Make yourself happy


Everybody loves to sing. Everybody! Some, the brave or talented, do it openly for us all to enjoy. Others do it in secret, mostly in the car. We all have a tune in our heads, we all want to sing. Christmas time gives us a chance to indulge this joint passion.

Carol singing began in the Middle Ages and was performed by groups holding hands and dancing in a circle. It was done for the pure indulgence of enjoyment. Even though St Francis of Assissi (the animal saint) introduced it into formal church services, it was meant to be just the bishops who sang. They got all the fun! So the secular mob took it upon themselves to sing in the streets. The poor would perform door to door in return for a reward.

Oliver Cromwell banned carol singing in the 17th century, demanding that christmas be taken seriously. Hmmm.

So this year, let yourselves go, exploit your freedom to sing. Grab some friends, form a circle, dance and sing! You will feel much better and happier for it. You could even do it for a charity, such as Shelter or The Children's Society. Whatever excuse you find, just do it and be happy. Life is beautiful.

Blossom & Bill festive greeting cards in packs of 8 available from ISAK.