According to William Studwell in The Christmas Carol Reader, "Up on the HouseTop" was the second-oldest secular Christmas song, outdone only by "Jingle Bells". Benjamin Russell Hanby was born in 1833 near Rushville, Ohio, the son of a minister involved with the Underground Railroad. During his short life, he wrote some 80 songs before dying of tuberculosis in 1867.
Candles were used during ancient winter solstice celebrations a way of remembering that spring would soon come. This song is light and not powerful it is the kind of song you would sing on christmas. This can sometimes bring back christmas memories or families.