Dickens of a Christmas is one of the most popular events in Roanoke. It takes place the first three Fridays of Dec., and each Friday has something special. This year, the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Carol Sing-A-Long will be on the second Friday. Come to the Taubman Museum of Art on Dec. 14, from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and grab a spot. Four choirs will lead you in a variety of lively Christmas songs.
You still have a little bit of time before the event. To prepare, learn a little bit about your favorite holiday songs.
“White Christmas” is a Guinness World Record Holder
You probably love Bing Crosby’s version of the song “White Christmas,” but did you know it’s a Guinness World Record holder? According to Guinness, it’s the best-selling single of all time. That’s a huge honor for a Christmas song.
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” Was for the Troops
You’ve likely hummed along to the song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” This song is an amazing holiday tune, but it has a hidden meaning. When Bing Crosby released it, it was considered to be a tribute to soldiers fighting in World War II. You’ll likely never listen to it the same way now.
Elvis Was Blue About “Blue Christmas”
Elvis might not be the only person to record “Blue Christmas,” but his version is the most popular. However, he didn’t really care for the song and didn’t want to record it. Others didn’t think the song would ever be released. However, it turns out they were wrong. It wasn’t just released. It still gets airplay during the holidays to this day.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Was Recorded by a Teen
Ever decorated the tree while singing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree?” That’s kind of a holiday tradition. You probably know that Brenda Lee recorded the song, but did you know this? She was just 13 at the time.
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“Jingle Bells” Was Played in Space
When you think of the song “Jingle Bells,” Ella Fitzgerald’s version likely comes to mind. Her jazzy take is one of the most popular, but the harmonica version played in space is the most historic. Astronauts called mission control to report a UFO wearing…wait for it…a red suit. Then, mission control heard them playing “Jingle Bells” on a harmonica. How funny is that?
You’re probably humming some Christmas tunes in your head now. Sing along with the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir. Keep that Christmas spirit going by getting a new vehicle from Berglund Automotive in Roanoke, Virginia. It’s easy to feel jolly when you are driving around in a new vehicle.
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