December has arrived, and with it, comes Christmas music! At A Page In TheSun, we are so excited to celebrate another Christmas with you. During the holidays, Christmas songs are a must. People often sing them, but rarely know their story. This is why we have selected three classics to share a little bit of extra holiday spirttell you about their history. 

 1. Jingle Bells – UnitedStates 

Who doesn’t love Jingle Bells?This song was written by James Lord Pierpont and was first published in 1857. The amazing thing about this song is that it wasn’t originally created to be a Christmas song, but forThanksgiving. Its original titlewas “Onehorse open sleigh”; However, its catchy melody and the cheerful sound of jingle bells associated it with Christmas. Thus it became one of the most popular songs in the world! 

Thissong has beentranslated and adaptedintonumerouslanguagesaroundtheworld. Well-knownfamousartistssuch as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Andrea Bocelli and The Beatles haveperformedthissong in theirownstyle. 

2. Peces en el Rio - Spain 

Believe it or not! The song Peces en el río is not a Mexican song despite its popularity in the country. Its originis Spanish with roots in medieval tradition. The song was passed through generations and sung at Christmas celebrations in Spain, until it became one of the most beloved and well-known songs in the country. 

Although it has been translated into several languages and received a special touch from each culture, the essence of the message remains the same: the story of the virgin Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ. Over time, it has been interpreted in many ways, including classical and modernversions. It has been part of Latin culture as partof Christmas festivities, processions, plays and more. 

 3. Huron Carol - Canada 

Huron Carol is one of Canada's oldest and most beloved Christmas hymns! It was written in the early 17th century by Jean de Brébeuf, a French Jesuit missionary who arrived in the Huron region of Canada. He wrote this hymn in the Huron language to convey the message of Christmas as a form of rapprochement and respect for their culture. The original title in Huron is “Jesous Ahatonhia”, “Jesus is born”, in Spanish. 

The lyrics of the hymn “Huron Carol” tell the beautiful story of Jesus' birth in a way that the Hurons could understand. This song is a good example of how music and religion came together in a special way with indigenous culture. 

A Fragment of the “Huron Carol” in the Huron language 

"Dau yishyeh sta atyaun errdautau 'ndi Yisus  

avwa tateh dn-deh Tishyaun stanshi teya wennyau  

aha yaunna torrehntehn yataun katsyaun skehnn  

Iesus Ahattonnia, Ahattonnia, Iesus Ahattonnia  

Eyehkwatatehnaunnteahehkwashyehnayehn  

kiyehkwanaunaukwayaundehtsaunwe 'ndehadeh"  

  Merry Christmas 2023! 

After this musical journey, what story surprised you the most? If you are visiting Puerto Vallarta in December, we’ll be waiting for you at A Page In The Sun! In our cafeteria-bookstore, you will find the perfect environment to enjoy a delicious beverage along with an exquisite dessert. Select one of our books and relax in a cozy atmosphere surrounded with good vibes. Share photos of your visiton your socials and make sure to tag us on Facebook!