England’s Mellstock Band in this year's Christmas Revels show. Photo: Roger Ide

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When the days grow short, the night long and cold, humans gather and sing — at a fireside, an advent wreath, a menorah.

For thirty-eight years — and now all around the country — crowds have been gathering for the Christmas Revels. Winter solstice dance and song and carol, from Renaissance Italy, Armenia, Georgia, Mexico, Sephardic wanderers, and America’s Underground Railway.

This year, the Revels have gone back to their roots in old England, with a tale from Thomas Hardy and the English countryside.

This hour, On Point: Winter solstice, and the Christmas Revels.

You can join the conversation. When it’s dark and cold, in the depth of winter, are you ready for some revelry? Have you done it with the Christmas revels?

-Tom Ashbrook

Guests:

With us in our studio are…

Patrick “Paddy” Swanson, artistic director of the Christmas Revels.

George Emlen, music director of the Christmas Revels.

Dave Townsend, founder of the Mellstock Band of Oxford, England. He plays the concertina.

Mary Casey, traditional singer and featured soloist with the Christmas Revels.