Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?

For many Filipinos, September marks the start of the Christmas season because it’s the first “ber” month. In case you didn’t notice, the names of the last 4 months of the year end with the same 3 letters: b-e-r. It might a Filipino-only thing though… these “ber” months.

For this first day of September, I will leave you with one of my favorite Christmas songs, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid. This song was produced and recorded to raise money for the victims of the Ethiopian famine back in the 80’s. Band Aid was composed of many popular European acts including Sting, Boy George, Bono and George Michael. A few weeks later, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote “We Are The World” which was also recorded for the same good cause. In 2004, a new collaboration named Band Aid 20 rerecorded the song. I prefer the original version of course.

The words of this song touched me so I included the lyrics below. It is very sad that we often forget the true meaning and spirit of the Christmas season every year. For a lot of people, Christmas just means shopping for gifts, endless partying and a long awaited vacation. We get caught up with all the glitz and glamour of this holiday but do we ever stop to think what it is really for? I’m making a change this year by doing something I’ve never done before. Though for now, it would remain a secret. I’ll blog about it after I’ve accomplished it. In the meantime, just sing along with me. ^_^

It’s Christmas time
There’s no need to be afraid
At Christmas time
We let in light and we banish shade

And in our world of plenty, We can spread a smile of joy, Throw your arms around the world
At Christmas time

But say a prayer
Pray for the other ones
At Christmas time, it’s hard but when you’re having fun
There’s a world outside your window
And it’s a world of dread and fear, Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that are ringing are the clanging chimes of doom
Well, tonight thank God it’s them instead of you.

And there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time.
The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life (Oh)
Where nothing ever grows, No rain or rivers flow, Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?

Here’s to you, raise a glass for everyone
Here’s to them, underneath that burning sun
Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?

Feed the world, Feed the world
Feed the world, Let them know it’s Christmas time again
Feed the world, Let them know it’s Christmas time again
Feed the world, Let them know it’s Christmas time again