Christmas is Murder

I have a little collection of Christmas books here at home that come out once a year for a month or so. Many of them are in the crime fiction genre and inckude two volumes by P D James. When I saw a third volume that looks uniform wih the first two but is by Val McDermid I thought I'd get it. I inadvertently sent for a paperback version, which took the edge off it a little. None of the stories are that Christmassy either. McDermid is a more modern writer and includes two lesbian stories. I think P D James is probbaly a better writer but I'd be hard put to prove that. So slightly disappointed.

Christmas Lore and legend Yuletide Essays by Llewelyn Powys

A few years ago I bought this little collection of essays gathered from various sources, all on a Christmas theme. I've dipped into it in the past but this year I read them all consecutively. Powys died in 1939 so they are quiteold fashioned but that is a bonus. Like many a pagan this son of a vicar wants to keep all the bits of Christmas he likes. Lovely short book.

Winter by Steeleye Span

I love Christmas music but somehow I'd missed this 2004 album from folk rockers Steeleye Span. It is an excellent collection of familiar and new pieces, mostly vocals but with plenty of variety. Tracks include the familiar "The First Nowell", "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", "Good King Wenceslas", "See, Amid the Winter's Snow" and "In the Bleak Midwinter" all given a partiular twist. "Down in Yon Forest" is an old piece found also on one of Kate Rusby's albums under a different title. "Blow Your Trumpet Gabriel" is a version of an African American spiritual. This very Christian element is balanced with more pagan songs delving into other aspects of Christmas tradition. Well worth checking out.

Seasonal Quiz 08

1. In what year was “Merry Christmas everybody” by Slade the Christmas number one?

A. 1970 B. 1973 C. 1979 D. 1981

2. Who is the author of these words - “It was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if anyone possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless us, Every one!”

A. William Wordsworth B. Thomas Hardy C. L Frank Baum D. Charles Dickens

3. In what film does a character called Jack sing 'There's children throwing snowballs instead of heads/They're busy building toys and absolutely no-one's dead!”

A. The Nightmare before Christmas (1993) B. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

C. Dead of Night (1945) D. Gremlins (1984)

4. “Get dressed ye married gentlemen” is a mondegreen. What are the real words of the carol?

A. God rest ye jerry mental men B. God rest ye merry gentlemen

C. Got trussed the merry gentleman D. Go trusty moral gentleman

5. Give me the first five words of the famous poem by Clement Moore about Father Christmas 

A. 'Twas the night before Christmas B. 'Twas the day before Christmas

C. 'Twas the night after Christmas D. 'Twas the night before Christmas Eve

6. In what year was “Mistletoe and wine” by Cliff Richard the Christmas number one?

A. 1988 B. 1990 C. 1992 D. 1994

7. Eid milad saeed – in what language is this the way to say Merry Christmas?

A. Arabic B. Farai C. Swahili  D. Daric

8. In what year was the Bob the Builder song “Can we fix it” the Christmas number one?

A. 1999 B. 2000 C. 2001 D.2004

9. What is the name of the 1947 film (remade in 1973 and 1995) in which a character called Kris Kringle is prosecuted for claiming to be Father Christmas?

A. The Santa Clause B. Miracle on 34th Street C. Santa Claus The Movie D. Arthur Christmas

 

10. Before turkey was introduced, people in Europe traditionally had any of these for Christmas Dinner, except one. Which one?

A. Peacock B. Goose C. Pheasant D. Nightingale

BDABA

AABBD