People everywhere love Christmas – but we don’t all celebrate it the same way.
Mama Lisa’s Christmas Around The World is a celebration of the diversity and love with which many different cultures mark this joyful time of year.
You’ll read about:
- How in Italy it’s not Santa Claus who gives gifts to all the children. It’s La Befana, a friendly witch!
- How Scandinavians mark the end of the season by “plundering” the Christmas Tree on St. Knut’s Day. That’s a fun way to get children to help with the post-holiday clean-up!
- How in Colombia, in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s usually warm in December. So Christmas is celebrated like a giant outdoor block party!
The first part of the book covers some of the traditions that take place on days other than Christmas itself, like St. Nick’s Day and Epiphany. The history and meaning of these holidays is discussed, often with examples of traditional songs.
The second part presents beloved traditions and songs from many different nations. The songs are given in the original languages and with English translations.
What makes the book really special is the many comments from Mama Lisa’s correspondents who have shared stories and memories from their own lives. The memories of childhood touch us forever!
Many of the songs featured also include links to the Mama Lisa website, where you can find recordings, videos and sheet music.
Merry Christmas!
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July 28th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
I have a question–do you remember or have access to a lullaby with the chorus “All the stars are in the sky ready to say goodnight. Can’t you see your dolly’s sleepy too? Close your drowsy little eyes; mama will hold you tight while I (she?) sing this lullaby to you.”? I remember the beginning words were nonsensical (such as” Mairzie Doats” because it was from the same time period–the early 40’s.) This is driving me nuts because I remember my mother singing this to me, but I can’t find it anywhere, & sadly she’s gone so I can’t ask her. Can & will you help? Thanks, either way. An oldie but a goodie.
August 3rd, 2007 at 2:06 pm
I think Twinkle Twinkle is also used by Saint-Saens in parts of the Carnival of the Animals.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:53 am
Carole — I was looking for the same song tonight, my mother just taught it to my daughter, and I couldn’t remember the beginning. I found it here:
http://www.volcano.net/~jackmearl/songs/csongs/chi_ba_ba.html
It’s not exactly the way I remember my mom singing it, but that was a few years back ;-), and I’m assuming there’s some flexibility in the nonsense words.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:11 am
I continued searching, and found this reference on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi-Baba,_Chi-Baba_(My_Bambino_Go_to_Sleep) that adds this information for the song:
It was written by Mack David, Jerry Livingston, and Al Hoffman and published in 1947. The song was popularized by Perry Como in 1947. The recording was released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-2259.
November 28th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
My mother would sing Chi Baba to my siblings and I when we were young. I then went on to sing it to my children. I finaly found it as a Perry Como song. What is it’s origin and translation. I have the sheet music for it now I would like to give it as a gift to my mama. Thanks for your help. JH