The First Movement, sedate in style and modelled closely on the Choral Preludes of Bach, treats the old tune we sing to O come, all ye faithful.
The Second Movement, the Scherzo, alternates between slow and fast treatments of the carol-tune God rest you merry, gentlemen.
It was later performed at a promenade concert at the Queen's Hall which was broadcast live on the BBC's 2LO on 26 September 1929, with other music by Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Percy Pitt.
During World War II, the book had been adapted for radio on the BBC's Children's Hour, and Hely-Hutchinson's same music had been used.
During the 1940 and 1950s, the first movement was used to assist tuning into the BBC Home Service station before the start of the morning transmission during the Christmas period.