The holidays are upon us, and it’s that time of year when everybody gets together to celebrate. For birdwatchers, though, the festivities can be especially exciting.
With all of their feathered friends roosting in their yards or trees, you’re sure to see some species that you don’t get to see every day (or ever).
To help get everyone in the Christmas spirit and maybe even lure some birds out into the open here are my top 10 favorite Christmas songs for birdwatchers:
The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a song most people know well. It’s also one of the only Christmas songs that mentions birds, so it’s a good choice for birdwatchers to listen to while they’re out in the field.
In this song, a girl receives gifts from her true love on the 12 days of Christmas a partridge in a pear tree, two turtle doves and so on until she gets six geese a-laying (five golden rings come later).
The twelve days start when you receive something like “my true love sent to me: A partridge in a pear tree.” The first day ends when you get “two turtle doves,” which means your lover has given you two birds for their nestlings (turtle doves are white birds similar to pigeons).
Then your loved one gives three French hens and four calling birds before moving onto five golden rings and six geese a-laying—all while they sing with joy!
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Frosty the Snowman
This Christmas song is about a snowman who comes to life after a magical scarf wraps around him. The song was written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins, who also wrote “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
It was first recorded by Gene Autry in 1949, but it didn’t become popular until 1950 when Jimmy Boyd sang it on his TV show.
Other versions of this song include “Frosty the Snowman” by John Denver and “Frosty the Snowman” by Noddy Holder from Slade. In 2010, Kenny G covered this song on his album Breathless.
Best Frosty The Snowman Merchandise
| Product Name | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hallmark Keepsake Ornament, Frosty Friends | Made of premium porcelain and handcrafted with intricate details. | $20 – $50 |
| Frosty the Snowman Water Globe | Features Frosty in a snow-filled glass globe with a durable resin base. | $30 – $60 |
| Gemmy Airblown Inflatable Frosty | Standing at 4 feet tall, self-inflates in seconds and lights up for nighttime display. | $40 – $100 |
| Frosty the Snowman Storybook | A classic retelling of the beloved Frosty the Snowman story with colorful illustrations. | $5 – $20 |
| Frosty the Snowman Tumbler | A high-quality stainless steel tumbler featuring a fun Frosty design that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. | $20 – $30 |
The suggested table is a list of the best Frosty the Snowman merchandise available. It includes product names, brief descriptions of each item, and their price range.
O Holy Night
“O Holy Night” was written by Adolphe Adam in 1847, but it wasn’t until 1904 that it was published.
The lyrics are based on a poem by Placide Cappeau called “Cantique de Noel,” and the song has been recorded by more than 1,000 artists.
Some of the most famous Christmas movies have featured this song prominently in their soundtracks: It was played during the famous scene where Ralphie sneaks downstairs to get his BB gun in “A Christmas Story”; it’s also heard during the opening credits for “Elf.”
The lyrics can be sung with any key or tempo; here’s how we recommend you do it:
- Sing with your heart!
- Play an acoustic guitar or ukulele while singing!
- Make sure your voice is loud enough so everyone can hear you!
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Carol of the Birds
Carol of the Birds is a traditional Christmas carol that is sung in England and parts of Europe during Christmastime. The song’s title refers to birdsong, as the bird species featured are known for their loud chirping at dawn.
The origins of Carol of the Birds have been lost to history, but scholars believe that it was first written sometime in the 16th century by an unknown composer.
When and why it was written remain unknown as well; however, most experts agree that it may have been written for use in church services or other religious observances throughout December and into January.
During this period, many Christian traditions were upheld throughout Great Britain: people would gather at nightfall on Christmas Eve (December 24) to sing hymns outside churches; on Christmas Day (December 25)
They would attend mass together before having a large meal later on; then starting around New Year’s Day they would travel from house-to-house singing songs intended to stir up merriment among friends and family members alike!
In fact some scholars believe these songs were meant not only as entertainment but also as a way for people living far apart from each other—such as those working away from home during harvest season to stay connected with one another even when separated by distance!
Gaudete
Gaudete (Latin for “Rejoice”) is another Advent hymn, and one that’s been around since the 9th century. It’s sung during the season to celebrate Christ’s birth and was originally written as a poem by Saint Venantius Fortunatus.
The lyrics are taken from the Book of Isaiah, specifically chapter 10:5-6, which translates to “All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, groups of camels shall come over unto thee, they will come from Saba; they will bring gold and frankincense.”
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Blue Christmas
The song is written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson, who also wrote White Christmas. The song was first recorded in 1946 by country singer Roy Brown as a slow ballad, but when Elvis Presley heard it on the radio in 1957 he decided to record it himself in an uptempo version that replaced the original lyrics with new ones about breaking up with his girlfriend.
This is one of those songs that could be played at any time of year but we think it works especially well during the holidays because most people have a hard time getting into the spirit of Christmas when they’re single (or even if they’re not).
How to Have a Blue Christmas
| To-Do | Examples |
|---|---|
| Create a cozy atmosphere | Philips Hue lights, Yankee Candle holiday scents |
| Indulge in comfort food and drink | Starbucks Peppermint Mocha, Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa, Harry & David Moose Munch |
| Watch festive movies and TV shows | Hallmark Channel, Netflix holiday specials |
| Listen to jazzy Christmas music | Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Buble |
| Do something kind for others | Donate to a local charity, send holiday cards to friends and family, volunteer at a soup kitchen |
This table provides tangible tips for creating a cozy and comforting holiday season, even if one is feeling “blue.” From mood lighting to indulging in festive treats, these ideas can help improve one’s mood during the holiday season.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
- “Do You Hear What I Hear?” is one of the most popular Christmas songs among birders. The lyrics are beautiful and timeless, but they have nothing to do with birds or Christmas.
- The music was originally composed by Richard Noel for the song I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day in 1864 (no relation to this song).
- It has become a traditional Christmas carol that many people enjoy singing and listening to during the holiday season.
- It is also associated with many other holidays around the world, including Easter and New Year’s Eve/Day.
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We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night! Star with royal beauty bright! Westward leading, still proceeding guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain; Gold I bring to crown Him again; King forever let Him reign; Over us all to live and die!O star of wonder how shall we sing the glories of our King? O heavenly host bring praise for Heav’n is born for this world to seegering a new age.
The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Bird
- “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Bird”
- Written by Bob Rivers, this song is about a bird born to the Virgin Mary after her son Jesus was born. It’s named King Solomon, and he has an angel for a best friend. The song was released in 2001.
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Rockin’ Robin
The song was written in 1958 by Leon René, who also wrote “The Wanderer” and “Rockin’ Robin”.
The original recording of the song was by Bobby Day, but it was covered by a number of artists including the Jackson 5. In this version, Michael Jackson sings about a bird that can’t fly but is still happy because he has his family.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for some Christmas songs to share with your friends and family, here are some great ones to watch out for.
It can be hard to find a list of holiday music that doesn’t have any songs on it that are terrible or too cheesy. But we took the time to compile a list of the top 10 Christmas songs for birdwatchers!
Further Reading
Here are some links to additional resources related to birds and the holiday season:
The Birds of the Twelve Days of Christmas: Learn about the unique birds mentioned in the classic Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Top 10 Versions of Carol of the Bells for Christmas: Get into the holiday spirit with these popular versions of “Carol of the Bells.”
The 13 Birds of Christmas: Explore the various birds that have become associated with Christmas and holiday traditions.
FAQs
What are some birds associated with Christmas?
Some birds that are associated with Christmas include the partridge, turtle dove, calling birds (which are most commonly interpreted as European goldfinches), French hens, geese, swans, and the iconic snowy owl.
What is the significance of birds in Christmas traditions?
Birds have played a role in Christmas traditions in various cultures and societies. Some birds, such as the dove, are considered symbols of peace and hope, while others, like the robin, are associated with the festive spirit of the holiday season.
What is the meaning behind “The Twelve Days of Christmas”?
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a classic Christmas carol that has been interpreted in different ways over the years. One interpretation is that the song symbolizes various gifts given to someone by their true love throughout the twelve days of Christmas.
What is the history of “Carol of the Bells”?
“Carol of the Bells” was originally a Ukrainian folk song called “Shchedryk” and was later adapted into the well-known carol. The song’s lyrics and melody have been adapted and recorded by many musicians and performers over the years.
How can I get involved with birdwatching during the holiday season?
There are many ways to get involved with birdwatching during the holiday season, including attending birdwatching events and participating in bird counts. Check with local birdwatching groups or organizations to find opportunities in your area.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a birdwatcher and birder. I have a personal interest in bird behavior and classifications and have been following the latest research on the topic for years.