Dana on family Christmas memories, favourite songs and festive traditions
by Michelle Townsend · RSVP LiveMy new song, Christmas Again, was inspired by the Covid lockdowns.
It was so hard for families to be together during those times. My son Robert suggested writing a Christmas song about how difficult it is to be apart. The lyrics can apply to couples, parents, grandparents and children, so it covers a lot of family dynamics. What was really exciting was that we got family and friends involved. I worked on it with Robert, my brother and nephew played on it, and a few of the musicians are all guys Robert has been in a band with since he was a teenager.
There is definitely a pressure when it comes to writing Christmas songs.
It is a wee bit nerve-wracking, because my previous song, It’s Going To Be A Cold, Cold, Christmas, was a big hit and is still played every year. We wanted to bring back that ‘60s, ‘70s vibe to the song. I haven’t released a Christmas song in nearly 50 years, so I really hope people like it. I’m very proud of Robert.
It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams is my favourite Christmas song.
I also love White Christmas by Bing Crosby because it’s such a classic and Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade is good fun. There are so many wonderful songs; I honestly could start listening to Christmas music in October.
There have been some horrendous Christmas songs over the years.
I dare not say which ones, but what I will say is that you can’t beat the classics.
I have very special childhood memories of singing at Christmas time.
As a young child, my father was a musician and he and my mother used to organise Christmas concerts for the elderly and those with special needs. I was always part of those events, singing and dancing from the age of six. It’s not uncommon in Ireland for people to muck in and help others out at Christmas time.
I loved my days performing in panto.
I used to work every single Christmas. I loved it, but come Christmas Day I would be so exhausted. It is now a family tradition of ours to go to the panto every year. A lot of performers start out in panto, it’s a great way to foster talent.
I love to sing White Christmas and When A Child Is Born.
As well as that, you can’t beat the Christmas carols, like Away in a Manger and Silent Night. All of the children know the words too so everyone can sing along. They’ll never die.
I once filmed a Christmas special in Austria in the late ‘90s.
It was beautiful being surrounded by the snow-capped mountains. We filmed at the location where Silent Night was first written and performed, and I got to perform it with a young boys choir. It was very emotional and almost hauntingly beautiful.
Christmas Again by Dana is out now.