Holiday Songs that Warm You Up
Written by Cristina & Jorge
It started the day after Halloween. Radios began playing holiday music. Whether you love it or hate it, there it is. It follows you in the car, while shopping in stores, and there is no way to escape it…but do we really want to? Holiday music has a way of bringing out the joy of the season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza or any other holiday in the month of December there is always music to put you in a great mood. This is the type of music that has employees spending extra money, school children jumping off the walls and drivers belting out a tune while going about their day.
Whether you are listening to Jingle Bells or the Dreidl song, you can’t help but feel a sense of happiness. For both the musician and the aficionado, the library has resources that share the cheerfulness of the season.
For the practicing musician, try the Complete Book of Chanukah Songs. It’s truly a unique collection of songs in Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino, and English written by the best Jewish songwriters. You can also borrow 34 Hebrew and Yiddish Melodies, a collection of music sheets in Hebrew or Yiddish with English translations and annotations. If you’re feeling Merry, then why not try Holiday Hits – a selection of top Christmas songs for advanced pianists. Remember, we also have resources for the little ones that like making holiday noise (this time pleasant ones, let’s hope). Try the classic Lamb Chop’s Special Chanukah or Songs of Chanukah 1st Ed.
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| 34 Hebrew and Yiddish Melodies | Holiday Hits |
If you prefer to listen to music rather than sing it yourself, there are so many CDs at your disposal. Here are some of our personal favourites: Sing the Cold Winter Away: Family Songs for Wintertime, A Merry Christmas with Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters and one of our branch favourites, Chanukah at Grover’s Corner
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| A Merry Christmas |
Chanukah at Grover's Corner |
Speaking of Chanukah, the library hosted a special Chanukah Concert Wednesday night. Nearly 90 people participated in the cheerful celebration including CTV who caught some footage of the group’s current repertoire. “Cheerful and warm, this concert certainly built up an appetite for Chanukah next week” shouted a member from the public. Thanks to the Toronto Jewish Folk Choir for creating a warm buzz in the community and kick starting the festival of lights! Images below are from this year's concert, a short snippet follows.
For upcoming holiday concerts, check out www.toronto.com for a listing of holiday events.
3 thoughts on “Holiday Songs that Warm You Up”
Dear Jorge and All,
Thank you so much for inviting our choir (the Toronto Jewish Folk Choir) to sing for you and your audience. You were generous and welcoming hosts, and the audience was very attentive and responsive. We had great fun singing for all of you, and look forward to returning next year! Meanwhile, we wish you and all of your clients a joyous season of lights, and a healthy and Happy New Year.
Thanks Linda,
It was a pleasure working with your group, cheerful as always. It is a long time from now, but we look forward to your pre-Chanukah concert next year. For now, on behalf of the Barbara Frum Library, we wish the group a joyus Chanukah and nothing but prosperity, health and success in the New Year.
Happy Hanukkah Monica