Whatever you think of Jingle Bells & it's not exactly Mozart, people KNOW it & enjoy singing with it & the main plan when I play music is participation. I'm not talking singarounds here, of course, nor am I talking about a Christmas concert- I'd run away very fast from that.

Whatever the merits of Harry Chapin or the Willie Nelson song you like me doing, Dick, neither are likely to suit an anniversary party any more than a Christmas party - you might get away with one such 'thoughtful' item, amid increasing conversation & noise, but neither you nor I would do Jingle Bells in a folk club!

All these definitions sound rather precious to me & I hate that attitude- it's really not necessary.

I infer from your aside that Ireland is different, well I had 20 years there, often playing at community events (most recently Gubbaun, near Blacklion at Christmas & Newbridge Hall, near Dowra, regularly).

The Irish love their own songs and I really don't find much difference back here in Scotland. I played this month for the Garlieston village Christmas party & a 60th anniversary party in Port William & the Scots like their own songs & music just as much as the Irish!
   And they ALL like 'Jingle Bells'......