composer’s note: There are many kinds of Christmas carols; “It Was My Father’s Custom” falls squarely into the “party song” category. It’s about throwing caution to the wind, lighting the “massive yule log,” and celebrating with abandon. The choir sings a catchy, folk-music inspired tune three times, beginning in a muted way but each time gaining energy, singing faster and faster, until finally arriving at a joyful coda and huge ringing high notes. The whole thing is an ecstatic celebration of the Christmas season that refuses to be reined in.