When it comes to the words of carols, there are a number of sites to come to your aid. The words and some of the background to the most popular carols can be found at www.carols.org.uk/index.htm, while Christmas songs other than carols are nearby at www.carols.org.uk/christmas_songs_index.htm. Some rather tinny versions of the music may be heard at www.catholic.net/christmas_songs/template_channel.phtml?channel_id=17. An even more extensive range of carols appears at www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/ for which the author of the site says ‘The purpose of this site is to preserve the rich history of Christmas carols and hymns which might otherwise be lost. The ultimate goal is to have the largest collection of Christmas lyrics and music ever published in the English language.’
For a more liturgical flavour to Christmas music, try the Vatican site www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm, following the links to ‘Liturgical Year’ and then selecting Christmas. Music from the Pontifical Musical Chorus of the Sistine Chapel or the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music can be downloaded.
Christine Waring