The tune to which All Hail to the Days is sung is the popular Drive the Cold Winter Away and can be found in Playford’s The Dancing Master (1651-1728). The lyrics come from an early 17th century English Broadside penned by an unknown author. It also appears under the title In Praise of Christmas. The song is an appeal to put aside differences, forget old wrongs, and to eat, drink, and be merry. This arrangement is scored for voice and string quartet. Tenor and bass viols can be substituted for the viola and cello.