The melody of “Deck the Hall” was taken from the Welsh New Year’s Eve carol published in 1794, although its origin is thought to be much older. The tune is first found in Welsh harpist John Perry’s manuscript dating back to the early 1700’s. The original lyrics are about love:
“Oh! How soft my fair one’s bosom
Fal lal lal lal lal lal lal lal la
Oh! How sweet the grove in blossom
Oh! How blessed are the blisses,
Words of love and mutual kisses!”
Today we sing
“Deck the hall with boughs of holly
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la,la, la
I won’t go on but skip to:
“Fast away the old year passes
Hail the new year lads and lasses!
Laughing quaffing all together.”
Some things are timeless and memorable and this tune and subsequent lyrics meet the test.
This was a way to offer a 50th wedding anniversary toast to our friends Rich and Tonya Hall. Today they celebrate one half century of marriage. It has been a memorable ride for the Mountain Home pair who both attended the Harvard of the West – University of Idaho – before Rich went on to earn a law degree from the Harvard of the East – Harvard. Four fantastic daughters, six grandchildren and a plethora of friends make them some of the wealthiest people we know. I could go on and on about the many wonderful qualities of Tonya and the successful litigation practice of Mr. Hall. If I continued I would have to roast Rich a bit but would be at a loss to to do so for his spouse. Join me in a toast to the Halls!!
I hope each of you had a year to remember. I learned much from Hank during my first year of retirement and count on him for inspiration and optimism for the future. Hank has entered what turn out to be at times the terrible three’s — he is frequently saved with a well timed sense of humor and a remarkable knack for changing the subject! If you are looking for two good New Year’s vows I would go for those. I also highly recommend a great creature who forgives all of your shortcomings – I think it is unconditional love. MMMA is our “snow dog” in the winter and never tires of chasing the ball. Thanks for the memories.