We Wish You a Merry Christmas

 “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a traditional English carol.  It is believed to have originated in the West Country of England in the 16th century.

Carolers going door to door to spread some holiday cheer likely sang this song.  In the song the carolers are asking the listeners to grant them some sort of reward for their performance.  After wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, they tell the listeners to bring them some figgy pudding. 

Figgy pudding is a steamed cake made of figs, breadcrumbs, sugar, butter, eggs, spices, and wine or beer.  It is usually served with warm custard or cream.  The name figgy pudding comes from the old English word fignet which means dried figs.  

The lyrics to the song have remained largely unchanged since it was first published in 1833.  It has become a popular Christmas carol around the world.  When we played at St. Mike’s Health Centre we ended our rehearsal with this piece.  Often when we go carolling this is the song we sign as we head out to our next destination. 

We wish you a Merry Christmas 

We wish you a Merry Christmas 

We wish you a Merry Christmas 

And a Happy New Year. 

Good tidings we bring 

To you and your kin; 

We wish you a Merry Christmas 

And a Happy New Year. 

Now bring us some figgy pudding 

Now bring us some figgy pudding 

Now bring us some figgy pudding 

And bring it right here. 

We won't go until we get some 

We won't go until we get some 

We won't go until we get some 

So bring it right here. 

We wish you a Merry Christmas 

We wish you a Merry Christmas 

We wish you a Merry Christmas 

And a Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year!

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