Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Dreamed of pulling Santa's sleigh, But every time he asked him, Santa answered "Not today!" Rudolph was sad, and wondered: "Is it 'cause my nose is red? How can I make the gaffer Let me pull his Christmas sled?" Then ...

We can say: "Elizabeth II was one of (the) only three monarchs in history to reign for 70 years or more". So I think it is OK to drop the "three" and say "one of the only monarchs". "One of the few monarchs" would be too weak.

Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar Three kings from Persian lands afar To Bethlehem pursue the star; The peaceful gifts that they convey In brightly painted carts along the way Will mark their homage to our Lord More fittingly than armour, shield or sword! From mighty ziggurat or lofty tower The k...

The First Nowell The first Nowell the angel did say Was to shepherds on hillsides down Bethlehem way. They sat among their rams and ewes While the seraph announced this wonderful news: "Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, God hath resolved to save you from Hell! "You all shall live in His own...

See Amid the Winter's Snow See! Amid the winter's snow, Born upon a world of woe, Christ, of whom the prophets told, Turns our leaden hearts to gold! Hail the miracle divine, Hail the great celestial sign! Him, who doth our sins destroy, Praise with everlasting joy! In the stable bray the beasts, A...

White Christmas I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, Just like the one in fairy tales, But there's drizzle dropping, and endless shopping Before the January sales! I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, Like that of Santa's magic crew, But dreams so seldom come true, And my heart is desperately blue. I'm...

I Saw Three Ships I saw three ships come sailing by, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day, I saw three ships come sailing by – A cruiser, tanker and liner. The cruiser's mission was to beat On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day, The Devil and his mighty fleet; No naval task could be finer. The tanker ca...

In the Bleak Midwinter In the bleak midwinter, snow began to fall; By the early evening, drifts enveloped all. On and on the snow fell, on it fell; Yet, amid the darkness, all was well. In the town of David, Jesus Christ was born; Angels flew across the land till the freezing morn. From their lips ...

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing Hark, the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King! Some in Hebrew, some in Greek, Some in lingo shepherds speak. Latin for Augustus' crew, Persian for the Magi too, Dialects of every sort, Our redemption to report. Hark, the herald angels sing, All can hear the new...

God rest you merry, gentlemen God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing make you sad! Remember the Almighty has sent his little lad To purge us of our sinfulness and make the Devil mad, O tidings of comfort and joy! God rest you merry, ladies, the Virgin bids you share Her patience and devotion an...

While Shepherds Watched their Flocks While shepherds watched their grazing flocks One dark and stormy night, An angel sent by God appeared And all was bathed in light. "Don't worry, guys", he said, for they Feared some demonic ruse. "I've just come down from Paradise And bring you sp...

Ding, dong, merrily on high Ding, dong! merrily on high In heaven the bells are pealing. Ding, dong! listen to the cry Of joy and festive feeling. Gloria, hosanna in excelsis! Angels happily descend To tell of Jesus' coming, With accompanying blend Of lutes and zithers strumming. Gloria, hosanna in...

Once in Royal David's City Once in royal David's city Stood a stable near an inn, Where a newborn and his mother Dwelt together, free of sin. Christ and Mary were the pair Seated by the manger there. Christ indeed – our Lord and Saviour Of the Holy Trinity, Who upon his throne in Heaven Measures ou...

Over the next month I will be posting my alternative versions of some well-known Christmas hymns and carols, paraphrasing the originals and making some additions. Some will be serious, others more light-hearted. Any bathos is deliberate! You are welcome to make your own contributions to this thread....

clique

A small, exclusive, often privileged, group of people.

From French (hence its pronunciation cleek).