Classic Christmas Songs

Music is a universal language, and nothing sets the ‘mood’ for holiday cheer like holiday/Christmas songs. Radio stations begin the mission as early as the day after Thanksgiving (‘Black Friday’ to you serious shoppers).

Few music genres fail to contribute. From Country Western to Rock to Jazz to Hip-Hop, there are plenty covers of what are considered ‘classic’ Christmas songs. Such ‘classics’ are so well-known, people across generations recognize them within the first few bars. The days of door-to-door Christmas Carolers is waning (if not fully waned). But it wouldn’t be a hassle gathering a few folk for the neighborhood activity (masked/distanced for COVID, please). If performed just for fun (not taken too seriously), the set-list shouldn’t require much rehearsal.

Everyone has their favorites, of course, and the list isn’t all-encompassing, but whether you’re into Christmas or out of it, it’s highly probable you know the melody (and likely the lyrics) of these 12 classic Christmas carols.

1. Silent Night (songwriter: Franz Xaver Gruber). One of the first songs learned as a kid (after “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”). Full of Christian meaning, this one’s all about the birth of Jesus. There’s calmness and brightness, a yon virgin, and heavenly peaceful sleep happening with a tune warmly soothing. A standard on holiday albums, the Temptations have two memorable renditions of this song, and there’s lots of fun debate in the black community over which one is best.
2. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (songwriter: Johnny Marks). A favorite with children and popular to act out in elementary school plays. This song (with a theme of self-confidence in the face of obstacles) is one of those ‘story’ songs. We’re all pleased Rudolph gets some ‘payback’ as the ‘other reindeer’ see him guiding Santa’s sleigh, going down in history.
3. Sleigh-Ride (songwriters: Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish). No religious overtones here. This song’s all about having some ‘quality time’ with a loved one during a smooth ride on a horse-drawn sleigh. With the sleigh bells ringing, tingling, too, snowfall provides the ‘lovely weather’ as the two snuggle. Friends don’t call “Yoo-hoo” these days, but that’s okay—the melody’s too bouncy to care.
4. Winter Wonderland (songwriters: Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith). If you can’t find a horse-drawn sleigh, a simple stroll down a lane where snow is glistening will do. And even though the bluebird has gone away, couples still pursue a bout of romance, bonding over building snowmen in the meadows and pretending to be engaged. Parson Brown can’t get that meadow gig, but there’s a job opportunity in town if he hurries. This song has been jazzed-up, slowed down, and ‘country-fied,’ making it very versatile for ears with varying tastes.
5. Frosty, the Snowman (songwriters: Walter Rollins and Steve Nelson). This one has a hint of religious overtone (the whole resurrection element with Frosty ‘magically coming to life’ and ‘coming back’). But, that aside, this is another ‘story’ song kids love. Frosty’s a jolly, happy soul, with a jolly, happy beat.
6. This Christmas (songwriter: Donny Hathaway). A standard holiday song among people of color, Donny’s mellow vocals encourage all the good things about the holiday. With presents and cards near, folks are hanging mistletoe and getting to know each other. The distinct horn accompaniment also fills the world with cheer (and you). With that fireside blazing, Donny’s message also includes a nod to coupledom and some ‘quality time.’ The melody smooth yet bouncy, he makes it very easy to get caroling through the night.
7. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (songwriters: Edward Pola and George Wyle). Lilting and light and just fun to sing, one of the most surprising and interesting things about this song (to me) is the reference to ghost stories! Seems ghost tales are better suited for another ‘holiday’ happening somewhere around October, maybe, but couched within the scene and mood suggested otherwise, it fits—ghosts of Christmases past. Bells jingling, hearts glowing, party hosting, marshmallow toasting, and friends coming to call, all make for a wonderful time for sure.
8. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (songwriter: Haven Gillespie). Spoiler Alert! If you have wise kids and are still perpetuating the ‘Santa’ myth, you may want to keep this song out of the repertoire. Thinking kids (already influenced by classroom debate perhaps) might be able to put together why ‘Santa’ knows when they’re pouting, sleeping, or being ‘bad.’ A bit of warning placed to a happy beat.
9. White Christmas (songwriter: Irving Berlin). Versions of this song, performed by either Bing Crosby (slower, more reverential) or the Drifters (faster and hipper), always seem to find their way into holiday movies. It’s funny, though: back in the 1940s, a white Christmas wasn’t much of a dream if you lived in likely regions. Now, with global warming, having a white Christmas is much more the dream than ever. We still get snow, but ice is melting where it shouldn’t, and inclement weather’s just getting weird. The times have certainly changed. Still, this song is feel-good enough to remain hopeful for the snow-touched holidays we used to know.
10. Deck the Halls (songwriter: Thomas Oliphant). Secular with no religious affiliation, this is all about setting the atmosphere, the mood of the season. With boughs of holly, everyone’s jolly in their gay apparel. Fast-paced and fun, most know this song for its ‘Fa-la-la-la-la’ part, but sometimes that’s all it takes to be a classic.
11. Feliz Navidad (songwriter: José Feliciano). If only all foreign languages could be taught this way. A simple song, a simple wish, and you’re bilingual for at least two minutes. Wishing someone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year has never been such fun. The melody feels animated and full of life, making you sing (as well as wish) from the bottom of your heart.
12. The Christmas Song (songwriters: Robert Wells and Mel Tormé). Chestnuts roasting, Jack Frost nipping, and Nat King Cole singing. Nuff said.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention: Broken Benevolence, book 3 in my series, takes place during the winter and opens during the holiday season. I’ve included quite a few classic holiday songs to convey mood or set a tone (Otis Redding’s “White Christmas” is in chapter six), and my characters respond accordingly.

So, pour some eggnog (lactose free, rum optional). Fire up that player (records or digital) and adjust the volume accordingly for play through speakers traditional or Bluetooth. Invite others in the household for a singalong or sing aloud by yourself as the music does its job: inspires good feeling, goodwill towards ‘men.’

Happy Holidays.