“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go!”

I might add, that it’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! And those sounds will certainly be heard in the beautiful songs of the season.

You guessed it. It is time for the annual “Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long,” which will be at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15 at New Covenant Church on Homochitto Street.

It literally feels like just yesterday when folks gathered together and lifted their voices to sing the joyous songs of the Christmas season.

Once again, song sheets will be provided for everyone, and it is broken down into three sections: popular, contemporary and sacred. Some new yet old tunes have been added this year, so our repertoire is expanding.

It is truly a thrill when a room full of people join together and sing the strains of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” one of the most popular of all the Christmas songs. In fact, it is also referred to as “The Christmas Song,” and was made famous by the likes of Mel Torme (who was the composer) and Nat “King” Cole.

We will sing the merry tune of “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” and do a little wishful thinking with “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”

And we couldn’t leave out “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” which was introduced to the public by Gene Autry. The song was based on a little booklet that was produced for children by a large department store in New York City. And, of course, it was forever immortalized by the television special of the same name and which featured the talent of Burl Ives.

How about “Silver Bells?” Yes, we’ll be doing that one! And along the same genre, “White Christmas,” both of which were made famous by the vocal stylings of Bing Crosby.

So you see, there will be no shortage of classic, fun and enjoyable Christmas tunes to sing.

We have only scratched the surface, though.

The sacred section is in a class all its own. And it should be, as those pieces reflect the true spirit of the season and deserve a special treatment.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy To The World” and “Silent Night.” All beautiful songs which we have all grown up with and have messages that speak to us about the birth of Christ. It is awesome hearing the assembly singing out these wonderful and traditional hymns.

As something completely different this year, I am going to do a short Christmas magic act.

Why? Because it gives us a break from all the singing, and gives us a chance to “catch our breath,” as it were. I hope any of you with children and grandchildren will be further enticed to bring them to the event. So, if we have enough youngsters, the “show will go on.” If not, well, you never really know what I have prepared in order to entertain you!

The event is open to the community, and I sincerely hope that you will come. I also encourage you to bring a friend or, even better, bring the family! We only get to sing like this once a year, so please — take advantage of it!

There is no admission charged, but I would humbly ask you for something.

In the past, these Christmas sing-a-longs have helped to raise monies and supplies for the Stewpot and also the humane society.

This year, the Natchez Children’s Home Services will be the recipient. So if you could, leave a little (or large!) “love offering” when you come in the door. All the proceeds will go to them.

Please don’t think that you must donate something, though! If you can, fine. If not, come anyway and have fun!

So mark your calendar, call some friends and get the family ready! We have some singing to do!

I guarantee that your spirits will be lifted and that you will have a good time joining in.

“May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.”
Burnley Cook is a Natchez resident.