When all you begin to hear on the radio are Christmas and holiday songs, you know that December has rolled around and the holidays are here. For those who celebrate, Christmas songs are an essential part of celebrating the holiday and getting into the Christmas spirit.
Holiday and Christmas songs have been a tradition for a very long time. For example, Bing Crosby’s song, “White Christmas” from 1942 has become one of the most popular Christmas songs. It even holds a Guiness World Record as the best-selling single of all time with more than 50 million copies sold. One of many iconic Christmas songs, it is remarkable how songs from the 40s continue to be just as popular as Christmas songs written in more recent years.
This article showcases some of the most popular Christmas and holiday songs that get one in the holiday spirit.
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love
Ellie Rogers, a sophomore at HHS says, “My favorite Christmas song is ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ by Darlene Love because it’s such a classic and puts me into the Christmas spirit instantly after listening!” This song was released back in 1963 but many people today can agree that this song is still great for getting yourself into the Christmas mood. For a lot of people, older Christmas songs are more nostalgic for them which makes them even more fitting for Christmas time.
“Christmas Time is Here” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio
Amelia Byrne, a sophomore at HHS shares, “One of my favorite Christmas songs is ‘Christmas Time is Here’ from A Charlie Brown Christmas because it’s so nostalgic for me.” This song is from the 1965 movie A Charlie Brown Christmas and it is one of the most iconic songs on the 1965 A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack. This soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi is still one of the best-selling jazz and holiday albums of all time. One of the aspects of the song that makes it so nostalgic is the choir of children singing. The first line sung by the choir is, “Christmas time is here” which includes a beautiful piano accompaniment.
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” by Dean Martin
This is another great holiday song that is non-demonital to get everyone into the holiday spirit. This song was released in 1959 and is another holiday classic that highlights the joy that snow brings during the holiday season.
“Frosty the Snowman (with The Cass County Boys)” by Gene Autry
Released in 1950, this song created the beloved character “Frosty the Snowman”, a snowman that magically came to life after some children found an old silk hat and placed it on his head. As the song says, he is known as a “jolly, happy soul” who makes children laugh and play and is a friend to all.
“Last Christmas!” by Wham!
Jumping ahead a couple of decades, this song by Wham! was released in December of 1984 and still remains a very popular Christmas song. This song has more pop elements and electronic instruments.
“Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano
This song released in 1970 is a holiday classic that combines cultures. This song’s lyrics switch between English and Spanish which represents how people in different regions celebrate Christmas.
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
This song released in 1994 has earned, in many people’s eyes, Mariah Carey’s title as the “Queen of Christmas.” This song is almost always in a Christmas or holiday playlist playing during the holiday season. Remarkably, this song has earned over $60 million dollars in royalties because of how popular it is.
“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson
Released in 2013, this is another beloved Christmas song that is played a lot throughout the holiday season. This song represents a more modern take on Christmas songs that are enjoyed as much as the more traditional songs.
Overall, with so many songs to choose from, there is something out there for everyone to find joy during the holiday season.
