Holiday traditions in Canada are as diverse as the people who have come to call this country “home”.  Like hockey, poutine, beaver tails, timbits, and the Canadarm, however, there are a few things that can be considered truly Canadian.  Scroll down to our playlist of original holiday songs by Canadian artists!

Home of the North Pole

We are proud to be the home of Santa Claus.  Every year, the man himself comes to town in a big way for the annual Santa Claus Parade in Toronto.  This parade is one of the oldest and largest in the world.  It began in 1913, and has since grown to include more than 25 animated floats.  With more than 2000 people in attendance, it is broadcast all over the world.

 

Musical Traditions

Canada is also rich in holiday musical traditions.  From the Inuit festival of Sinck Tuck to the mummering tradition of the East Coast, singing, dancing, specialty treats and gift exchange are an integral part of Canadian holiday celebrations.

Our Oldest Christmas Carol

 

The “Huron Carol”, or “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime”, was written around 1642 by Fr. Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.  The melody was based on a traditional French folk song, and the original lyrics were in the native language of the Huron/Wendat people.  The song’s original title is “Jesous Ahatonhia (Jesus, he is born)”, and relates the Christmas story.  It has been recorded by a host of Canadian artists, including our very own Sultans of String, who were guest performers at our last in-person year end recital!

 

Our Playlist

In order to celebrate the season in a truly Canadian fashion, we have put together a playlist of original Canadian holiday and winter-themed songs.  We hope you enjoy them!

Huron Carol – Sultans of String

Joni Mitchell – River

Joanna Majoko – a Canadian Christmas

Jimmy Rankin – Tinsel Town

Justin Bieber – Mistletoe

Susie McNeil – This is Christmas

Ron Sexsmith – Maybe this Christmas

Meaghan Smith – It Snowed

Gordon Lightfoot – Song for a Winter’s Night

Sarah McLachlan – Wintersong

Jann Arden – Make it Christmas Day

Hey Rosetta! – Carry Me Home

Simple Plan – Christmas Every Day

Rufus Wainwright – Spotlight on Christmas