" first appeared in John Thomas , 1862 as an English version of the traditional Welsh carol " Nos Galan ". However, the song was not a translation from the Welsh, but rather new lyrics composed by Oliphant.

Deck the hall with boughs of holly,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

'Tis the season to be jolly,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Fill the meadcup, drain the barrel,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Troul the ancient Christmas carol,

Fa la la la la la la la la.



See the flowing bowl before us,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Strike the harp and join the chorus.

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

While I sing of beauty's treasure,

Fa la la la la la la la la.



Fast away the old year passes,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses!

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Laughing, quaffing all together,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Heedless of the wind and weather,

Fa la la la la la la la la.