All my Christmas cards are sent and it’s ten (10) days until Christmas. As the countdown starts and we begin greeting each other with “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” here’s what I’ve gathered about the origins of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” 
While the writers are unknown for this universal Christmas greeting, Arthur Warrell is given credit for its world-wide popularity. This song was performed by carolers in the Victorian Era. Carolers were a group or ensemble of singers who went to the homes of wealthy families singing Christmas songs (carols) door-to-door. Traditionally, they were rewarded with dessert treats after their performance.
Filipinos love music and singing. When I was a child, my Mom was the Choir Director of our church choir. During the week of Christmas, my Mom brought our church choir to homes of church members who hosted a gathering and enjoyed having traditional Christmas carols performed in their homes. I remembered tagging along with my parents and eating all night long at different homes because the host homes didn’t only reward the choir with dessert treats but a whole meal!
In Jim Brickman’s solo piano recording of this Christmas Carol, he performs several variations of the song infused with improvisational jazz elements that gives a little more sparkle to the melody. Listen on Spotify if you’re a subscriber or YouTube.
This is the Dec. 15 Song Blog from (my) Julie-Ann Joy’s 2020 Christmas Playlist. Check back everyday until New Year’s Day as I add another song to my playlist.
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