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DEL.ICIO.USThe Christmas truce, 2008
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Christmas Eve in 1914, British and German troops faced each other on the Western front, dug into trenches within earshot of each other. The Germans started singing Christmas carols; the British responded with carols of their own. Soon they started emerging from their trenches, meeting in the “no man’s land” that separated them, exchanging small gifts and starting soccer games.
In that spirit, what’s your favorite Christmas carol, and whose version do you like the best? And just to make things interesting, what Christmas carol makes you cringe every time you hear it, bringing your inner Scrooge to life?
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By AJC/DNC Management
December 24, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
The strange but moving Christmas ended. Fighting resumed. The insanity of war continued until Nov. 11, 1918. Thirty-seven million people were killed or maimed.
Christmas carols are alright but somewhat worn out, none of them compares to the old Easter stand bys-
Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph oer his foes
Now that is what I’m talking about.
By RW-(the original)
December 24, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Pigs are gonna fly…..
Jay B taking his cues from Hot Air
By Logical Dude
December 24, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
I remember a version of “The Little Drummer Boy” that moved me when I was younger. A deep voiced man sang it, but I do not know who it was. He had a chorus backup and the song was full of power, being a rather simple song.
Being a poor college student, and relating with the fact that I had no money to get gifts for anyone, this touched me at just the right time. I could use my other gifts and talents for gifts, not just monetary giving.
I’ve been looking for that version for years, but have not found it.
Otherwise, Philip Webb (opera singer) singing “Oh Holy Night” at a concert at a church in California brought me and everyone to tears. and I don’t cry that often!
Look for it if you can!
By GOP is gone
December 24, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Jay,
I could not find the last tune you put up on itunes, you are forcing me to go shopping, which I loath.
I love “Merry Christmas Baby” by BB King, and Eartha Kits “Santa Baby.” I am listening to Diana Krall’s Xmas album while I wrap presents.
The absolute worst was that “Singing Saw” thing I heard on NPR, I almost wrecked the car holding on to my ears in pain.
By Class of '98
December 24, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
That Garmon commercial, sung to the tune of Ukrainian Bell Carol, makes me lunge for the remote control to change the channel.
Can’t stand it.
By GOP is gone
December 24, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
And also love Ella Fitzgerald’s duet version “Baby it’s cold out side”
I just realized that they all have “Baby” in the title………..HHMM…………
By AmVet
December 24, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4jNAr9dnrw
By Class of '98
December 24, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Off the topic, but all I want for Christmas is for Obama to de-criminalize pot.
http://www.esquire.com/the-side/richardson-report/obama-marijuana-legalization-122308
If he does that, I take back everything bad I ever said about him.
By getalife
December 24, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Family Guy Christmas
By dilligaff
December 24, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
my two favorites are ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’ by the Eagles and ‘White Christmas’ by the Drifters
By GreenJeans
December 24, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Sorry, much like Lay’s, I can’t do just one.
“Oh Holy Night” by David Phelps, from Bill Gaither’s Christmas in the Country.
“With Bells On” by Dolly, just puts me in the mood.
“The Lord’s Prayer” by the late, great Vestal Goodman. Chill Bump City.
And it just wouldn’t be Christmas without listening to the flat-toned bongs in William Daly’s organ-and-chime-fest Christmas recordings, or a few carols by the Tijuana Brass. Reminds me of my sister and I, sitting in front of our parents’ huge stereo console, filled with wonder and expectation.
My Christmas wish? To never again hear “Feliz Navidad,” by any artist.
Peace, all.
By Hillbilly Deluxe
December 24, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
My favorite Christmas carol is Silent Night. To me the lyrics mesh perfectly with one of the most beautiful melodies ever written. I don’t have a favorite version; it’s actually a song that’s hard to mess up.
A second choice would be Mary Did You Know?. If you haven’t heard the Mark Lowry/Buddy Greene (the song’s writers) version, then you’ve never really heard the song.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7gAkjaqO7s]
Hopefully that link will work if anybody wants to listen.
I have a song which has made me cringe since childhood but it’s probably someone else’s favorite so why antagonize?
To those who aren’t struggling this Christmas, remember that some are and lend them a hand. There but for the Grace of God go you. To those who are struggling, remember there are those worse off than you. Be thankful for what you do have.
Peace on Earth; goodwill towards men. Who among us could argue with that.
Merry Christmas to all.
By GreenJeans
December 24, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Hillbilly:
EXCELLENT choice with “Mary Did You Know?”
By Bosch
December 24, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
My favorite: Tie between “What Child is This” and “Silent Night”
Least favorite that makes me want to hurl every time I hear it: “Little Drummer Boy”
By Jen
December 24, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
I’m an atheist so I celebrate Christmas as a family holiday, not a religious one. As a result I tend to like the songs that I find sentimental. Being from the New Orleans area I like to hear the “12 Yats of Christmas” by Benny and the Bunch.
I also like “Baby, it’s cold outside” and Jack Johnson’s version of Rudolph…
By GayGrayGeek
December 24, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Love - Do You Hear What I Hear, even the version by Whitney “Mama Don’t Do Crack” Houston
Cringe - Grandma and that d@mned Reindeer
By The Corporal
December 24, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I remember Christmas Truce 1967. The North Vietnamese Commies (acting like the leftists they are) pounded the heck out of us all day long (172mm artillery from their side of the DMZ). We all got on top of our bunkers and waited for the stroke of midnight (the end of the truce) to watch our artillery when it was our turn. They paid for it!
Silent Night
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas (can’t stand Burl)
By getalife
December 24, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Breaking: Rudolph killed
By The Corporal
December 24, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
No Truce Here
GETOSAMA N.Y. LICENSE PLATES
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/FeatureStories/ODDOsamaLicensePlates.html
By AJC/DNC Management
December 24, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
What would Christmas be with out some whining and moaning from the liberals?-
SCIENTISTS have warned that Christmas lights are bad for the planet due to huge electricity waste and urged people to get energy efficient festive bulbs!!
CSIRO researchers said householders should know that each bulb turned on in the name of Christmas will increase emissions of greenhouse gases!!!
GFY! (Uh, Good and Fantastic Yuletides)
By The Corporal
December 24, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
To AJC/DNC
They would probably have whined that the angelic host was messing up the atmosphere and was in fact light pollution.
By Bud Wiser
December 24, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Favorite: “Silent Night” - Josh Groban, Noel album
Least Favorite - ANY Christmas songs done by Elvis and/or Whitney Houston
By ByteMe
December 24, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
My favorite Christmas Carol this year
I know there should be more, but — like Schindler’s List — I accept that not everyone tries to do the right thing for their fellow man and celebrate those who do.
By sunshine and thunder
December 24, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
JAY
Charlotte Church is a flaming moonbat but she absolutely owns:
THIS SONG
By GOP is gone
December 24, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Jen,
Anything by Louie Armstrong or Harry Connick Jr.
By Ray
December 24, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Favorite…. “Oh, Come Emanuel ” by Mannheim Steamroller
The Worst…. “Rudolph” by Gene Autry
By blog keister
December 24, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
anything by the barking dogs!
By BDAtlanta
December 24, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Favorite: David Bowie and Bing Crosby doing Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zMhSjDqvRs
By RealityKing
December 24, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Christmas 1776, General Washington crossed the Delaware to beat the Hessian mercenarys in the Battle of Trenton. A bold move that solidified the resolve of America’s already declared independence.
Merry Christmas America…, or in the words of Washington, “Victory or Death!”
By GodHatesTrash
December 24, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Merry Xmas from Jackie, Dunlap, and Mr. Slaw. Sayruh makes an appearance too…
By DebbieDoRight
December 24, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
My favorite is an old negro standard, “What ya gonna call that pretty little baby?” This version is done by Lara Landon, very well I might add.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLBLBOUI9e0
Another one I like is “Please come home for Christmas”; my mom used to play that a lot when my dad was overseas during the holidays….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfshS6NHWas
By Eleanor Rigby
December 24, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
My favorite is “Holy Night”. I like all versions but my favorite is Josh Groban’s. It brings tears to my eyes every time.
Most Pop Christmas songs are cringe- worthy but the most cringe-worthy is Bruce Springsteen’s rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, and I like Bruce Springsteen but that “song” is horrible, just horrible.
I liked your Christmas poem. That was very nice and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.
By DebbieDoRight
December 24, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Ooops!! Happy Holidays Everyone — even the “sane” ones on the blog!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiHoKMTHjZg
Gotta go, hubby, inlaws, and my brother are all here for the holidays!!!!
By blog keister
December 24, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
dancing and prancing in the frosty air!!
good song debbie.
By Grammaw
December 24, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”…always brings a tear to my eyes. I’m far away from family, and don’t get to see them often. sigh
By Santa
December 24, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
O Holy Night by Eric Cartman - now there’s a classic!
By Me
December 24, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
O Holy Night, BAR NONE. Can’t decide between Jewel, Josh Groban or Eric Cartman from South Park for the best version.
I can’t stand that Andy Williams Christmas Song, “Happy Holidays.” Makes me want to drive the car off a cliff to make it stop. And then I remember that I can change the station and all is well.
By The Corporal
December 24, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Peace on earth; goodwill toward men.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !
By J. Blair
December 24, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Aaron Shust’s “O Come O Come Emmanuel” is awesome!
Merry Christmas!
By I Got One
December 24, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Pachelbel Canon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Outstanding.
Anything by Mannheim Steamroller is awful. What is that? One guy with a $12 synthesizer?
By kennyg
December 24, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
“O Holy Night” by John Berry…..
By Jesus' Birthday
December 24, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
The First Noel is absolutely beautiful and describes humanity’s anticipation of the Christ child. I love it!
By House
December 25, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
The Amens located at the end of Brian Setzer’s first Christmas Album.
or
O Holy Night by Nat King Cole
By undeserving
December 25, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
1- Mary Did You Know by Lowery and Greene 2- Christmas Offering by Casting CrownsThey will cause your heart to fill and your eyes to leak…
By GodHatesTrash
December 25, 2008 5:45 AM | Link to this
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Sigh… the usual RightWingnut whining and chest-thumping, even on Christmas.
Oh well, Merry Xmas to the rest of you…
By lovelyliz
December 25, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
O Holy Night sung by a good operatic male voice
By lovelyliz
December 25, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
And *Do They Know It’s Christmas” still tugs on my heart-strings
By sweetpea
December 25, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
Willie Nelson’s “Pretty Paper”.
All of Jose Feliciano’s Christmas CD, excluding “Feliz Navidad”
By dee
December 25, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Whitney Houston’s Version of O’Holy Night
By PinkoNeoConLibertarian
December 25, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Not sure of the name…there’s one that speaks of a child shivering in the cold so they bring him silver and gold??!! WTH??!! A blanket and some food would be more advisable.
By bullwinkle
December 25, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
My favorite, Silent Night by The Temptations…
By bravesfanbob
December 25, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
My favorite is “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole, but “O Holy Night” comes a VERY close second.
By Toby Cash
December 25, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
THE CHERRY TREE CAROL by Jose Feliciano is one of the best Christmas Songs I have heard. A wonderful song.
By mc
December 25, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
“O Come All Ye Faithful,” especially the second and third verses.
Bear in mind that sappy love songs or nostalgia songs that happen to mention Christmas are not carols.
And on humanitarian grounds I continue to demand an end to “Jingle Bell Rock.” End torture now!
By Weppa
December 25, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
To the person who likes the song “Santa Baby”… just go into any retail store and this song will be playing within 5 minutes, guaranteed. I absolutely loathe that song. My favorite would be “O Holy Night”
By holton
December 25, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
This year…
Barenaked Ladies and Sarah- “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
By Mark
December 25, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Christmas Wrapping is the best
By tab
December 25, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
my favorite silent night by the temptations and oh holy night
By red adair
December 25, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Mary Did You Know is a great song for Christmas and all year.
By mike
December 25, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Falcons Christmas Carol on Youtube is the best. Go Falcons!
By Red
December 25, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
A few years back, Chris Coomer, our pastor’s son, sang a combination of What Child Is This? and Mary Did You Know? I do not know if this was something our music director put together or if it was an established arrangment. He switched back and forth between the two songs and never missed a beat. Never before or since have we heard anything as beautiful.
By Noel
December 25, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
A new, fun Christmas song called Rudolph vs. Frosty by Theocracy. Very creative!
By Noel
December 25, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
A new, fun Christmas song called Rudolph vs. Frosty by Theocracy. Very creative!
By jm
December 25, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
“Oh Come All Ye Faithful”
“Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant
“Silent Night” by any artist.
By Kevin
December 25, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
The Christmas Time is Here version from the Peanuts Christmas Special moved into a tie with Josh Groban’s Oh Holy Night this year. They’re very different songs, but I love them both. I think the Peanuts version is just “SANTAmental” to me.
By Ricky
December 25, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
My favorite is, “Please Come Home For Christmas”. My favorite line is the opening, “Bells will be ringing the glad glad news, Oh what a Christmas to have the blues. My baby is gone and I have no friend to wish me greetings, ooh once again… My favorite version is Aaron Neville with the Eagles second and Charles Brown third.
I don’t have a Christmas carol that makes me cringe unless my son is singing it.
By art
December 25, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
silent night—no capitals. No music at all is the best music. The last thing I want to hear is some cretin bellowing lyrics about religion.
By Mario Lanza
December 25, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
My favorite carol is “O Holy Night,” and the best version I’ve ever heard was by Crystal Gayle.
This year I became acquainted with “Good King Wenceslas” and I really like it. Though the lyrics were written in the mid-19th century, it reads like something from the King James Bible. I heard the version with Bing Crosby, featuring some female as the voice of the royal page.
By T2
December 25, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
I just love “Mary Did You Know?” by anyone. If I were King I would ban “The Little Drummer Boy” forever.
By Sheila
December 25, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
O Holy Night by Luciano Pavarotti. He sings the original French lyrics, then the English version (not a direct translation, but both about midnight on Christmas Eve/Morning. The French lyrics begin (translated) Midnight, Christian, the solemn hour when God comes down to us…”
By dauhter9moons
December 25, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Logical Dude, could you possibly be thinking about Tennessee Ernie Ford’s version of “the Little Drummer Boy”? I haven’t heard any one sing it well since his version too many decades ago.
The carol that always brings me to tears is “Mary, Did You Know?” It makes me think of my own children.