This song was published in 1935 as a “West Country Traditional Song” from England. Originally, it was written as “I wish you a Merry Christmas”, but later changed to “We wish you” upon republishing the piece.
The publishing date and the actual creation date are much different. This tune is thought to originate in the 1800s, but there is no evidence of that, and it is missing from some of the more recognized collections of carols from the 1800s, as well as those from the 1600s. It is only mentioned in the 1992 book New Oxford Book of Carols as an English traditional without any source or date noted.
The phrase “a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year” was found in 1740 from a song the mummers sang when they went begging from home to home. Remember the mummer’s from when we traveled around the world at Christmas? http://bmebluprint.blogspot.com/2015/09/here-we-come-awassailing.html
This is from a mummer’s song of the 1700s
I wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year,
A pantryful of good roast-beef,
And barrels full of beer
Of course, they wanted figgy pudding and a pint.
There are a number of versions of the song, but the most commonly sung one contains these lyrics:
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
And a happy New Year
REFRAIN
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year.
Now bring us some figgy pudding,
Now bring us some figgy pudding,
Now bring us some figgy pudding,
And bring some out here
REFRAIN
For we all like figgy pudding,
We all like figgy pudding,
For we all like figgy pudding,
So bring some out here
REFRAIN
And we won't go until we've got some
We won't go until we've got some
We won't go until we've got some
So bring some out here
For the record, although I love Enya’s rendition, the one that I really wanted to use is the Osmond’s rendition on the 1968 Andy Williams’ Christmas Show because, well, let’s just say I am that old and was amused and entertained by it (no, I was NOT an Osmond Brother’s fan.) However, the video quality is very poor, but for fun, I am including it and letting you make your own determination.
Now that you are starting to get the Christmas spirit, let’s go shopping!
Nautical Cupcake Toppers in Navy Blue and Red
Washcloth Facecloth or Dishcloth Crocheted
Lipstick Red Handmade Lampwork Beads
Red Flame Box Elder Exotic Wood Large Earrings
Firetruck Christmas Ornament
Enhanced Candy Apple Red Autumn Leaves from Sugar Maple
Hand Knit Evening Poppy Shawl
Red Sun Gold Earrings
Red Bend Jasper Cream Riverstone Czech Beige Crystal Gemstone Necklace
Jo's Bevel 6" Handmade Stained Glass Quilt Square in Red
Handmade Necklace and Earrings
Ruby Red Slipper Socks
Red Holiday Dangle Earrings
Gold, Green, and Red Glass Acrylic Beaded Holiday Christmas Bracelet
Dog Lovers Tri-fold Wallet, Fabric Clutch
Guitar Necklace Red, Pink or Yellow Enamel Charm With Sterling Silver Chain
Red Skull Halloween Earrings
Burgundy Red & Green Basket - Geometric Pattern
These talented artists are available for special requests or orders, so don’t hesitate to contact them if you have any questions about these pieces.
Here are some more showcases for you to enjoy:
Week 1
Week 2
Silent Night, Holy Night
Hurry because handmade sells out fast, and when they are gone, they are gone! Buy now.
Enjoy!
Julie
