Seven Christmases ago, the gift of a tome of Scottish songs led to the inception of a very special Warn Family Tradition: the annual recording and shooting of our Christmas song.
For me, and for many friends, family and acquaintances, this tradition has become a hallmark of Christmas. An opportunity to come together as a family, usually over the course of two days, and produce something whacky, weird, wintery, and wonderfully Warn-y.
That said, it’s not always plain sailing. Few people are privy to the occasionally fraught debates – let’s call them creative differences – that accompany us through the process.
Busy schedules are another limited factor. I usually head back to Bristol just in time to help throw it all together. But in the run-up to Christmas, this project often becomes an ill-conceived obsession, leading more than once to burnt biscotti and presents still to be wrapped on Christmas morning.
But, in the end, it is worth every ounce of effort. Aside from the actual tradition of recording the song and making the video, the annual countdown screening of videos from years gone by has also established itself as a familiar, fireside Christmas Eve fixture. Indeed, perhaps this is my favourite moment of all: during which our back catalogue of eight videos writes an alternative, contemporary history of our lives – through changing haircuts, pets, Christmas trees – and marking the arrival of important new people in our lives, not least of my niece who enjoyed her first moment of stardom in this year’s production.
And so, without further ado…
The Warns, together with their trusty frog friends, are trilled and thrilled to present ‘We All Stand Together’ by Paul McCartney. Performed and recorded live by the Warn family and filmed on location at Glendor.
Starring Jacob Warn, Andy Warn, Maxine Warn and Hannah Bowen-Warn. With special guests James Bowen-Warn, Smudge the cat, Ginny the dog and Aria the baby.
✍️ By Paul McCartney
🎶 Arranged and performed by The Warns
📽 Recorded and Produced by Jacob Warn
