12 Songs Of Christmas – Day Six
Paul Haig – “Scottish Christmas”
Over 12 (working) days, I’m suggesting 12 songs that probably don’t get the airplay they deserve this time of year and should be regarded as Christmas/Seasonal Classics
Scottish Christmases weren’t all about Andy Stewart and his bespoke festive sporran. No, “Scottish Christmas” was a special, limited Christmas release by former Josef K member Paul Haig, which debuted back in 1985 via Les Disques Du Crepuscule/Factory Benelux. It served as the-side, while the B-sides contained two tracks by The Durutti Column – “Christmas for Pauline” and “Snowflakes.” Both “Scottish Christmas” and “Snowflakes” were featured on the Crepuscule compilation, “Ghost of Christmas Past.” It was upon the release of this compilation in 2015 that I first encountered this shimmering synth-pop gem.
With cascading synths that shimmer like Christmas tree lights, “Scottish Christmas” has become an indispensable part of my holiday celebration. Coming from Scottish and Irish stock, it reminds me of my parents and pre-Christmas trips to Glasgow, filling me with anticipation and festive spirit and evoking the magic of the season as the big day approaches. If you’re worried about a tendency for mawkish sentimentality that some Xmas lyrics often shamelessly embrace, fear not, as this is an instrumental piece.