Hi,

I have my inlaws coming accross on Christmas Day and both enjoy singing and can carry a tune well so I thought that, in amongst the festivities that a christmas sing-along might be in order.

Now I am not a fantastic pianist (far from it) so whatever I choose will be from the easy to play books. My husband will probably join in on guitar. there will be 6 of us in total - 2 of them young children... I want to be able to practise ahead of time rather than sight read my way through on Christmas day.

So... any suggestions what to choose or what not to?

I personally love silent night, In the bleak midwinter, Once in Royal David's City and We three Kings, probably need Away in a Manger for the kids and maybe Frosty the Snowman. I also rather like Greg Lake's I believe in Father Christmas and can just about play it but not so sure on appropriateness. Not so keen on While Shepherd's Watched...

What are your favourites?

What do you hate?

My all-time favourite carol is 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' - and it shouldn't be too difficult on piano

I've no idea what is in the easy play books but my fave carols are - It came upon a midnight clear, Joy to the World and Hark the herald..

I think they are all in there

I have "A feast of Easy Carols"

"It's easy to Play Christmas Songs"

and "The Complete Piano Player Christmas"

Looks like a good selection - I used to have A feast of Easy Carols but passed it on to my niece a few years ago!

O little town of Bethlehem is a good one too.

I LOVE Christmas carols!!! It's this time of year I really wish I sang in a choir, but I really don't have time to commit to it. *sigh*

In the Bleak Midwinter and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear are my faves, and The Angel Gabriel down from Heaven came (I don't think that's the title, but I can't remember what it is) and even though 'most highly favoured lady' will forever be 'most highly-flavoured gravy', it's very beautiful.

Little Drummer Boy

Have yourselves a Merry Little Christmas

"On the first day of Christmas" usually goes down very well with children, as there's so much repetition - and the adults can have fun too if they ham it up a bit on the Five Gold Rings.

I think it's a lovely idea to have a sing-along on Christmas Day and hope you have a wonderful time together. I'm sure any carols you choose will be acceptable, so play your favourites. I love "O little town of Bethlehem", especially to the tune Bethlehem, which seems to have fallen out of favour these days, but was the one I sang it to as a child.

The Angel Gabriel down from Heaven came (I don't think that's the title, but I can't remember what it is) and even though 'most highly favoured lady' will forever be 'most highly-flavoured gravy', it's very beautiful.

It is. (even though I never quite leave behind the flavoured gravy either!)

It's 'the Angel Gabriel from Heaven came' - so you were very close. It's normally written in A minor so not a difficult key.

I LOVE Christmas carols!!! It's this time of year I really wish I sang in a choir, but I really don't have time to commit to it. *sigh*

Sympathies. it's this time of year I feel really smug! only joking - maybe fortunate would be more appropriate. We have our big Advent carol service this afternoon.

Hope the service goes well this afternoon, I'm sure it will be very enjoyable, and get everybody in the mood for the coming season.

Thankyou for all replies so far Please continue to contribute as you think of any more.

I always sing about the gravy too! Last year our church choir sang that for the 4th Sunday of Advent - the version in our hymn books is G minor.

Some of my other favourites - It came upon a midnight clear, and The Truth from Above which the Madrigal group at my school sing every carol service. It'll be me this year for the first time.

Thank you - it was fabulous. We did Bach's motet 'Komm Jesu Komm' and a Praetorius Double-choir magnificat, as well as other anthems and advent hymns. A big sing - but wonderful music - I was sorry when it was over.

(apologies to Dawn - back on topic!)