Christmas Song’s Ukrainian City Under Attack

The famous Christmas song Carol of the Bells, well known from the movie Home Alone, is in the news for a sad reason. Russian forces have destroyed parts of the Ukrainian city where its composer, Mykola Leontovych, once lived.

The song is heard in the 1990 film during a scene where Kevin McCallister says, “This is my house, I have to defend it.” However, the music has deep roots in Ukraine. Russian attacks have now left the composer’s hometown badly damaged.

The song was adapted in the early 20th century by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. It was originally called Shchedryk and was based on a traditional Ukrainian folk tune. Leontovych lived in Pokrovsk, a city that is now facing heavy fighting and destruction.