On Early Christmas Days

(Article published in 1911)

Quaint and Interesting Customs That Prevailed When the Church and Festival Were Young

In the early days of the church, it is said that the bishops used to sing carols on Christmas day among their clergy, and around the sixteenth century the well-known practice observed by children of going around the neighborhood singing Christmas carols beneath the windows of the houses was commonly observed, usually taking place on Christmas morning. One of the oldest and most beautiful of the Christmas carols that has come down to the present day opens with these words:

"God rest you, merry gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay.
For Jesus Christ, our Savior,
Was born upon this day.
To save us all from Satan's power,
When we were gone astray.
O, tidings of comfort and joy!
For Jesus Christ, our Savior,
Was born on Christmas Day."

It is sometimes more appropriate to sing the Christmas carols on Christmas eve than on Christmas day, although they are sung at both times; but in England the choir of the village church used to go around to the principal houses in the parish and sing some of these simple hymns on Christmas eve regularly.

Frequently the singers were accompanied on some instrument and often the picture presented was a pretty one. The figures of the group of singers, only visible in the darkness, by the lanterns they carried, and the sweet melody sung and played, made the observance a striking and beautiful one.

Sometimes in England, the carols were also sung in the churches in place of the usual psalms and hymns; although it was more customary for the clerk at the close of the service in a loud voice to wish all the congregation merry Christmas and a happy New Year.