Christmas carols : Old English carols for Christmas and other festivals

The anthology brings together a dozen centuries‑old English carols that once rang out in churches, village halls, and dancing circles. Edited with care, the selection shows how early celebrations mixed pagan customs—holly, ivy, the boar’s head—with the growing Christian narrative of Christ’s birth. Each piece retains the robust, communal spirit of its original setting, from brisk wassails to gentle May‑day verses. The accompanying notes explain the music’s evolution, letting listeners hear the living history behind the familiar refrains.

Listeners can enjoy these songs in a richly illustrated audio edition, where every carol is accompanied by a full‑page colour drawing that captures the festive atmosphere of its time. Professional harmonisations by Lucy Broadwood bring out the original melodies while modern recordings let the old tunes resonate clearly on today’s devices. For musicians, downloadable MusicXML files provide the exact notation, making it easy to follow along or even perform a personal rendition. Whether you’re gathering with family for a holiday sing‑along or exploring the roots of seasonal music, this collection offers a warm, authentic soundtrack to the celebrations.