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While carols were not invented by the Victorians, it was a tradition that they actively revived. Some Victorians felt traditional Christmas carols were being forgotten so published books of popular carols. Many used the same words, but were put to new, livelier tunes. Most of the carols we know and sing today are these new Victorian songs.

• Topic: Gathering
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time:N/A

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Step 1: Print out the song words and sheet music

Many counties had their own versions of carols, this is the Shropshire one.

The Holly and the Ivy

Music sourced by John Kirkpatrick.

Traditional English folk carol, tune collected by Cecil Sharp from Mrs Kilford in Lilleshall, Shropshire, on the 18th of December, 1911:

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

Chorus:
Oh the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a blossom as white as any flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
to be our sweet Saviour

The holly bears a berry as red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
to do poor sinners good

The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
on Christmas Day in the morn

The holly bears a bark that's as bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
for to redeem us all

Repeat verse 1.

Get ready to sing!

Gather your carol singing group together and hand out copies of the song words.

You could nominate someone to play an instrument too

Step 2: Start singing!

Sing loudly with cheer

Once everyone is ready, start singing.

Carol singing is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by all. Outdoor carol singing became very popular during Victorian times. Why not don your hats and scarves and give it a go?