I sang this song at Song Central in Dublin on last Sunday. Although I learned it at my mother knee sixty years ago, it was the first time I sang it in public. It's such a lovely Christmas song (Christmas the way it used to be before crass commercialisation and uber-globalisation).

I sang it with my eyes closed and imagined I was singing a duet with my mam; it was a great experience. It was so good I think I'll sing it at An Góilín tomorrow night.

Once upon a time so the story's told
In fairyland there lives a man so very, very old
Good little children he loved most dear
And he comes to visit them once every year
He rides on his sleigh each Christmas Eve night
With a cloak rosy red and a beard snowy white
So listen now my children, if you're very good
And go to sleep as little ones should.

I'll telephone and tell old Mr Santa
Want you to call tonight
He will come and see you when you're quietly sleeping
Through the bedroom, he will softly creep in
Hang up all your stockings on the bed-post children
Blow out the candlelight
Jump into bed, cover up your head
Blow a kiss. Goodnight.

Sack upon his back he will bring you toys
Dolls for the little girls, drums for the boys
Brown teddy bears too and dogs that bark
And all kind of animals from out of the ark
There'll be fairies and lanterns for your Christmas tree
And a big boxes of crackers that you'll pull with me
So listen and I'll tell you if your very good
And go to sleep as little ones should.

I'll telephone and tell old Mr Santa
Want you to call tonight
He will come and see you when you're quietly sleeping
Through the bedroom, he will softly creep in
Hang up all your stockings on the bed-post children
Blow out the candlelight
Jump into bed, cover up your head
Blow a kiss, Goodnight.

Fergus