Christmas carol

From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium

A Christmas carol is a song or hymn associated with Christmas. The difference between a hymn and a carol is not strictly defined; the word “carol” implies a popular quality, early carols were often danceable. Today the word is almost exclusively applied to Christmas and sometimes Advent hymns. It is correctly applied to Easter hymns as well, but the term "Easter Carol" is not in widespread use.

It is debatable whether secular or not expressly religious songs with a Christmas theme should be called carols. In modern secular use (such as school festivals or public Christmas traditions) such songs are usually included, but not in church services.