In Wales of the 1500s, where this old carol began, it is a custom to leave all the outer doors unbolted on Christmas Eve lest the Holy Family should wish to enter. The melody belongs to a winter carol, "Nos Galan", while the English lyrics, written by Scottish musician, Thomas Oliphant, date to 1862. Now this lively song is sung in every land, particularly when greens are being hung and the house is being decorated for the holidays.
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