On the lighter side

After all the mind boggling writing today, it's fitting perhaps that a bit of a different slant be added to the mix, if for no other reason than to remind us that we're in need of it.

Preparing for Christmas takes many forms, including the practice of caroling ... something that seems to have disappeared from these parts except perhaps in hospitals and homes for the aged, so sit right back, grab your favorite samosa and come with me on a whirlwind tour of Christmas music from various parts of the world:

In Germany, many will gather to celebrate Stille nacht, the occasion which is perhaps best described in the well-known hymn O Holy Night. The Christmas scene would not be complete without homage being paid to the Shepherds Abiding in the Field or to the Three Kings who came to visit. Among the most well-known of First Nation's contributions is the Huron Carol and in the Punjab region of India, Christmas might look like this.

Happy listening!