The version ("While shepherds watched their flocks by night") sung by children of my generation, here in New Zealand: While shepherds washed their socks by night All seated round a tub A bar of Sunlight Soap came down And gave them all a scrub. And my Dad (1907-1989) told me the version of "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" from his childhood: Hark! The Herald Angels sing Beecham Pills are just the thing. Peace on earth and mercy mild Two for an adult, one for a child Ah, the innocence of youth! Here's to those long-ago days, and to nostalgia. If it's not too "PC" to do so, may I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and best wishes for 2009. Blanche Charles (nee Norton) Wellington New Zealand NORTON Family History Unlimited http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~blanchec/indexdby.htm Stapenhill Online Resources http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~blanchec/StapOPC.htm Cauldwell Online Resources http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~blanchec/cauldindex.htm East Midlands General Baptist History http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~blanchec/EMidBaps.htm

Another version of While Shepherds watched is known to my husband - While Shepherds watched their socks by night All hanging on the line The Angel of the Lord came down And said 'that red pair's mine' Prunella.

I was talking to our two boys yesterday about some of the "variations" being discussed here. First of all, I was amazed at how many of them they already knew (aged 10 and 6!!). However, the younger one came up with another version - taught to him by a friend ... Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Carrot sticks and peas (possibly "Carrots, chips and peas" Every day, twice a day Squash them on your knees Merry Christmas to all - may all your brickwalls come tumbling down next year Heather