Pagan Christmas music refers to the songs and melodies that are associated with pagan and folk traditions during the holiday season. These songs often incorporate elements of nature, ancient rituals, and winter folklore. Pagan Christmas music is a way for people to connect with their ancestral roots and celebrate the winter solstice, which holds great significance in many pagan traditions. One of the most well-known pagan Christmas songs is "Deck the Halls." This cheerful tune originally comes from a Welsh winter carol called "Nos Galan," which celebrates the New Year. The lyrics of "Deck the Halls" were later adapted into English and have become a staple of Christmas celebrations.
Jessica’s arch-nemesis from high-school is still lurking around, Derrick is an eye-candy hunk of distraction, and her business is drowning in orders for the West Harbor Tricentennial Ball (coincidentally also the night shit is supposed to go down). What’s a witch to do?
Cabot s version of witchy magic leans into herbs and potions and things like eating porridge out of a wooden bowl while staring at your intended to make them fall madly in love with you, but also comes from a well-spring inside of you that anyone can tap if they re in-tune enough with the world and themselves. There s something so comforting and wonderful about her writing, and I don t mean to say that in a she s predictable and boring kind of way, but you do know what you re getting when you pick up one of her books, and I totally love and appreciate that.
The lyrics of "Deck the Halls" were later adapted into English and have become a staple of Christmas celebrations. Another popular pagan Christmas song is "The Holly and the Ivy." This traditional English carol is believed to have pagan origins, as holly and ivy were both plants associated with pre-Christian winter rituals.
Book Review of Enchanted to Meet You (Witches of West Harbor #1) by Meg Cabot
I feel like a quirky small town fall vibe, like seeing the front windows of Jessica’s shop all decorated as the cover, would’ve been adorable. The purple and clouds feel like a specific nod to the Taylor Swift song the title makes me sing every time I think about the book, and it’s a bit more general “this is a romance!” than I’d want, but at least the motorcycle ride does make an appearance in the story.
The Deal:
An off-hand remark from Jessica Gold’s dad when she was a child mistakenly led her to believe her mother was a witch, and from there little Jessica became obsessed. As she grew, she learned anyone can be a witch if they practiced hard enough, but a thoughtless love spell in high school ruined her chances of ever being taken “seriously” by the World Council of Witches.
Now Jessica is grown, running her own clothing store where she judiciously applies her magic to help her customers find their perfect fits. She’s not ready for Derrick Winters, a witch affiliated with the WCW, to wander in one day and tell her she’s The Chosen One; the only person who can help the Bringer of Light save the town from certain evil.
Jessica’s arch-nemesis from high-school is still lurking around, Derrick is an eye-candy hunk of distraction, and her business is drowning in orders for the West Harbor Tricentennial Ball (coincidentally also the night shit is supposed to go down). What’s a witch to do?
BFF Charm: Best Witches
I am under the impression that all of Meg Cabot’s protagonists contain a little bit of her personality, and that’s probably why I love them. They’re all a bit snarky, nerdy (they love random facts), usually with little chill, but they’re always kind and upbeat. Jessica loves her work because she likes making people feel good, and she doesn’t hesitate when she finds out who she has to help in order to save her town.
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Derrick starts off tall, Viking, and taciturn, but his hulking figure hides a heart of gold, and he immediately appreciates Jessica for who she is—sa-woon. Cabot’s romances never quite make things sizzle for me, but they generally portray romantic relationships in a healthy, fun way that makes me want to root for the couple.
Talky Talk: Meg Cabot School Of Positivity
Witches, small towns, and Meg Cabot? I couldn’t request this book fast enough. There’s something so comforting and wonderful about her writing, and I don’t mean to say that in a “she’s predictable and boring” kind of way, but…you do know what you’re getting when you pick up one of her books, and I totally love and appreciate that. Everything moves at a snappy pace; there’s usually a good lesson about being true to yourself or sticking up for what’s right; and, there’s emphasis on life-long friendships and adorkable love interests. Enchanted to Meet You had all of that with a side of witchy supernatural-ness. I loved spending time with Jessica and her trivia group, and the Light Bringer was bad-ass. I always feel good after reading a Meg Cabot novel, and this was no exception!
Bonus Factor: Small Towns
For a minute it was like going back to some place like Stars Hollow or Mystic Falls with West Harbor’s Tricentennial Ball coming up and the whole town in a tizzy about it. Sure, in a small town you may have to constantly deal with annoying people, like your love-sick ex and the popular girl from high school he ended up marrying who will just not leave you alone, but there’s also that time you dressed the mayor and random Thursdays wine nights on your porch with your besties you’ve known for decades.
Bonus Factor: Witches
Cabot’s version of witchy magic leans into herbs and potions and things like eating porridge out of a wooden bowl while staring at your intended to make them fall madly in love with you, but also comes from a well-spring inside of you that anyone can tap if they’re in-tune enough with the world and themselves. I dig it.
Bonus Factor: Magical Clothes
How I wish Jessica’s store existed in real life, where you could go and with a few magical tweaks you could find the best clothes to fit your personality and body shape. The real world is so boring.
Relationship Status: LYLAS
Book, you’re my sister from another mister. I love how we can gossip like no time has gone by, and you always hype me up when I’m feeling down. Trivia next week?
Literary Matchmaking
Shadowland (The Mediator #1)
Ninth Key (The Mediator #2)
Reunion (The Mediator #3)
Darkest Hour (The Mediator #4)
Haunted (The Mediator #5)
Twilight (The Mediator #6)
If you’re new to Meg Cabot, a) I’m so excited for you and b) if you want another supernatural-y series from her, one of my favorites is The Mediator series featuring a hot ghost.
Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1)I’ve often thought that Rachel Hawkins writes in a similar kind of style to Meg, and her Hex Hall series features a boarding school and magic AND supernatural creatures.
Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1)Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1) by Jessica Spotswood also features a witch having to make a choice against a magical ruling entity.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received my free review copy from Avon. I received neither money nor peanut butter cups in exchange for this review. Enchanted to Meet You is available 9/5/23.
The song incorporates Christian themes as well, making it a unique blend of pagan and religious elements. Additionally, "The Wexford Carol" is a hauntingly beautiful song that dates back to the 12th century. It tells the story of the birth of Jesus but also includes references to ancient Irish pagan traditions. The combination of Christian and pagan themes in this song reflects the cultural blending that often occurs during the holiday season. Pagan Christmas music can also be found in modern compositions, where contemporary pagan and folk artists create songs inspired by their spiritual beliefs. These songs often incorporate nature imagery, references to ancient deities, and the celebration of the changing seasons. In conclusion, pagan Christmas music is a diverse and rich genre that combines traditional folk elements with pagan rituals and beliefs. It allows people to connect with their ancestry, celebrate the winter solstice, and embrace the blending of different cultural traditions during the holiday season. Whether it's a traditional carol or a modern composition, pagan Christmas music offers a unique and enchanting way to experience the magic of the holiday season..
Reviews for "Pagan Merry-Making: Celebrate the Season with Enchanting Christmas Music"
1. Jane - 2 stars - As someone who celebrates Christmas, I was disappointed with this album. The pagan themes and lyrics just didn't resonate with me. I was hoping for more traditional Christmas songs that focus on the joy and spirit of the holiday. Instead, the songs felt disconnected and even dark at times. I understand that music can be a form of self-expression, but this album missed the mark for me.
2. Mike - 1 star - I really wanted to enjoy this album and support artists exploring new territory, but I found the pagan Christmas music to be a bit too bizarre for my taste. The combination of pagan themes with traditional Christmas tunes felt jarring and out of place. It didn't create the warm, festive atmosphere I was hoping for. I appreciate artists taking risks and pushing boundaries, but this album just didn't hit the right notes for me.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I love Christmas music, but this album left me feeling confused. The pagan elements seemed forced and unnecessary. They didn't add anything meaningful to the classic Christmas tunes, and instead, distracted from the joy and nostalgia that these songs usually evoke. I wanted to like it, but there was this constant clash between the pagan and Christmas themes that left me feeling disconnected and unsatisfied.
4. Mark - 1.5 stars - I was intrigued by the concept of pagan Christmas music, but unfortunately, this album fell flat for me. The songs lacked coherence and seemed like a random mix of traditional Christmas melodies with pagan lyrics thrown in. It felt gimmicky rather than authentic, and I struggled to connect with the music on any level. I appreciate the attempt at something different, but I don't think the execution was successful in this case.
5. Emily - 2 stars - This album didn't live up to my expectations. The pagan elements seemed forced and didn't blend well with the traditional Christmas songs. It felt like the artist was trying too hard to create something unique without considering the overall experience for the listener. I found myself longing for the familiar and nostalgic Christmas music that I enjoy during the holiday season. Unfortunately, this album missed the mark for me.