“Chronological order is not the only order,” says Jay in this episode, but “it’s not a bad” one. The episode starts in the sixteenth century—“Gaudete, Christus est natus.” It stays there for a while and then goes to Bach, spirituals, Reger, Berlin (Irving), jazz, and more. A beautiful and diverse seasonal outpouring. A gift from composers, poets, and musical performers.

Trad., “Gaudete, Christus est natus”

Trad., “Ding Dong Merrily on High”

Walton, “What cheer?”

Bach, “Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen,” from the Christmas Oratorio

Trad., “I Saw Three Ships”

Reger, “Mariae Wiegenlied”

Martin/Blane, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

Brahe/Taylor, “Bless This House”

Berlin, “White Christmas”

Pierpont, “Jingle Bells”

Trad., “What Month Was Jesus Born In?”

Coots/Gillespie, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”

Trad., “Jerusalem in the Morning”