all shaggy and brown,

"I carried his mother up hill and down

I carried his mother to Bethlehem town."

"I," said the donkey, all shaggy and brown.

"I," said the cow, all white and red

"I gave him my manger for his bed

I gave him my hay to pillow his head."

"I," said the cow, all white and red

"I," said the sheep, with curly horn,

"I gave him my wool for a blanket warm

He wore my coat on Christmas morn."

"I," said the sheep, with curly horn.

"I," said the dove, from the rafters high

"I cooed him to sleep so he would not cry

We cooed him to sleep, my love and I

"I," said the dove, from the rafters high.

Thus every beast, by some good spell

In the stable rude was glad to tell

Of the gift he gave Emmanuel

The gift he gave Emmanuel

The gift he gave Emmanuel

Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the snowman was a jolly

happy soul,

With a corncob pipe and a button nose

And two eyes made out of coal.

Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale,

they say,

He was made of snow but the children

Know how he came to life one day.

There must have been some magic

in that old silk hat they found.

For when they placed it on his head

He began to dance around.

O, Frosty the snowman

Was alive as he could be,

And the children say he could laugh

And play just the same as you and me.

Thumpety thump thump,

Thumpety thump thump,

Look at Frosty go.

Thumpety thump thump,

Thumpety thump thump,

Over the hills of snow.

Frosty the snowman knew

The sun was hot that day,

So he said, “Let’s run and

We’ll have some fun

Now before I melt away.”

Down to the village,

With a broomstick in his hand,

Running here and there all

Around the square saying,

Catch me if you can.

He led them down the streets of town

Right to the traffic cop.

And he only paused a moment when

He heard him holler “Stop!”

For Frosty the snow man

Had to hurry on his way,

But he waved goodbye saying,

“Don’t you cry,

I’ll be back again some day.”

Thumpety thump thump,

Thumpety thump thump,

Look at Frosty go.

Thumpety thump thump,

Thumpety thump thump,

Over the hills of snow.

God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen

God Rest Ye 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.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy,

O tidings of comfort and joy.

In Bethlehem, in Jewry,

This blessed Babe was born,

And laid within a manger,

Upon this blessed morn;

That which His Mother Mary,

Did nothing take in scorn.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy,

O 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.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy,

O tidings of comfort and joy.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing

Glory to the new-born 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 new-born King!

Christ, by highest heaven adored;

Christ, the everlasting Lord;

Late in time behold him come,

Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;

Hail the incarnate Deity,

Pleased as man with man to dwell;

Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing

Glory to the new-born King!

Mild he lays his glory by,

Born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

Risen with healing in his wings,

Light and life to all he brings,

Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!

Hail, the heaven-born Prince

of Peace!

Hark! the herald angels sing

Glory to the new-born 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 lay His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Hark! the herald angels sing

Glory to the new-born King!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Have yourself a merry little

Christmas,

Let your heart be light

From now on,

Our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Make the Yule-tide gay,

From now on,

Our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,

Happy golden days of yore.

Faithful friends who are dear to us

Gather near to us once more.

Through the years we all will

be together

If the fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the

highest bough.

And have yourself a merry little

Christmas now.

“Perhaps the best Yuletide

decoration is being

wreathed in smiles.”

The Holly & The Ivy

The holly and the ivy

When they are full grown,

Of all the trees in the wood

The holly bears the crown.

The rising of the sun

The running of the deer,

The playing of the organ

Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly wears a blossom

As white as any flower,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

To be our Saviour.

The rising of the sun,

The running of the deer,

The playing of the organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a berry

As red as any blood,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

To do sinners good.

The rising of the sun,

The running of the deer,

The playing of the 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.

The rising of the sun,

The running of the deer,

The playing of the organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a bark

As bitter as any gall,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To redeem us all.

The rising of the sun,

The running of the deer,

The playing of the organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly and the ivy,

When they are full grown,

Of all the trees in the wood,

The holly bears the crown.

The rising of the sun,

The running of the deer,

The playing of the organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

Holly Jolly Christmas

Have a holly, jolly Christmas;

It’s the best time of the year

I don’t know if there’ll be snow,

But have a cup of cheer.

Have a holly, jolly Christmas;

And when you walk down the street

Say Hello to friends you know

And everyone you meet.

Oh, ho, the mistletoe

Hung where you can see;

Somebody waits for you;

Kiss her once for me.

Have a holly jolly Christmas,

And in case you didn’t hear,

Oh by golly, have a holly,

Jolly Christmas this year.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas

I’ll be home for Christmas

You can count on me

Please have snow and mistletoe

And presents under the tree

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the love light gleams

I’ll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams.

I Saw Three Ships

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?

And what was in those ships all three,

On Christmas Day in the morning?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,

On Christmas Day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

O they sailed into Bethlehem,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

And all the bells on earth shall ring,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the souls on earth shall sing,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

And all the souls on earth shall sing,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice again,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

Then let us all rejoice again,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear,

That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth

With news of joy foretold,

“Peace on the earth, good will to men

From heaven’s all gracious King.”

The world in solemn stillness lay,

To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they

come,

Love’s banner all unfurled;

And still their heavenly music floats

Over all the weary world.

Above its sad and lowly plains

Old echoes plaintive ring,

And ever over its Babel sounds

The blessed angels sing.

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like

Christmas

Ev’rywhere you go

Take a look in the five-and-ten,

Glistening once again

With candy canes and silver

lanes aglow.

It’s beginning to look a lot

like Christmas

Toys in ev’ry store

But the prettiest sight to see

Is the holly that will be

On your own front door.

A pair of hopalong boots and a

pistol that shoots

Is the wish of Barney and Ben

Dolls that will talk and will go for

a walk

Is the hope of Janice and Jen

And mom and dad can hardly wait

for school to start again.

It’s beginning to look a lot like

Christmas

Ev’rywhere you go

There’s a tree in the Grand Hotel,

On ein the park as well

The sturdy kind that doesn’t

mind the snow.

It’s beginning to look a lot like

Christmas

Soon the bells will start

And the thing that will make

them ring

Is the carol that you sing

Right within your heart.

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

With the kids jingle belling,

And everyone telling you,

“Be of good cheer,”

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

There’ll be parties for hosting,

Marshmallows for toasting and

Caroling out in the snow.

There’ll be scary ghost stories and

Tales of the glories of Christmases

Long, long ago.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

There’ll be much mistletoeing

And hearts will be glowing,

When loved ones are near.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

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

Though 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 him thither."

Page and monarch forth they went

Forth they went together

Through 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, my good 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

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.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven, and heaven and

nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;

Let men their songs employ;

while fields and floods,

rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessing flow

far as the curse is found,

far as the curse is found,

far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth

and grace,

and makes the nations prove

the glories of His righteousness,

and wonders of His love,

and wonders of His love,

and wonders, wonders of His love.

“For somehow, not only at

Christmas, but all the long year

through, the joy that you

give to others is the joy

that comes back to you.”

Let It Snow!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful,

And since we’ve no place to go,

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

It doesn’t show signs of stopping,

And I brought some corn for popping;

The lights are turned way down low,

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

When we finally say good night,

How I’ll hate going out in the storm;

But if you really hold me tight,

All the way home I’ll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,

And, my dear, we’re still good-bye-ing,

But as long as you love me so.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

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 honor 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

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

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.

O 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, choirs of angels,

Sing in exultation,

Sing, all ye citizens

Of heaven above;

Glory to God,

Glory in the highest;

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

All glory given;

Son of the Father,

Now in flesh appearing;

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ, the Lord.

O Holy Night

O holy night,

The stars are brightly shining;

It is the night of

Our dear Savior’s birth!

Long lay the world

In sin and error pining,

Till He appeared

And the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope,

The weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks

A new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees,

O hear the angel voices!

O night divine,

O night when Christ was born!

O night divine, O night,

O night divine!

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem,

How still we see thee lie.

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by;

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light;

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary,

And, gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars, together

Proclaim the holy birth.

And praises sing to God the King.

And peace to men on earth.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

You know Dasher and Dancer

And Prancer and Vixen,

Comet and Cupid

And Donner and Blitzen.

But do you recall

The most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

(reindeer)

Had a very shiny nose

(like a light bulb)

And if you ever saw it

(saw it)

You would even say it glows

(like a flash light)

All of the other reindeer

(reindeer)

Used to laugh and call him names

(like Pinocchio)

They never let poor Rudolph

(Rudolph)

Play in any reindeer games

(like Monopoly)

Then one foggy Christmas Eve

Santa came to say

(Ho Ho Ho)

Rudolph with your nose so bright

Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?

Then all the reindeer loved him

(loved him)

And they shouted out with glee

(yippee)

“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

(reindeer)

You’ll go down in history!”

(like Columbus)

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I’m telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

He’s making a list,

And checking it twice;

Gonna find out Who’s naughty and nice.

Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you’re sleeping

He knows when you’re awake

He knows if you’ve been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!

You better not cry.

Better not pout, I’m telling you why.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

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 Al-le-lu-ia!

Christ the Saviour is born!

Christ the Saviour is born!

Silent night, holy night!

Wondrous star, lend thy light!

With the angels let us sing

Alleluia to our King!

Christ the Saviour is here,

Jesus the Saviour is here!

Silent night, Holy night!

Son of God, love’s pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face,

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus Lord at thy birth;

Jesus Lord at thy birth.

Silver Bells

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks

Dressed in holiday style.

In the air there’s

A feeling of Christmas.

Children laughing, people passing,

Meeting smile after smile,

And on every street corner you’ll hear:

Silver bells, silver bells,

It’s Christmas time in the city.

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,

Soon it will be Christmas day.

City street lights,

Even stop lights,

Blink a bright red and green,

As the shoppers rush home

With their treasures.

Hear the snow crunch,

See the kids bunch,

This is Santa’s big scene,

And above all this bustle you’ll hear:

Silver bells, silver bells,

It’s Christmas time in the city.

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,

Soon it will be Christmas day.

“Christmas is the day that holds

all time together.”

Sleigh Ride

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,

Ring ting tingling too

Come on, it’s lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you,

Outside the snow is falling

And friends are calling “Yoo hoo,”

Come on, it’s lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,

Let’s go, Let’s look at the show,

We’re riding in a wonderland of snow.

Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,

It’s grand, Just holding your hand,

We’re gliding along with a song

Of a wintry fairy land.

Our cheeks are nice and rosy

And comfy cozy are we

We’re snuggled up together

Like two birds of a feather would be

Let’s take that road before us

And sing a chorus or two

Come on, it’s lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you.

There’s a birthday party

At the home of Farmer Gray

It’ll be the perfect ending of a

perfect day

We’ll be singing the songs

We love to sing without a single stop,

At the fireplace while we watch

The chestnuts pop. Pop! pop! pop!

There’s a happy feeling

Nothing in the world can buy,

When they pass around the chocolate

And the pumpkin pie

It’ll nearly be like a picture print

By Currier and Ives

These wonderful things are the things

We remember all through our lives!

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,

Ring ting tingling too

Come on, it’s lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you,

Outside the snow is falling

And friends are calling “Yoo hoo,”

Come on, it’s lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you.

Up On The Housetop

Up on the housetop

Reindeer pause,

Out jumps good old Santa Claus.

Down thru’ the chimney

With lots of toys,

All for the little ones,

Christmas joys.

Ho, ho, ho!

Who wouldn’t go!

Ho, ho, ho!

Who wouldn’t go!

Up on the housetop,

Click, click, click,

Down thru’ the chimney

With good Saint Nick.

First comes the stocking

Of little Nell,

Oh, dear Santa

Fill it well;

Give her a dolly

That laughs and cries

One that will open

And shut her eyes.

Ho, ho, ho!

Who wouldn’t go!

Ho, ho, ho!

Who wouldn’t go!

Up on the housetop,

Click, click, click,

Down thru’ the chimney

With good Saint Nick.

Next comes the stocking

Of little Will,

Oh just see

What a glorious fill

Here is a hammer

And lots of tacks,

Also a ball

And a whip that cracks.

Ho, ho, ho!

Who wouldn’t go!

Ho, ho, ho!

Who wouldn’t go!

Up on the housetop,

Click, click, click,

Down thru’ the chimney

With good Saint Nick.

“It was always said of him, that he

knew how to keep Christmas

well, if any man alive

possessed the knowledge.

May that be truly said of us, and all

of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed,

God Bless Us, Every One!”

We Three Kings Of Orient Are

We three kings of orient are,

Bearing gifts we traverse afar

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 for ever, ceasing never

Over us all to reign.

O 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.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright.

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect light.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

And a happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring

To you and your kin;

Good tidings for Christmas

And a happy New Year!

We want some figgy pudding

We want some figgy pudding

We want some figgy pudding

Please bring it right here!

Good tidings we bring

To you and your kin;

Good tidings for Christmas

And a happy New Year!

We won't go until we get some

We won't go until we get some

We won't go until we get some

So bring it out here!

Good tidings we bring

To you and your kin;

Good tidings for Christmas

And a happy New Year!

What Child Is This?

What Child is this, who laid to rest,

On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here,

The silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,

The Cross be borne, for me, for you:

Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,

The Babe, the Son of Mary!

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

White Christmas

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.

Winter Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,

In the lane, snow is glistening

A beautiful sight,

We’re happy tonight,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,

Here to stay is a new bird

He sings a love song,

As we go along,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,

Then pretend that he is Parson Brown

He’ll say: Are you married?

We’ll say: No man,

But you can do the job

When you’re in town.

Later on, we’ll conspire,

As we dream by the fire

To face unafraid,

The plans that we’ve made,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,

And pretend that he’s a circus clown

We’ll have lots of fun with mister snowman,

Until the other kids knock him down.

When it snows, ain’t it thrilling,

Though your nose gets a chilling

We’ll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

Walking in a winter wonderland,

Walking in a winter wonderland.