365 for 2018 Songs Meitheal Ceol Christmas Carols v1.3 italics No chords

Meitheal Ceol Songbook Christmas Carols/Songs December 2019 v1.3 A collection of songs for clearing the head, for soothing the soul, rebalancing the senselessness, recharging the warrior and Fun-Da-Mentally for sharing in Communion with neighbours and friends. Font size 16 for sore eyes. Feedback welcome to MeithealCeol@gmail.com Liam ร Gรณgรกin/Mary T Cleary 12/11/2019

Wed Dec.11th 2019 7:30pm to 9pm GMT Christmas Carols Singsong Men’s Shed Scioból na bFhear, in Gaoth Dobhair LiveStreaming on Facebook On Wednesday December 11th 2019 Meitheal Ceol singing group will host a Christmas Carols and Songs session in the Men’s Shed Scioból na bFhear, in Gaoth Dobhair in North West Donegal from 7:30 pm to 9 pm GMT. If you are nearby on the evening please join us.We will also Livestream the event on Facebook Live.

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Our plan is to encourage as many groups as possible from far and wide, with internet access, to join along in singing with us through the Livestream.

We encourage other singing groups, circles, uke and guitar groups, choirs, small groups of friends, family, students, youth groups, Senior Citizens, Mental Wellness and Alzheimer’s support groups etc, to join in on the Livestream to share a concurrent coherent expression of joy, fun and goodwill that is the essence of the Christmas Spirit.

The Livestream will display the lyrics and chords onscreen as we sing and play together and will work well on many devices including Smart phone, IPads and other Tablets, PCs and Laptops and can readily be mirrored onto TV screens and Projectors.

We have put together 2 booklets of the 20 Songs we will sing. One contains the words for singers, and the other contains the words and inline chords for guitar, uke etc. Most importantly all the chords are open chords and there is no need for a capo for this session. The books are in PDF form and we will distribute them as widely as possible in advance. Individual groups can print off small booklets (A4, 12 pages, 2 sided) for local use. We encourage you to share the pdf freely and to invite your friends to gather together for an evening’s fun.

We have created a playlist for you on YouTube at http://bit.ly/2rgXe0Q to assist in familiarising with the songs.

During the LiveStream, we hope that participants and viewers will engage with online commentary which we will endeavour to curate into the conversation, sharing salutations and festive goodwill across the globe.

We are suggesting that at each group gathing, participants bring along an offering which they will put on the table as a contribution. This could be cash or items for a hamper etc.

At the end of the singsong each group will then take this Cnuasach (gathering) of offerings and present them to someone in their community, perhaps a neighbour who could do with a helping hand, as an expression of Christmas goodwill. This small, direct, local action, is immediate and bypasses any administration often associated with charities.

Hopefully this Christmas carols singsong will be replicated along with the songbook at many other family, community, club events over the festive period.

As Charles Dickens wrote: ‘There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour. But I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round...as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely. ‘

“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

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Contents Contents Contents .............................................................................................................................. 1 We Wish You a Merry Christmas. ....................................................................................... 2 Angels We Have Heard on High ......................................................................................... 3 Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer ..................................................................................... 4 Away in a Manger................................................................................................................ 5 Adeste Fideles .................................................................................................................... 6 Ding Dong Merrily on High .................................................................................................. 7 Good King Wenceslas ......................................................................................................... 8 The First Noel .................................................................................................................... 10 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ........................................................................................... 11 In the Bleak Midwinter ....................................................................................................... 12 Jingle Bells ........................................................................................................................ 13 Silent Night ........................................................................................................................ 14 Oíche Chiúin ..................................................................................................................... 15 Mary's Boy Child / Oh My Lord .......................................................................................... 16 O Holy Night ...................................................................................................................... 17 Rocking Around the Christmas Tree ................................................................................. 18 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town ........................................................................................ 19 White Christmas ................................................................................................................ 20 Winter Wonderland............................................................................................................ 21 Merry Xmas Everybody ..................................................................................................... 22 I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing ................................................................................ 23 Meitheal Ceol ...................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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How You can Help?

Download the songbooks and enjoy.

Join with some friends, tune into the Livestream on Wed Dec 11th at 7:30 PM and singalong.

Contribute your comments and salutations.

Share information about this idea to 5 friends.

Email:-MeithealCeol@gmail.com

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

We wish you a Merry Christmas.

We wish you a Merry Christmas.

We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin.

Good tidings for Christmas And a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding And a cup of good cheer.

We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some, So bring some out here We wish you a Merry Christmas.

We wish you a Merry Christmas.

We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.

Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Prospero año y felicidad

(Repeat Chorus)

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas From the bottom of my heart (Repeat Verse) Song:-

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https://youtu.be/g-OF7KGyDis https://youtu.be/RTtc2pM1boE

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Angels We Have Heard on High Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o'er the plains And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains Glo,oo,ooo,oo,ooo,oo,oooria, In excelsis Deo Glo,oo,ooo,oo,ooo,oo,oooria, In excelsis Deo Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song?

Glo,oo,ooo,oo,ooo,oo,oooria, In excelsis Deo Glo,oo,ooo,oo,ooo,oo,oooria, In excelsis Deo Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing, Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Glo,oo,ooo,oo,ooo,oo,oooria, In excelsis Deo Glo,oo,ooo,oo,ooo,oo,oooria, In excelsis Deo Song:- https://youtu.be/WHWqj6gKS9g

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer You know Dasher and Dancer And Prancer and Vixen Comet and Cupid And Donner and Blitzen But do you recall The most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Had a very shiny nose And if you ever saw it You would even say it glows All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names They never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say "Rudolph, with your nose so bright Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Then all the reindeer loved him And they shouted out with glee "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer You'll go down in history" Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say "Rudolph, with your nose so bright Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Song:- https://youtu.be/19w0IHPL4X0

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Away in a Manger Away in a manger No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus Lay down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky Look down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay The cattle are lowing The poor Baby awakes But little Lord Jesus No crying He makes I love Thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky And stay by my side 'Til morning is nigh Be near me, Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay Close by me for ever And love me, I pray Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care And take us to Heaven To live with Thee there Song:- https://youtu.be/yjke_DVaa_c

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.� ― George Bernard Shaw

Adeste Fideles Adeste, fideles, Laeti triumphantes, Venite, venite in Bethlehem!

Natum videte, Regem angelorum Venite, adoremus! Venite, adoremus!

Venite, adoremus Dominum!

Deum de Deo, Lumen de lumine, Gestant puellae viscera.

Deum verum, genitum non factum Venite, adoremus! Venite, adoremus!

Venite, adoremus Dominum!

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!

O come ye, o come ye, to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, in the highest O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Venite, adoremus! Venite, adoremus!

Venite, adoremus Dominum!

Song:- https://youtu.be/okyzEnO7g3c

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Ding Dong Merrily on High Ding dong merrily on high, In heaven the bells are ringing: Ding dong verily the sky Is riven with angel singing Glo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,ooooo,ria Hosanna in excelsis!

Glo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,ooooo,ria Hosanna in excelsis!

E'en so here below, below, Let steeple bells be swungen, And "Io, io, io!"

By priest and people sungen Glo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,ooooo,ria Hosanna in excelsis!

Glo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,ooooo,ria Hosanna in excelsis!

Pray you, dutifully prime Your matin chime, ye ringers, May you beautifully rhyme Your eve'time song, ye singers Glo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,ooooo,ria Hosanna in excelsis!

Glo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,oooooo,ooooo,ria Hosanna in excelsis!

Hosanna in excelsis!

Song:- https://youtu.be/7IIzcQ4fr6o

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Good King Wenceslas Good King Wenceslas looked out On the Feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel When a poor man came in sight Gathering winter fuel

Hither, page, and stand by me, If thou knowst it, telling Yonder peasant, who is he?

Where and what his dwelling?

Sire, he lives a good league hence, Underneath the mountain Right against the forest fence

By Saint Agnes fountain.

Bring me flesh and bring me wine Bring me pine logs hither Thou and I shall see him dine When we bear them thither.

Page and monarch, forth they went Forth they went together Through the rude winds wild lament And the bitter weather

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Sire, the night is darker now And the wind blows stronger Fails my heart, I know not how I can go no longer.

Mark my footsteps, good my page Tread thou in them boldly Thou shall find the winters rage Freeze thy blood less coldly.

In his masters step he trod Where the snow lay dinted Heat was in the very sod Which the Saint had printed Therefore, Christian men, be sure Wealth or rank possessing Ye, who now will bless the poor Shall yourselves find blessing.

Song:- https://youtu.be/NPVQe9clSt8

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

The First Noel The First Noel, the Angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter's night that was so deep Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the East beyond them far And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

Song:- https://youtu.be/IawyZ3umrTE

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled."

Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With the angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem."

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!

Christ, by highest heaven adored: Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come, Offspring of the virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail, the incarnate Deity: Pleased, as man, with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of peace!

Hail! the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die: Born to raise the son of earth, Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!

Song:- https://youtu.be/19w0IHPL4X0

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

In the Bleak Midwinter In the bleak mid-winter, Frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow snow on, snow on, snow, In the bleak mid-winter, long ago.

Our God, Heaven can’t hold Him Nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away When he comes to reign.

In the bleak mid-winter, A stable place sufficed The Lord God almighty, Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels, May have gathered there, Cherubim and Seraphim Thronged the air; But only His Mother, With a maiden bliss, Worshipped the beloved With a kiss.

What can I give Him, Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give him: Give my heart.

Song:- https://youtu.be/FoIETMeXC2s

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Jingle Bells Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go Laughing all the way.

Bells on bob-tail ring making spirits bright Oh! What fun it is to ride sing A sleighing song tonight Oh! Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way, Oh! What fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh Oh! Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way, Oh! What fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh Christmas Eve is here Time to go to bed, Climbing up the stairs Nod your sleepy head Take your stockings off Hang them in a row Then jump quickly into bed And off to sleep we go Oh! Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way, Oh! What fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh Oh! Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way, Oh! What fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh

Song:- https://youtu.be/3CWJNqyub3o Email:-MeithealCeol@gmail.com

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Silent Night Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright 'Round yon virgin Mother and Child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight!

Glories stream from heaven afar; Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!

Christ the Savior is born!

Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, holy night Son of God, oh, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord at Thy birth Jesus, Lord at Thy birth Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Oíche Chiúin Oíche chiúin, oíche Mhic Dé, Cách 'na suan dís araon.

Dís is dílse 'faire le spéis Naíon beag, leanbh ceansa 'gus caomh Críost, 'na chodladh go séimh.

Críost, 'na chodladh go séimh Oíche chiúin, oíche Mhic Dé, Aoirí ar dtús chuala 'n scéal; Allelúia aingeal ag glaoch.

Cantain suairc i ngar is i gcéin Críost, an slánaitheoir féin, Críost, an slánaitheoir féin

Song:- https://youtu.be/UNpiQwgStNA

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Mary's Boy Child / Oh My Lord Long time ago in Bethlehem, So the Holy Bible said Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, Was born on Christmas Day While shepherds watch their flocks by night They see a bright new shining star They hear a choir sing a song, The music seemed to come from afar Hark, now hear the angels sing, A king was born today And man will live for evermore, Because of Christmas Day Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, Was born on Christmas Day And then they found a little nook In a stable all forlorn And in a manger cold and dark, Mary's little boy was born Now Joseph and his wife Mary, Came to Bethlehem that night To find no place to bear their child, Not a single room was in sight Hark, now hear the angels sing, A king was born today And man will live for evermore, Because of Christmas Day Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, Was born on Christmas Day Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, Was born on Christmas Day Song:- https://youtu.be/bY7CebcGPw8

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

O Holy Night Oh! holy night the stars are brightly shining It is the night of our dear Savior's birth Long lay the world in sin and error pining ‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn Fall on your knees Oh! hear the angels' voices Oh! night divine Oh! night when Christ was born Oh! night divine, Oh! night Oh! night divine Song:- https://youtu.be/iyjm6VpNaNA

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree Rockin' around the Christmas tree At the Christmas party hop Mistletoe hung where you can see Every couple tries to stop Rockin' around the Christmas tree Let the Christmas spirit ring Later we'll have some pumpkin pie And we'll do some carolling You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear Voices singing, let's be jolly Deck the halls with boughs of holly Rockin' around the Christmas tree Have a happy holiday Everyone dancin' merrily In the new old-fashioned way You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear Voices singing, let's be jolly Deck the halls with boughs of holly Rockin' around the Christmas tree Have a happy holiday Everyone dancin' merrily In the new old-fashioned way Rockin' around the Christmas tree Have a happy holiday Everyone dancin' merrily In the new old-fashioned way Song:- https://youtu.be/is4NQkUN3AI

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town You better watch out You better not cry You better not pout I'm telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town He's making a list, He's checking it twice, He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice Santa Claus is coming to town He sees you when you're sleeping He knows when you're awake He knows if you've been bad or good So be good for goodness sake You better watch out You better not cry You better not pout I'm telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town Song:- https://youtu.be/zG2oZ4vHxVs

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

White Christmas I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow

Song:- https://youtu.be/zG2oZ4vHxVs

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Winter Wonderland Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight We're happy tonight Walking in a winter wonderland Gone away is the bluebird Here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song As we go along Walking in a winter wonderland In the meadow we can build a snowman We'll pretend that he is Parson Brown He'll say, are you married?

We'll say, no man But you can do the job while you're in town Later on, we'll conspire As we dream by the fire To face unafraid The plans that we've made Walking in a winter wonderland In the meadow we can build a snowman And pretend that he's a circus clown We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman Until the other kids knock him down When it snows, ain't it thrillin' Though your nose gets a chillin' We'll frolic and play the eskimo way Walking in a winter wonderland Walking in a winter wonderland

Song:- https://youtu.be/lkFP0VwpPRY Email:-MeithealCeol@gmail.com

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Merry Xmas Everybody Are you hanging up a stockings on your wall?

It's the time that every Santa has a ball Does he ride a red-nosed reindeer?

Does he turn up on his sleigh?

Do the fairies keep him sober for a day?

So here it is, Merry Christmas, everybody's having fun Look to the future now, it's only just begun Are you waiting for the family to arrive?

Are you sure you've got the room to spare inside?

Does your granny always tell ya That the old songs are the best?

Then she's up and rock-'n'-rolling with the rest So here it is, Merry Christmas, everybody's having fun Look to the future now, it's only just begun What will your Daddy do when he sees your Momma Kissing Santa Claus, Ah! ah!

Are you hanging up a stockings on your wall?

Are you hoping that the snow will start to fall?

Do you ride on down the hillside, in a buggy you have made?

When you and upon your head then you've been slayed So here it is, Merry Christmas, everybody's having fun Look to the future now, it's only just begun So here it is, Merry Christmas, everybody's having fun Look to the future now, it's only just begun Song:- https://youtu.be/BpfHSqLXePI

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“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ― George Bernard Shaw

I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing I'd like to build the world a home And furnish it with love Grow apple trees and honey bees And snow white turtle doves.

I'd like to teach the world to sing In perfect harmony I'd like to hold it in my arms And keep it company.

I'd like to see the world for once All standing hand in hand And hear them echo through the hills For peace through out the land.

That's the song I hear!

I'd like to teach the world to sing In perfect harmony I'd like to hold it in my arms And keep it company.

Song:- https://youtu.be/ZWKznrEjJK4

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Meitheal Ceol…Backstory The concept of Meitheal Ceol, as it has evolved over the last few years, emerged during a month’s journeying along the Wild Atlantic Way in August/September 2017. At that time we, as amateur, beginners at playing guitar and ukulele, experienced the magic of whiling away hours of pleasant enjoyment, company, conversation, craic, singing songs with friends and other Motorhomers from all over the world whom we bumped into. Along the way we sang over breakfast in kitchens and at beaches, late evenings by lakes sides and in car parks, often having just struck up a conversation with passing tourists, locals who were walking their dog, out for a stroll etc. as we sat outside our Motorhome strumming and singing our few songs.

We noted how engaging and infectious the singing became, with people gradually humming first, then joining in as they became comfortable with the open and inclusive space which was so accessible with familiar easy to sing songs. During the conversations which flowed over the shared cuppa, many people reiterated their ‘secret’ desire to sing but how they felt awkward if expected to sing on their own. Not knowing all the words was a big blockage for many and for ordinary beginner guitar and uke players, not having easy-to-play chords in line with the lyrics meant that too often, they never got past the stage of perpetually trying and giving up.

Well, we discovered that we loved this way of sharing the company of others through the craic and communion of communal song. We envisaged that if there was a common template book of lyrics and accessible chords of familiar songs which was readily available in lots of places then, as we travelled and visited friends, we could all just pick up the songbooks, along with any instruments to hand and have an impromptu singsong.

So, we set about the task of putting a Songbook together. By researching A-Song-a-Day and posting each one on Facebook, by the end of 2018 we published the ‘Meitheal Ceol Songbook...365 Songs...Your One-a-Day.’ The songbook exceeded all our expectations; The familiar and broad range of songs, accessible font size, super handling and durability have been constantly referred to in the positive feedback from users.

As a result of requests from users and our own reflections we followed up this year with a second songbook ‘The Ones that Got Away’ so that now there is a 500 strong body of beautiful singable songs at our fingertips whenever we meet up with others who also enjoy singing together.

For the last few months we have been getting together for a weekly SingSong with others and we meet up in the local Men’s Shed, Scioból na bFhear, in Gaoth Dobhair in Magical NorthWest Donegal. We livestream our singsongs to friends and viewers across continents and to those in outlying areas who cannot physically attend. Over cups of tea and chat, we each choose a song in rotation and all sing along giving each other mutual encouragement. A common sentiment at the end of each evening is that “that was Good Therapy”. We have regularly welcomed visitors to the area, including other uke groups, who have embraced the openness and enjoyed the craic.

Beir Bua !

Please send feedback and suggestions and offers to promote the shared singing concept by email to meithealceol@gmail.com Mary.T Cleary Liam Ó Gógain December 2019