Christmas carols stir up memories

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Christmas music fills the air every December. Do you have a favorite song? “O Come, All Ye Faithful” is special to me, and the “Drummer Boy” always reminds me of my dad since he once said it was his favorite.

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” reminds me of a dedicated music teacher and elementary recitals. Dressed in our best with our hair done in a special way, we grasped our flashlights with tissue paper flames, waiting for our cue to march in with voices raised into the darkened gymnasium to begin the annual Christmas music program at my elementary school. Our teachers made sure we were lined up as we should walk onto the risers. They made sure our “torches” were lit and smiled encouragement our way.

The kindergartners, bouncy and sweet, were first in the procession, followed by the first graders through fifth graders. I cannot remember if our music teacher was playing the piano or directing, but I do remember that every year, the program began with us all singing “O Come, All Ye Faithful”. We sang it over and over until every class lined the perimeter of the gymnasium. Then as the last student found his or her place and the song concluded, we doused our “torches” and sat down as one.

The spot light shown on the stage as the kindergartners went up to sing their selections. We sang many songs like “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and many other songs. It was a special night with special memories.

When the concert ended, Santa brought us bags of candies, we found our parents and went home to hear praises or funny stories about the youngest singers who invariably would do something comical or cute.

The choir performances, skits, and plays of my own children evoke fond memories, as well. While I think it is funny when someone else’s child forgets to face the right way or starts playing with his shoe laces, when my own daughter decided to sit and play instead of stand, I was a bit horrified, but now, she is older, and it makes for a funny story. Our eldest spent most of his first performance anxiously searching for us. He then finished singing with gusto once he found us.

Church programs have helped my children learn the carols I remember from childhood. We are also blessed when carolers come to our house and sing. I’m especially fond of the traditional songs.

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” will always be among my treasured favorites. What special memory do you have of Christmas programs or carols? I hope you’ll share the music with the young people in your life and make some toe tapping memories.

Merry Christmas!