December 3 - The Holly & the Ivy

This carol is one that has a familiar tune while the words are a little less known. It is a great lead into Christmas decorating, though, as my kids are now noticing holly and ivy everywhere on Christmas items. The history of the song is similar to other carols since it has been around a while and the words have changed over time (more history here). It is a beautiful song, and a great study for our look at Christmas music.

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

A video we all enjoyed on YouTube -The Winchester Cathedral Choir recorded in 1986


My childrens' ornaments (seen at the top) were constructed with craft foam, glitter craft foam and a pretty paper background.