From the recording A Potted History of Christmas
Blending musical talent with storytelling, Ian delivers a playful and insightful take on the festive season with his latest song, 'A Potted History of Christmas'.
The song tells the story of Christmas through the ages and is perfect for setting a jovial holiday mood.
PS. It has all been fact checked and some of it might be true :-)
Lyrics
Christmas was invented by the Romans, about the year three hundred thirty six
Pope Julius wanted to throw a party and stop those ancient celebratory cliques
The old ones had a feast called Saturnalia, the coming of the new year after old
Christmas was invented by the Romans, but that’s a story hardly every told
Two thousand years of Christmas celebrations
Go back two thousand years or even more
Christmas was invented by the Romans
But the ancient ones well they got there before
The Druids liked to brighten up the dark days, of December bringing greenery to the room
With bright red holly hanging from the ceiling and mistletoe to ward away the foe
They called the season Yule, that’s from the Norsemen, now that’s a chocolate cake made in a roll
Christmas was invented by the Romans, but that’s a story hardly ever told
Chorus
The Tudors they knew how to throw a party, the lord of misrule he was put in charge
Twelve days of drinking, feasting and cavorting, King Henry’s trousers had to be enlarged
We haven’t mentioned Santa or St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Papa Natale too
The favourite of young children the world over, but that would just take far too long to do
Chorus
The Christmas that we know is all Victorian, with cards and trees and crackers by the score
Paper garlands now instead of holly and plastic wreaths that hang upon the door
But let’s take a little time and just remember, the Christ child and the pagan ways before
Christmas was invented by the Romans, but there’s much more we should all be thankful for.
Chorus