Let’s lighten the mood. Let’s smile and feel joyful. Let’s have a musical interlude.
Last night I finally got my husband Andy, and children Callum, Imogen and Charlotte together. (Callum has been busy at work.) They gathered around the piano and sang The Carol of the Bells, in four parts. Of course, I had my handy pocket camera on the tripod and recorded every note.
The Carol of the Bells? Isn’t that a Christmas carol? Hasn’t the Christmas season finished? It hasn’t for us. We shall be celebrating right up to The Baptism of the Lord.
There seem to be different opinions on when the Christmas season ends. I just had a look at a few articles online, and the first Monday in ordinary time appears to be the Monday after The Baptism of the Lord, so I think it’s quite okay to keep the celebrations going. And if we are still reluctant to take down our tree and get back to ordinary life after this ‘extra’ week of Christmas, we could continue celebrating right up to the Presentation of the Lord. I think I read somewhere that the crib and Christmas tree in St Peter’s Square are taken down after this feast. So if the Vatican are still enjoying Christmas, so can we!
Anyway, the lights are still twinkling on our Christmas tree and we are still singing.
I associate The Carol of the Bells with Midnight Mass, because our choir always sings it after Mass has ended. The singers make such a joyful sound heralding the beginning of Christmas, and we all emerge from the church with such big smiles on our faces.
Now I know Midnight Mass was two weeks ago, and maybe it would have been more appropriate to post a version of We Three Kings, but as I love this carol, this is what I shall post! Anyway, I promised to post it for Lucinda.
I hope you enjoy this musical interlude with Andy (tenor), Callum (bass), Imogen (soprano) and Charlotte (alto) singing The Carol of the Bells.
And if you are still celebrating Christmas…
Happy Christmas!
MAGNIFICENT!!!!!!! I actually have holy shivers! What beautiful voices.
Nancy,
You should hear this carol with the full choir. So joyful. The music never fails to make me smile. Your comment made me smile too. Thank you!
How pretty! I've always liked that song. It is almost haunting. Happy Epiphany! We lit the candles on our Christmas tree and sang (we have real candles). We also read some Epiphany stories.
I've enjoyed your "talks" with and about Felicity. It takes a lot to be so open about that. But it might also be helpful to "heal" the past.
Eva,
The carol is very stirring, isn't it? I'm glad you like it too. I seem to remember it was on one of the Christmas videos you posted on your blog recently.
Ooooh! Real candles! I don't know anyone else who uses real candles. How special. I hope Julius stays away from the candles. I can just imagine our cats climbing into the tree, knocking the candles and setting the tree alight. The cats are so mischievous. They keep stealing the fluffy sheep from the nativity set. And baby Jesus.
Thank you for reading my recent posts. I'm sure good things will come from sharing with each other.
God bless!
Wow, that was fantastic, well done to you all!
Kelly,
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the carol.
What a blessing to sing together as a family like that! Nice to "meet" some more of your family members. Your son looks somehow humerous. I bet he likes jokes.
Bernice,
I wish I could sing and join in too. Oh well, someone has to be the audience (and camera operator)!
Callum is indeed a lot of fun. You should have seen the first version of my family singing the carol. It was full of strange looks and funny faces, mostly due to Callum's influence! A more rounded view of people is possible when we post videos.
Thank you for watching!
So beautiful! I was so tired last night after a challenging day, and listening to this uplifted me wonderfully before sleep – thank you!
Happy Christmas indeed!
Lucinda,
I'm glad you liked the singing. I was beginning to think I wouldn't get the opportunity to film and post the carol because Callum has been very busy at work over the Christmas holidays.
Yes, it is still Christmas. I hope you are enjoying this season of joy!
This is gorgeous! I have loved getting to know your wonderful family.
Emmie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to watch our video. Music is a big part of my family's life. It's great to share that with you!
Marvelous! This is one of my favorite Carols! As for celebrating Christmas? Feel free to go up until February 2nd!
Karla,
I think this is one of my favourite carols because it's in parts and the singers have to work together. It truly is a combined effort. Of course it is joyful and stirring too!
Feb 2nd… that must be the Presentation of the Lord. And there's a few weeks of ordinary time before Lent. Yes, we shall celebrate the rest of the Christmas season while we can!
That is so beautiful!
Thank you Miu!