There are so many things to love about this time of year! We all have unique holiday traditions, but Christmas music seems to be a universal staple of the holiday season. Whether you like to play it on October 1st or wait until after Thanksgiving, Christmas music can really put you in the holiday spirit.

Jingle Bells….O Holy Night… Silent Night – the list goes on and on!

You’ve probably sung the lyrics a million times, but have you ever thought about the origins of your favorite holiday tunes? Here’s a closer look at the stories behind some of our favorites.

“Silent Night”

This Christmas classic dates back to the 1800s! Written in 1818 by Austrian priest Joseph Mohr and Franz X. Gruber, the lyrics came together shortly after the Napoleonic wars had taken their toll. On Christmas Eve in 1818, the song first debuted as Stille Nacht Heilige Nacht.

The composition rapidly gained popularity and was translated into over 300 languages. Silent Night made its way to America in 1914 during World War I when, on December 24th, a cease-fire caused soldiers to put down their weapons and sing carols…the ultimate sign of heavenly peace.

“12 Days of Christmas”

“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…”

Have you memorized the 12 gifts? It all starts with a partridge in a pear tree. This classic Christmas song was originally created as a memory game! In fact, a very popular version of this song debuted in a children’s book sometime in the 1780s.

“O Holy Night”

“…The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth…”

This was another song enjoyed during a time of truce and peace during the Franco-Prussian War. Unfortunately, this classic song came with a lot of controversies and was actually banned in France for a period of time.

Christmas is a special time of year for Christians around the world. At the core of our practice at FFT is our Foundation and belief in Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life. Most importantly, we believe died for our transgressions and was resurrected by the power of God.

The counselors at Foundations Family Therapy feel not only led, but called to our profession as therapists. In fact, it is an honor for us to be able to walk with you on a journey of healing. We believe that everyone was created by God and for God and that there is a purpose for your life. We want to help you find the purpose you were created for, and to move from barely surviving to thriving. Make an appointment