The best Christmas songs, musical memories and traditions with your favourite country singers
Country music rising star Jack Keogh
Jack Keogh
I started singing in front of people at a Christmas concert in school.
I always remember it. I sang Tuam Beat by Michael English and it went down very well. That’s where it all started for me and I’ve loved it ever since.
Music is a big part of my Christmas Day.
My sisters play the accordion and normally we end up having a singsong. It’s like a trad session in our home!
Time off over Christmas is important.
The end of November and start of December is hectic, we’re normally on the road three or four nights a week. I normally work up until the 21st of December and then take six or seven days off. I like being home at Christmas. It’s important to have that time with family.
Fairytale of New York is my favourite Christmas song.
I loved it growing up and it’s definitely still one of my favourites today. I know it’s played a lot but it’s the first song that gets me in the mood for Christmas. It never gets old and stands the test of time.
Sabrina Fallon
Christmas gigs are very busy but joyful.
People are happy and it’s always a celebration, but I always try to take time off to be with my family. Every year is different. This year I’ll have a bit of time off to go to San Francisco as my daughter has moved out there.
My hometown in Portumna holds a Christmas concert every year.
I’ll be taking part in that this year. It’s always a special night because it’s quite intimate. And because it’s in my hometown, I know everyone there.
When A Child Is Born is my favourite Christmas song.
It’s one of the most spiritually beautiful songs and when I heard it at Mass growing up, I knew it was Christmas.
I’ve recorded a Christmas song.
A couple of years ago I recorded The Greatest Gift of All as a duet with John Molloy. Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers sang it originally, it’s a gorgeous song all about family.
Effie Neill
Music is a big part of my Christmas traditions.
Last year, I pulled out the guitar in the kitchen, my mam started singing with me and my brother recorded it. It wasn’t a Christmas song, it was I Wish I’d Someone To Love Me, but we stuck it up on Facebook and it went viral and got over 300,000 views.
I performed in Christmas concerts as a child.
Nathan Carter was my idol when I was younger. One year for my school Christmas concert I dressed up as him and sang Wagon Wheel. When I look back on it I’m mortified but it’s a great memory to have!
I’d definitely love to write and record a Christmas song .
Christmas can be a very lonely time. I lost my uncle two years ago and I remember the first Christmas without him. I’d love to write a song about people’s emotions when they lose a loved one during the festive season.
Jingle Bells is overplayed.
I think that and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer have had their day!
Aidan Clerkin
Rockin Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee is my favourite Christmas song.
It reminds me of Home Alone, the singing doorman at Brown Thomas… all those things you associate with Christmas time.
I don’t like Feliz Navidad.
It’s very repetitive and I’d never choose to play it.
I’ve definitely thought about writing my Christmas song.
A Christmas song can be hard to get right, but it’s something I’m considering doing maybe next year.
My dream Christmas duet would be with Merle Haggard.
We would sing his song, If We Make It Through December. It’s quite a sad song about someone trying to make Christmas better for their children, but I really like it.
Read the full feature in the winter issue of RSVP Country, on shelves nationwide now.
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