12/27 Ding Dong Merrily On High

'Ding Dong Merrily On High' performed by Celtic Woman

Happy, joyous and celebratory. A wonderful rendition with a Celtic feel. Glorious!

Celtic Woman, Song: Ding Dong Merrily On High, Album: A Christmas Celebration (2006), Label: Manhattan Records. Performed live at A Christmas Celebration 2007 in Helix Center in Dublin, Ireland aired on PBS. Words: George Ratcliffe Woodward, 1848-1934, Music: Brane de l'Official, from Thoinot Arbeau's Orchesographie, (1588).

Today at 7:23 am EST is New Moon

Ding Dong Merrily On High was originally a dance tune that evolved to a carol. The the sixteenth century music was found in Piae Cantiones  a collection of Finnish tunes. Woodward rehabilitated the tune with 'Victorian era' words in Latin and English. You can read more at Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

The photo above right I call 'God's Holiday Decorations'.

The cold night sky, dotted with stars... snow covered evergreen... illuminated.

Majestic. Thank you again beloved Creator for your beauty...  de-light-full. The photograph was taken by Ragnar & Einar Johnskås. You can see more of their great work at auroraborealis.vika.no.

 Have a delightful Holiday. May you ring in the New Year with Joy, Peace and Wonder. 

 

Celtic Woman was created by David Downes and Dave Kavanagh in 2004 and is composed of vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lynn Hilary, Lisa Kelly, Alex Sharpe and fiddler Máiréad Nesbitt. Since their formation the group has enjoyed overwhelming success. They have released 4 albums to date, toured worldwide and done numerous TV specials. Their CD  'A New Journey' was number 1 on the world Music Charts for 95 consecutive weeks. You can read more about them at their official website celticwoman.com.

~Bonnee

12/25 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' sung by Libera

Wonderful, sweet and full of light. Loved hearing these singing angels. Beautiful!

Libera, song: 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen', album: Angel Voices 3 (1997), label: Music Club, distributor: Sony, video: TV morning show (I could find nothing else about the source of the video). Words and music: Traditional English, 18^th Century carol. More about the carol at Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

Christmas day is a great day to feature this spectacular painting of Jesus Christ called 'El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús' by Salvador Dalí (1962), Oil on canvas 86.5 x 61 cm, Private collection. El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús  means The Sacred Heart of Jesus. I feel power and passion emanating from this exquisite painting. It communicates ethereal yet tangible, ascending and transcending, compassion and light. Dali has always been one of my favorite painters. But I wasn't aware of this beautiful work. Wow!

Merry Christmas! May this Holy day bless you with abundant Hope, Joy and Faith. All is well,  God's Divine Plan unfolds with perfection.

 

Libera is a group of boys directed by Robert Prizeman who sing like angels and often appear in white robes. They have been on TV, radio and in films. There are about 30 boys from South London, England aged seven to sixteen who make up the group. They think of themselves as an alternative boy band rather then a boy's choir. You can read more about them see photos and video at their official website libera.org.uk  or visit this site with everything Libera boysoloist.com.

Dali's full name is Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech 1st Marquis of Púbol (May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989), born in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain was a surrealist painter. He attended drawing school in 1916 and 3 years later had his first exhibition. His extensive artistic endeavors include painting, film, sculpture, and photography. You can find out more and see many of Dali's wonderful works at virtualdali.com.

~Bonnee

12/24 O Holy Night, Merry Christmas

'O Holy Night' sung by Mariah Carey

Amazing, inspired, WOW! I can feel Spirit moving through Mariah and all her back up singers and the room. Whew! I love this rendition... it gives me chills and brings tears.

Mariah Carey, Song: O Holy Night, album: Merry Christmas (1994), label: Sony, Official Music Video by: Columbia/Sony (2008). Words: Placide Cappeau (1847), music:Adolphe-Charles Adam (1847)

'O Holy Night' was written in 1847 by Placide Cappeau (1808-1877) as "Cantique de Noel'. He was a wine merchant in Roquemaure, France who wrote poetry for enjoyment.  The music was written by his friend Adolphe-Charles Adam (1803-1856) who is best known for the ballet Giselle (1841).

'Cantique de Noel' premiered Christmas Eve 1847 at the midnight mass in Roquemaure. It wasn't popular, in fact one bishop said it had a "lack of musical taste and total absence of the spirit of religion'. Here is an English translation of the first verse of the original Cantique de Noël (Minuit Chrétiens). You can read more about the song here.

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour
When God as man descended among us
To expunge the stain of original sin
And to put an end to the wrath of his father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night which gives us a savior.
People, on your knees, attend your deliverance.
Christmas! Christmas! Here is the Redeemer!
Christmas! Christmas! Here is the Redeemer!

Cantique de Noël was first translated to English as 'O Holy Night'  in 1855 by John Sullivan Dwight (1813-1893) a Unitarian minister and music critic from Brook Farm, MA. 'O Holy Night' has been said to be one of the most beautiful Christmas carols of all time. The first verse of 'O Holy Night' as translated by John Dwight follows... you can read more about it here.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the 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 world¹ rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Chorus

Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine.

The beautiful photo above left I call, 'Christmas Aurora' is by Sauli Koski from Kittila, Finland. You can see more of his beautiful photographs at studiotunturi-lappi.fi.

Another beautiful gift from Creator. Thank you, thank you, thank you Beloved God for all of your Glory and Wonders.

Have a wonderful, inspired and happy Christmas Eve.

 

Mariah Carey born March 27, 1970 Long Island, NY is a singer and actress. She moved to the City one day after high school graduation in 1987. In 1990 Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola took her under his wing and the rest is history. Mariah married Tommey in 1993. In 2000 she was named the best-selling female pop artist of the millennium at the World Music Awards. You can read her bio at myplay.com or see the latest news and more at her website mariahcarey.com.

~Bonnee

12/23 Winter Wonderland, Andy Williams

'Winter Wonderland' performed by Andy Williams and his brothers

Wonderful, happy and joyful. I remember watching Andy William's Christmas Shows when I was a child. It was part of our Christmas tradition for years. Loved finding and sharing this jewel with you.

Andy Williams and the Williams' Brothers, Song: Winter Wonderland, DVD TV Special re-release: Happy Holidays: The Best of The Andy Williams Christmas Shows. Recently aired November 28 - December 13, 2008 on PBS. The quartet performs holiday classics including, 'Winter Wonderland', 'Jingle Bells' and 'I’ll Be Home for Christmas' as well as many other songs. A DVD of the show is available at andywilliams.com. 'Winter Wonderland' words and music by Dick Smith & Felix Bernard, copyright 1934.

'Winter Wonderland' lyrics by Richard B. Smith (1901-1935) born in Pennsylvania. Music composed by Felix Bernard (1897-1944) born in Brooklyn, NY.  The song first sung by Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians (1934) was an instant success. The song has become a Holiday tradition. You can read more about the it at Hymns and Carols.

London, England is having a 'Winter Wonderland' event in Hyde Park, November 22, 2008 through January 4, 2009. A festive celebration of the Holidays you can find out more at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Have a wonderful winter and a joyous Holiday!

 

Andy Williams given name, Howard Andrew "Andy" Williams, born December 3, 1927, in Wall Lake, Iowa is a music icon. His first singing performance was in a children's choir at the local Presbyterian Church. In the late 1930's he formed a quartet with his three older brothers Bob, Don and Dick. They sang together until Andy went solo in 1952. The rest is history. You can read more at andywilliams.com or wikipedia.

Photo of the ornament is from Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

~Bonnee

12/18 The 12 Days Of Christmas, John Denver

'The 12 Days Of Christmas' John Denver & The Muppets

Wonderful, happy and fun! I love this clever rendition, makes me laugh and smile. Used to watch the Muppets' Christmas specials every year, so is a walk down memory lane for me. Hope you enjoy it.

John Denver, Song: The 12 Days of Christmas, TV special: A Christmas Together with John Denver and The Muppets (1979). Nominated for an Emmy and winner of the Director's Guild Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Musical Variety. If you'd like to own a copy on DVD you can buy it at missedmovies.com. Words: vary widely, Music: Traditional English, 18th Century carol.

 

'The 12 Days of Christmas' is traditionally attributed to England but may have a French origin. Date of first performance is unknown, however it was sung as early as 16th century in Europe and Scandinavia. The chant  may have had it's origins as a 'memory and forfeits' game where the person who forgets the verse has to pay penalty of a kiss or sweet.

The actual 12 days of Christmas are usually December 26 through January 6 in England. Sometimes Christmas Day is included as one of the 12 days, sometimes not.  Most often the 12 days are attributed to the twelve days from the birth of Christ (Christmas, December 25) to the coming of the Magi (Epiphany, January 6, or the Twelfth Day). You can learn more about the song at Hymns and Carols of Christmas or wikipedia.

 

My 12 Days of Christmas - This year the Holidays are very tight financially so I decided to make all my gifts and pamper myself while I'm at it. Went to a local art gallery, saw a lovely leather bag I would have loved to buy. Its' cost $1,500. Rather then grumbling about the price, it inspired me to create my own and one for a friend too. Mine is still in the works, photo right is the other one.

This year my Christmas will be filled with wonderful treats, songs, love and things which make me smile. Just for fun, wrote about my inexpensive indulgences to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas. It goes something like this...

• On the first day of Christmas, I made this gift for me, a handmade leather satchel
• On the second day of Christmas, I whipped this up for me, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel
• On the third day of Christmas, I'll do this just for me, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
• On the fourth day of Christmas, I'll do this just for me, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
• On the fifth day of Christmas, I bought a gift for me, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
• On the sixth day of Christmas, I'll make this just for me, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
• On the seventh day of Christmas, I gave this gift to me, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
• On the eighth day of Christmas, I promised this to me, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
• On the ninth day of Christmas I made a treat for me, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
• On the tenth day of Christmas, I whipped this up for me, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
• On the eleventh day of Christmas, I promised this to me, eleven crackling fires, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
• On the twelfth day of Christmas, I bought a gift for me, twelve lovely flowers, eleven crackling fires, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel  

Have a wonderful Holiday! May your days be filled with treasures!

John Denver given name Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.  (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), born in Roswell, New Mexico was a singer, songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and humanitarian.  At eleven he was given his grandmother's guitar, took guitar lessons and joined the boy's choir. At twenty he pursued his dream career and the rest is history. You can read more about him at: johndenver.com or wikipedia.

The photo above left of Christmas Bling is by Light. Light Traveler (August 1946 - July 2003)  photographer, Reiki Master/Teacher, spiritual seeker and beautiful loving Spirit. You can see more and purchase his beautiful photography at Light Traveler's gallery.

~Bonnee

12/15 Deck the Halls, SHeDAISY

'Deck the Halls' sung by SHeDAISY, music video

A Christmas video filled with fun, sparkles and magic. Country singers SHeDAISY give decking your halls a new flavor.

SHeDAISY, song: Deck the Halls, album: Brand New Year (2000), label: Lyric Street Records, music video producer: David Hogan. Featured in the 2003 movie: Disney's Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas. Video includes scenes from the movie. Single released November 1999. Original words: Unknown, 19th century American, original music: Old Welsh Air. 

The song "Deck the Halls" (original title: "Deck The Hall With Holly") is a very old traditional Yuletide carol. It is very likely that the 'fa la la la la' was played on the harp. Mozart utilized the tune to 'Deck the Halls' for a duet with violin and piano.

The custom of 'decking the halls with holly' is very old and may date back several thousand years. It is known that ancient Romans, Greeks and Druids utilized sacred evergreen holly to decorate their homes during mid-winter. You can read more about this custom in the article by Dr. Leonard Perry Decking the Halls with Holly.

Have a glorious, magical Holiday!

 

SHeDAISY is a female vocal trio founded in the late 1990's. Originally known as the Osborn Sisters, it is comprised of sisters Kristyn (b. 8/24/70), Kelsi (b. 11/21/74) and Kassidy (b. 10/30/76) from Magna, Utah. The word SHeDAISY is Navajo for my little sister. Kristyn Osborn writes or co-writes the groups songs. They are a multi-platinum Country group who have sold over 3 million albums. You can read more about them at SHeDaisy, Wikipedia or visit their Myspace page shedaisy.

~Bonnee