Christmas Songs, Hymns, Carols n Agatha Christie With CYLin: by Jimmy Chng

Everly Brothers. YouTube Video: 

from Catherine Silver.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

Gaudeamus Igitur: Recorded June 2021. 

Glasgow University Chapel Choir

YouTube

Andy explains, "It's a song learnt as a student at St. Andrew's or St. Margaret's.

The Song has Latin manuscript and used as a formal graduation hymn; a jolly, light-hearted composition originating in 1289, that makes fun of university life. Like the phrase Carpe Diem, it's just another way of saying, Seize the day!"

Here's a note from Jimmy Chng:

Hi Andy, 

You asked if I could contribute an article for your blog like what my late sister Lin had done so annually for a number of years. I had initially told you that I wasn't able to. As I subsequently pondered on your request, something inside of me "triggered" and motivated me to try and come up with one. I think it has to do with the love and respect I have for my sister as well as the gratitude we both have towards your wonderful blog.

Lin was the eldest amongst her four siblings, with me being the youngest at 5 years her junior. She went to a mission school and through her, I learned to sing Christian hymns and Christmas carols at a very young (pre-school) age. I think Latin was a subject in her school's curriculum then as well, and unsurprisingly I also learned to sing Gaudeamus Igitur.

Since young, Lin had always wanted to be a school teacher. As kids, we used to play "school" and us younger siblings and our neighbours' children of similar age range were her "students" and she the "teacher."  Her ambition to be a school teacher was realized when she joined the teaching profession upon completing her secondary school studies. She remained in the teaching profession until her retirement.

She loved reading, especially novels by Agatha Christie [above titles are for illustrations only] and both my other sister and I would listen intently when she told us the stories soon after she had finished reading. Lin also loved listening to pop music/songs on the radio. On occasions she and I would do sing-alongs together to Everly Brothers hits like, Devoted to You, Lightning Express, Ebony Eyes, etc.

It's been slightly more than a year since Lin's passing. She would have, around this time of the year begun to draft another article for your blog had she not succumbed to her illness.

The piece she contributed to your blog on 23 December 2019 titled, **"Christmas message: God used your blog to bring about this happening," was in appreciation and gratitude to you and your blog.

Merry Christmas to you & family and your readers.

The writer, family and friends. 

Read the article below to appreciate this pix.

**Link:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-message-god-used-your-blog-to.html

Ms CYLin and Jimmy Chng have written a number of articles for this blog. Check them out by clicking their names under Labels below.

Everly Brothers YouTube Video:

Some of the Best: from Pete Roberts.

Images: Google.

You Tube Videos.

If you take information from this article for your own use, 

at least credit me because copying is stealing.

Andy.

Dong Zhi Festival Singapore 2023: [Tang Yuan]: By Ms CYLin

Strange Andy that it was just yesterday that I was reminded of this annual festival which falls on 22 Dec - three days before Christmas. When young, I used to help my mother make them -right from rolling the dough to forming the 'yuan'. Didn't particularly like eating them - found them too sweet. In later years, we could buy the ready made dough from the market.

I prefer the 'ah boh leng' -a larger version of the tang yuan sold in some food centres. The fillings come in a range of red beans, peanuts, sesame... Sorry, I've not had them for some years and thus have forgotten the other fillings and the price of this dessert.

This is a cultural festival and will soon be lost if the young ones are not made aware - yes, lost to such western influence as 'Halloween'.

Written by the late CYLin on 22.12.2016.

With thanks to Jimmy Chng.

What Ms Lin said is true. We should focus also on the local festivities that will soon be lost if we don't celebrate them annually.

Comments are encouraged.

Mai Tang Yuan: Jing Yin Fang - Topic

YouTube Video from: Universal Music Group

The Legendary Chinese Hits Volume 19: 

Fang Jing Yin - Mai Tang Yuan

℗ 1957 EMI (HK) Ltd.

Do you know the difference?

Tang Yuen

Ah Boh Leng 

Andy's Comment:

Actually what attracted me as a child was this cute custom, that is: you eat the number of Tang Yuan according to your age, and at 8 years old I was allowed 8 balls. But here's the nice thing about my mum. "After that," she says, "you can eat as many, as long as you don't get sick..."

Happy Winter Solstice to all this 2023 year of the Rabbit who will soon disappear because the dragon is coming around the corner.

Singapore: Carols And Christmas Trees: A Reason For This Season: [Boney M]: By CY Lin.

Boney M. Feliz Navidad: 

YouTube Official Video by Boney M.

Oh Christmas Tree - Boney M. 

YouTube Official Video

UP TO 600 VIEWS

A Special Christmas Posting

From The Late CYLin

27.12.2014

  

Ms. CYLin had always written a Christmas message specially for this blog. In honour of Ms. Lin, here's one written by her nearly 10 years ago.

When Carols Became A Beacon

Hey Andy, 

Your posting on 'trees' comes timely to help me keep my word to think about a Christmas write. I think of: 

               Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, 
               Of all the trees so lovely (2x)
               Each year you bring to  me delight
               Meaning in the Christmas night
               Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, 
               Of all the trees so lovely.

              Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, 
              With faithful leaves  unchanging (2x)
              Your boughs are green in summer's glow
              And do not fade in winter's snow
              Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree
              With faithful leaves unchanging.

O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree) is a German Christmas song. Based on a traditional folk song, it became associated with the Christmas tree by the early 20th century and sung as a Christmas carol.

Boney M's version sets the mood for the season.  This group sings my favourite carols: Joy To The World; The First Noel; The Little Drummer Boy, with such soul that they truly lift up one's spirit.

Reason For This Season

barbarah.wordpress.com

For a believer, the reason for this season is the Lord Jesus Christ. As a child in a mission school, I learnt to sing, Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so; What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear....  The lyrics didn't leave much impression on me then... just enjoyed the tuneful melody.
 
It is only these last 27 years that I look back and realise it is truly an Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a child like me...And to think that this was written by an ex-slave trader.
 
Well, Andy, Christmas is round the corner,  Feliz Navidad (Boney M)
Here's to a blessed 2015 to you and your family.  Keep the blog going.

Thanks to Jimmy Chng.

If you take information from this article for your own use, 

at least credit the writer, the blog and me because copying is stealing.

Andy.

Mary's Boy Child: Boney M.

YouTube Video from: Boney M. [Official]

A Tree Shirt from J2

Images: Google

Videos: YouTube Officially from Boney M.

A New Year 2022 Letter: In Hospital For Covid-19 - Well Today - CYLin

https://www.pexels.com/photo/covid-vaccine-on-blue-surface-5921833/

Dear Lin,

I suggested that you took a rest but instead you wrote from your heart. 

Although you still experience much discomfort and pain your act of kindness to pen this New Year message reveals your kindness. Thank you.

https://www.shutterstock.com/search/nurse+patient+cartoon

Hi Andy, 

A hearty congratulation on achieving the blog with the National Archives - no easy task.  Yours was a labour of love and passion.

Is it really 2022 already?  Where did the past year go?  I've been very quiet since August 2021 - hospitalised for various health issues including Covid-19, which I caught while in the ward.  Was discharged after 28 days of swabbing to prove that I'm cleared.  I would be free from this virus for quite a while but now there is the Omicron to worry about.

Dedicated nurses who are understanding and 

kind to the patients they look after.

https://www.sgh.com.sg/careers/roles/nurse/pages/meet-our-nurses.aspx

While in the ward I watched how harrassed the nurses were attending to the many elderly (slightly demented), forever calling out to go to the toilet and wanting to sit up but when the nurse came they changed their minds.  When advised to just stay in bed while the nurse went to attend to someone else, some tried to get out on their own!  Not a harsh word to reprimand from the nurse.

2021 - Song: 'When I look back to yesterday'

2022 - Song: 'Till the storm passes by'

Yes, Andy, song: 'Enjoy yourself' (Doris Day).

Letter sent by: CY Lin.

I would advise readers who have not had their vaccination to go for it. You never know what creatures still lurk up there in the mist, until the storm passes...

Till The Storm Passes By' Singers Unknown

 YouTube Video by: SE Samonte.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JQX25fnDGE&t=192s

https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-photo-of-woman-against-during-golden-hour-39853/

'Enjoy Yourself' - Doris Day - 

YouTube Video by 'Mind Feeder'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paRj_Pp3okk

Images: Google.

Christmas Message 2021 - "May His Presence Be The Greatest Gift..." Ms. Elaine Sung

"As Christmas comes around and buying presents may take center stage; may I humbly suggest the gift of your presence (pun intended) to those dear to you..."

https://images.sharefaith.com/images/3/1355426220369_159/img_mouseover3.jpg

Reflections for Christmas 2021

UP TO 3,500 VIEWS

22 COMMENTS

“So this is Christmas, and what have you done?” sings Celine Dion.  Given this privilege by Andy to pen an article, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on 2021.  Perhaps a handful may have read my Easter article in this blog; if you have not, I’m sure it’s found in the archives (hint hint ;p).* This reflection continues my learning journey…

Post Easter, life continues to be impacted by COVID.  But more significantly, by another “c”- a dear family member’s diagnosis of stage 2 cancer. ☹  It was on Maundy Thursday when we collected the routine health report from the clinic.  Much to our surprise, a marker flagged something amiss and the full impact of it did not unravel till weeks after Easter as we ran tests after tests while dealing with the initial denial and fear of the unknown. 

I have to say this has been the biggest game-changer in my life by far.  Where is God when one is hit by a crisis (another “c”!)?  Thankful I have Christ (the big “C”!) who has been my anchor thorough it all. Though assured of His good purpose for it to happen, I had my share of questioning and lamenting.  It does not help that this family member is a fairly new Christian.  How do I respond to “why me” questions without sounding insensitive? What words of comfort can I offer when the pain brings a torrent of tears? What wisdom can I offer when the team of doctors are tweaking medication to address post operation pain? This brings me back to the start of my article, “what have I done?”  Many things have been scaled back not because of COVID measures, but because of being part of the care-giving team.  On hindsight, I see how God lead me out of a teaching role so I would have more time to spend with this family member.  Indeed, it’s a luxury to have time to just be around, not doing very much, but just being present.  To be present to help with physical mobility. To be present to catch priceless flashback moments of joys and regrets.  To be present to address questions like “who is there in heaven?”, “heaven so big, how will we find each other?” (I hasten to add I don’t have all the answers!). To be present to catch that tear, that painful cringe. To be present to pray.  To be present for the rest of family dealing with this crisis in their own ways.

& PRESENCE

As Christmas comes around and buying presents may take center stage; may I humbly suggest the gift of your presence (pun intended) to those dear to you.  One which money cannot buy and which only you can afford.  The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven”, may we steward time and the different seasons of our life wisely.  Incidentally, these wise words can be found in the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Byrds.

Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God with us”.  May His presence be the greatest gift you will receive.  

Blessed Christmas to all.

Thanks to Ms. Elaine Sung

for her reflections. 

*From the archives:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2021/04/reflections-for-good-friday-2021-ms.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflections-for-good-friday-2020-elaine.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/04/good-friday-took-on-new-meaning-ms.html

'Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel' - Enya 

YouTube Video from An Ghaoth Aniar.

Celine Dion - 'Happy Christmas [War is Over]'

An official Celine Dion YouTube video.

Images - Google.

A Christmas 2020 Message - 'Two' In Cantonese Sounds Like 'Easy'. Was It? Asks CY Lin.

'TWO' IN CANTONESE

MEANS 'EASY'.

WAS IT EASY, IN 2020?

Thanking CY Lin for this article.

(20)20 - a new decade. Year of the Rat - the leader of the pack in the Chinese zodiac calendar.  It symbolises wealth and a new day. The number '2' in Cantonese sounds like 'easy'.  2020 - a year to look forward to with great expectations of ease, comfort and prosperity. It was reported that the number of marriages registered for 2020 to be the highest since past years. This would make for the year a bumper crop of babies. 

Then real life turned into reel life.  The Covid19  pandemic became a science fiction movie that held the audience in its grip of fear and terror.  It released all manner of  human behaviour - from the good to the very ugly. The maker of the movie can give it an ending that the audience leaves the theatre with a sigh of relief.

What about real life?  What does the present situation promise? With Christmas in sight and acknowledging its significance, we can cling to our faith and pray for a better tomorrow.  We stay hopeful.

A blessed Christmas and a happier 2021 to all readers, friends and contributing writers.

By CY Lin.

'Whispering Hope'  by Jim Reeves. YouTube Video by felixbautista.

Images - Google.

We're Not Going Anywhere This Christmas - Alvin Oon. Thanks to Alvin and You Tube.

Christmas Message: 'God Used Your Blog To Bring About This Happening': CYLin

When I wrote to CYLin, who has been a regular contributor, for a Christmas Blog Message, she hesitated as usual.  It is not easy to write a meaningful Christmas message.

Then this episode, which happened recently, brought about a revelation which cannot be explained.  You need to read the whole article to understand and an earlier posting by CY to appreciate her story.

Maria Carey with 'Joy To The World'

Andy,

Where did the time go?  It wasn't that long ago that the Xmas decorations were taken down and stored. Now they're up again. Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw in a public area along Jalan Bukit Merah the God of Fortune with all the attendant lanterns, gold coins. But Chinese Lunar New Year is not till 25 January 2020!!!  We are fighting against time.  We are fighting against climate change.

As we go into the season of Christmas and what it means, I would like to share how time and happenings are sometimes within/not within our control.

In July 2015, I posted in your blog about Dr Lim Boon Keng's kampong at 1 Paterson Hill where families of different races lived in rented rooms in his big atap-roofed mansion. The adults were mostly neighbourly and the kids of varying ages were the most happy - climbing trees and running wild in the big field fronting the house.  Today, some people talk about trying to make life in the public housing estates just like in the kampong days.  Can this happen?

In August 2017, in the blog I reminisced about my Home - Singapore and the places that are now gone; lost to progress.  1 Paterson Hill, my home from the mid 40's to early 70's was one.  

The Boon Keng MRT named after Dr. Lim Boon Keng, as discussed in the message.

A reader of this second post had asked how he could contact the writer (I did not use my full name for the blog).  He too did not reveal his identity but mentioned that he was a descendant of  Doctor Lim and that he and his co-writer were planning a book on the Doctor's final years at 1 Paterson Hill.  Unsure how genuine this request was, there was complete silence on the Singapore front.  He was persistent - wrote you a few times.

In December 2018, I mentioned this case to my brother, a technophile.   He made enquiries.

Revelation - Doctor's grandson whom we played with for years till the early 60's when he emigrated to USA without a parting word.  On 6 November 2019, he and his co-writer were in Singapore to present some of his grandfather's belongings to the Asian Civilisation Museum. 

This visit was also to attend a school reunion and of course to catch up with his long lost childhood friends.  During his month's stay, we had five nostalgic and for me emotional sessions.  God has used your blog to bring about this happening.  Truly, IN HIS TIME, HE MAKES ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL.

Thank you Andy.  A blessed Christmas to you and family and your readers.

CYLin.

Read Part One:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2015/07/dr-lim-boon-kengs-kampong-paterson-hill.html

'In His Time, He Makes All Things Beautiful' is a hymn relevant to this story.

Lim Boon Keng's grandson is seated in the middle and all others are to remain anonymous, according to the wish of the writer.

You can read more about Lim Boon Keng from Wikipedia:
He is a legacy and has places named after him in Singapore like Boon Keng Road, Upper Boon Keng Road, Boon Keng MRT.

He co-founded the Singapore Chinese Girl's School (SCGS) and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC).

All I Want For Christmas: Message 2018/9: CYLin

Ms. CYLin has always obliged me when I ask if she could write a Christmas message for this blog. Again thanks, Lin. Merry Christmas to you and Family.

Hey Andy, 

Your latest post on Christmas songs old and new woke me to suddenly realize that Santa is on his way to check on who's naughty or nice.  All around the island is decked with boughs of holly and jingle bells are ringing loud and clear.  The time is here to feast, to indulge, to make merry and as a tradition to exchange gifts... Young and old hint, make requests for specific presents. There's one little girl who asks for her two front teeth so she can wish all a "Merry Christmas". 

So this is Christmas.

Michael Buble: All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth. Video by funprogress.

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus, born to Mary and Joseph.

Jesus is God's gift to the fallen world to save man from his sins and to bring him back into a relationship with Himself.

Jesus came to carry out that mission of salvation by dying on the cross.

Christmas is the season for that reason and we celebrate with thanksgiving this precious gift, "Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King..."

Just as the girl receives her new teeth and puts them to good use, I too need to display God's gift of new life to me and in me when I receive Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.  I should reflect God's goodness and mercy.  I need to follow His commandments.

It's not easy with all the worldly temptations around.

Joy To The World (Live At The Helix In Dublin, Ireland/2013) YouTube Video: CelticWomenVEVO.

Forty years ago before I was 'saved', I shared with my students My Creed by Howard Arnold Walter (a poet 1883-1918)  We would sing it before the start of the day's lessons.  Today these not so young men and women may not remember the entire lyrics of the song, but when we meet and catch up,  I can see they embrace those principles: "I would be true, for there are those who trust me.  I would be pure for there are those who care..." 

And so for this Christmas, all I want is to have this creed ingrained in me and to be able to sing it, hum it, vocalize it even as memory fades and sight and sound faint. 

'My Creed' Howard Arnold Walter Sung to the tune of Danny Boy'. YouTube Video from Jeffry Vergara.

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be friend to all - the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving and forget the gift,
I would be humble, for I know my weakness,
I would look up, and love, and laugh and lift.

A Blessed Christmas to you Andy and your family and all your readers. 

Peace and goodwill to all.

Above article by CYLin. 

Christmas Message 2014:
https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-reason-for-this-season-from-believer.html

Christmas Message 2015:
https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2015/12/christmas-for-just-one-day-my-cares-are.html

Christmas Message 2016:
https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2016/12/seen-his-star-in-east-come-to-worship.html

Christmas Message 2017: https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-christmas-message-contentment-is-my.html

Disclaimer:

This posting is a personal piece and it has no intention to promote, encourage or convince anyone to believe in a particular religious faith. 

Images: Google 

YouTube videos

A Christmas Message: Contentment Is My Mantra

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Up to 5,600 viewers
since Christmas Eve.
Today: 2 Jan 2018.
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A good friend indeed, I have always asked Lin to write a Christmas message for this blog, and she has always been obliging me. It has now become an annual affair. Thank you again, Lin.

Andy, 

As the year comes to an end, it's time for reflections and to count one's blessings.  For me, this has been a year of some health issues which require regular costly tests, and medication.  As a former civil servant, I have free medical benefits for life.  This includes hospitalisation.

My retirement from service comes with a monthly pension which sees me through comfortably.  I like going to the movies. 4.50/- for a senior at off-peak hours and lunch ( chai perng --rice with 2 vegs + 1 meat --4/-) and bus fare (no MRT for me --don't like to be underground) come to a total of 10/-, a simple enjoyable day out.   

 I also attend local live shows which can be quite expensive (with SISTIC subtly regularly increasing its ticket charge).  But hey, I leave the theatre a very happy woman having laughed and made to think by our very own minted talented artistes.

Not having to rush with the school kids and working adults for public transport, I go for bus rides on a weekday with a destination in mind.  The changes taking place on this little island are never-ending.  

'Count Your Blessings' by Anne Williamson. Video produced by: nikikatful.

The public libraries especially those in the newer towns are tops -- sometimes I can spend an hour browsing and then borrowing up to eight books (normal limit) and keep them for three weeks and then renew them for another three, being the slow reader that I am. I just have to make sure I do not exceed the due date or else I have to pay a fine.

The nature parks and now the park connectors are practically at my doorstep.  I must make a point to start walking them as I cannot ride a bike anymore - weak knees and not wanting to be bulldozed by the PMDs.  

Contentment is my mantra - 'I don't need.  I don't want.'  My mobile phone is for calls and SMS.  My desktop is for emails, googling, games.  I don't need to be in a chat group.  I don't need apps. I'm nagged by the well-intentioned - "They're free" --so, I need/want them???  

For illustration only

I make sure I'm in good timing for appointments and so am at the bus stop early enough.  I don't need the app to tell me when the next bus comes.  I just wait patiently and people watch.  I know and accept that technology is not waiting for me.  When the time comes, I need, then I want.

I don't know when the call will come for me to join my parents and my sister.  I would like to say that I'm ready and willing but there are pulls down here on earth.  I still have a sizeable number of family members and very good friends from childhood/school/girl guides/workplace who are there for me.  

Meanwhile, I live one day at a time knowing tomorrow may not be mine. And I count my blessings and pray for peace and goodwill to all men in these uncertain and worrying times.

A Blessed Xmas And A Joyous 2018 To All.

By: Ms CYLin.

This article has been copyrighted.

There are numerous articles written by CYLin. Please click the connection below.