We Wish You a Merry Christmas
The carolling classic from the English West Country
♫ Lyrics
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
And a Happy New Year!
To you and your kin;
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year!
Oh, bring us some figgy pudding,
Oh, bring us some figgy pudding,
And a cup of good cheer!
We won't go until we get some,
We won't go until we get some,
So bring it right here!
❄ The Story
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" originated in the West Country of England, likely in the 16th century. It is one of the oldest surviving English Christmas carols and reflects the medieval tradition of wassailing — going door to door singing carols in exchange for food, drink, and money.
The carol's demand for "figgy pudding" and the insistence "we won't go until we get some" captures the playful, slightly pushy nature of wassailing groups. Far from the reverent hymns of the church, this was music of the streets and the hearth — joyful, communal, and unapologetically merry.
The carol was largely forgotten until Arthur Warrell arranged it for the University of Bristol Madrigal Singers in 1935. His arrangement standardized the melody and brought the song to a wider audience. Today it is one of the most universally recognized Christmas songs, heard everywhere from shopping centres to school concerts.
🎶 Notable Recordings
An elegant choral arrangement
A dreamy, layered New Age interpretation
Fun Facts
The carol reflects the medieval tradition of wassailing — singing door-to-door in exchange for food and drink.
"Figgy pudding" is a real dish: a steamed pudding made with figs, suet, breadcrumbs, and spices.
The modern arrangement was created by Arthur Warrell for the University of Bristol in 1935.