Story by Gay Matambo
WITH the 2025 festive season now upon us, Christmas would be incomplete without the familiar sound of carols. More than just background music, carols are timeless melodies that transport people across generations, connecting the present to centuries-old Christmas traditions.
There is a special moment in December when the true spirit of Christmas comes alive, a season marked by joy, reflection and togetherness, as music fills homes, churches and public spaces, rekindling the warmth and goodwill that define the festive period.
One will not find it under the big sparkly Christmas tree, but perhaps in the sweet, clear sound of the melodic Christmas carols, which form the heartbeat of the holidays.
The carols cherished today largely owe their popularity to the Victorian era, when the print revolution collected, translated and printed most ancient and forgotten carols in popular song books.
What is special about these songs is that they are like musical photographs of the happiest memories and the audible link to history and past Christmases, bringing people together while carrying a powerful message of hope, peace and good will.
While the old classics remain champions, the world of Christmas music is always growing, with modern holiday hits having their own place in the festive season line up.
For the children, Christmas carols are the heartbeat of the holiday spirit and the shortest route to Christmas nostalgia.
“I love Christmas carols. One thing about Christmas carols is that when they sing them, everybody is always smiling, like everywhere I look, I see a smile. I love Christmas carols and the Christmas colours,” Coysta Mukandi said.
“Christmas carols night here at our school is my favourite time of the year. It is the time when we get to dress up, get new clothes and showcase our skills in singing. Basically, Christmas is the best time of the year, and it is nothing without the carols,” Runyararo Zvakafa said.
“At this school, Christmas is about unity. We are brought together by music that is the Christmas carols and fun, and Christmas carols night is a tradition which will continue and go on forever,” Jed Shanga said.
Christmas carols are a tradition, a memory and a vital reminder of joy and goodwill that defines this time of the year.
After all, as Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Where words fail, music speaks,” and the carols speak the language of Christmas straight to the heart.
