The origins of the Christmas carol date back to the early 19th century, although the tradition of singing festive songs has roots much deeper in history. The word "carol" itself originally referred to a lively dance, not a song. It wasn't until the medieval period that carols began to take on a more musical form, often sung during community celebrations and festivals, including Christmas.

The transformation of the Christmas carol into a beloved holiday tradition began in the Victorian era, with carols becoming associated specifically with Christmas celebrations. The rise of Christmas caroling as we know it today is largely attributed to the publication of popular carols such as "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (1739) and "O Come, All Ye Faithful" (1744). However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that caroling truly flourished, thanks to composers like John Francis Wade and the influence of church and community choirs.

One of the key turning points came in 1843 with the publication of Charles Dickens' novella A Christmas Carol. Dickens' story, which features the famous character of Ebenezer Scrooge, helped to popularize the festive spirit of Christmas and inspired a renewed interest in Christmas music, including carols.

By the late 1800s, Christmas caroling had become a widely practiced tradition in both Europe and North America. Groups of carolers would go door-to-door, singing songs to spread holiday cheer. Today, caroling continues to be an essential part of Christmas celebrations, with both traditional and modern songs spreading joy and goodwill during the holiday season.