Historians disagree on when exactly Christmas caroling became the norm for holiday revelers and ecclesiastical organizations. Everyone, however, agrees that if you’re going to go Christmas caroling, there are a few songs that should be part of every carolers’ repertoire. Sears Imported Autos agrees.

Religious Carols

Many carolers use the Christmas season as an opportunity to share the story of Christ’s birth. These carols do just that.

  • Away in a Manger. The authorship of this popular Christmas hymn is sometimes mistakenly credited to Martin Luther because the words first appeared in a Lutheran Sunday school book around 1885. The lyrics to the song were actually written by an anonymous church-goer. William J. Kirkpatrick put the words to music in 1895 and carolers have enjoyed singing it ever since.
  • Silent Night. Austrian priest Joseph Mohr penned "Silent Night" in 1816. Two years later, Franz X. Gruber put the words to music in time for Christmas midnight mass. It is, perhaps, the most revered Christmas carol among Christians.
  • Joy to the World. Isaac Watts wrote the lyrics to "Joy to the World," based on Psalms 98, in 1719. The melody was composed by Lowell Mason and bears a resemblance to music from Handel’s Messiah.
  • O Come All Ye Faithful. English hymnist John Francis Wade wrote Adeste Fidelis in 1751 where it appeared in a Latin song book. Frederick Oakley and William Thomas Brooke translated the song, known as "O Come All Ye Faithful," into English in 1852.
  • Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Charles Wesley, younger brother of John Wesley of Methodist fame, wrote "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" in 1739. The song was initially accompanied by slow and solemn music. The song’s lyrics were later applied to Felix Mendelssohn’s "Festival Song" by William H. Cummings.
  • O Little Town of Bethlehem. Episcopal clergyman Philip Brooks visited Bethlehem in 1865. The result? The famous hymn "O Little Town of Bethlehem" two years later. Lewis Redner put it to music in 1868.

Secular Carols

Not all Christmas carols are religious in nature. These classics also are great fun to sing during the holidays.

  • Jingle Bells. James Lord Pierpont wrote "One Horse Open Sleigh" in 1857 as a Thanksgiving song. The song was so well received it continued to be sung through Christmas, the holiday for which it is now sung annually.
  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Everyone knows Rudolph had a shiny nose. Not everyone, however, realizes the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was written before the song was. Robert L. Mays wrote the story in 1939. Johnny Marks wrote a song based on the story in 1949. Gene Autry then recorded the song that is still sung today.
  • Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Parents everywhere can thank musician John Frederick Coots and lyricist Haven Gillespie for their annual "if you don’t straighten up, Santa will bring you coal" persuasive technique. Bing Crosby and the Andrews sister can be thanked as well for popularizing the song.
  • Deck the Halls. "Nos Galan," a Welsh winter carol, provided the origin of what is now called "Deck the Halls." The English lyrics were first published in Franklin Square Song Collection and later revised by J.P. McCaskey.

This holiday season, impress your neighbors and friends with this collection of popular Christmas carols.