LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Christmas music is an integral part of the holiday season. With winter break around the corner, Christmas music is a great way to help you stay jolly throughout finals. Here are some of the best Christmas songs of all time!
“Jingle Bells” – Frank Sinatra, 1948
“Jingle Bells” is a classic holiday song that nearly everybody knows by heart. Frank Sinatra’s cover of “Jingle Bells”, released in 1948, is a jazzy, slow-paced version that is perfect for those who like the smooth, saloon singer voice that he possesses.
“Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms, 1957
“Jingle Bell Rock” is another classic, referencing different aspects of the holiday season such as sleigh rides and jingle bells. The joyful song was recorded by country singer Bobby Helms and is the perfect holiday jam for those who love the combination of rock music and Christmas.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee, 1958
Brenda Lee recorded the famous song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” when she was only 13 according to Smooth Radio. With her surprisingly deep voice, she sings about the joys of dancing at a yuletide party. This upbeat yet classic song is perfect for those who love the holiday spirit but not the slow tempo of most classics.
“Winter Wonderland” – Bing Crosby, 1962
“Winter Wonderland” is one of the most iconic Christmas songs ever. With his deep voice, Bing Crosby sings about all the wonderful things that begin to happen as the holiday season approaches. The jazz singer describes how things start to change as the snow falls and the world turns into a winter wonderland.
“Someday at Christmas” – Stevie Wonder, 1967
“Someday at Christmas” is one of the few holiday songs with a deeper underlying message. According to Songfacts, Stevie Wonder’s pleasant song was released in 1967 during the Vietnam War and has a theme of the value of peace. In the song, Wonder holds out hope that one day the tough times filled with hatred and violence will be over when people discover the true meaning behind Christmas.
“Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano, 1970
“Feliz Navidad” was released on Nov. 1, 1970, and according to LATV is the first-ever bilingual Christmas song. Although the lyrics are pretty simple, “Merry Christmas” being echoed in English and Spanish has allowed multiple cultures to connect and share their Christmas music through a vibrant and upbeat song.
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – Jackson 5, 1970
Although there are many versions of this song, the Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is an upbeat, poppy and refreshing spin on the famous holiday anthem. With their youthful, high-pitched vocals and joyful tone, the group conveys light-hearted and childish themes of Christmas in the song.
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – John Legend & Yoko Ono, 1971
John Lennon wrote the song “Happy Christmas (War is Over)” to send a message that he had been fighting for many years. The song was also written during the Vietnam War and the popular singer and his wife call for people to stop fighting and realize the true meaning of Christmas which is peace, unity and joy. Although this song was not written recently, it still conveys an important message that people nowadays need to hear.
“Step into Christmas” – Elton John, 1973
Elton John’s “Step Into Christmas” was released as a single in 1973 and it has grown in popularity since then. In his upbeat, fun song, the English legend thanks his fans for the incredible year they provided him with by wishing them a Merry Christmas. He welcomes his fans to step into the Christmas spirit with him. It is a very fun and poppy Christmas song.
“Last Christmas” – Wham!, 1984
“Last Christmas” was released on Jan. 1, 1984 and since then has become one of the many anthems of the holiday season. The repetitiveness of this song makes it an easy, go-to sing-along song to belt while decorating the house, going on a Christmas light driving tour or simply sitting by the tree.
“Carol of the Bells” – John Williams, 1990
“Carol of the Bells” was composed by John Williams for the popular holiday movie “Home Alone” and is a perfect song for those who have a love for Christmas caroling. According to Rice News, it was originally a Ukrainian folk song and now has many different versions. The soft melody and lyrics of the song send out good holiday wishes to listeners.
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey, 1994
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” is likely the most consistently popular Christmas song. Each year, it’s played in stores, restaurants and other venues. The Queen of Christmas sings about her desire to have a certain loved one for Christmas. Her strong voice and jingle bell background music make it a magnificent and lovable song for the holiday season.
“It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Michael Bublé, 2011
Released in 2011, Michael Bublé’s “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas” is an incredible rendition of the original song. His smooth voice compliments the calming background music as he sings about the wonderful sights and sounds of the emerging Christmas season.
“You Make It Feel Like Christmas – Gwen Stefani (feat. Blake Shelton), 2017
“You Make It Feel Like Christmas” is another lovey-dovey Christmas song sung by the married couple Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton. In the song, they thank each other for making the holiday season truly feel like Christmas. This song is upbeat and is a great uplifting song to spread holiday cheer.
“Under The Mistletoe” – Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge, 2020
Released in 2020, this loving duet between Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge is a wonderful song to listen to when spending or longing to spend the holidays with a loved one. The song is about two lovers meeting under the mistletoe on Christmas and it details the wonders of being with a loved one during the holidays.
Whether it’s romantic, meaningful or silly, Christmas songs are a staple to the holiday season. With Christmas and final exams rapidly approaching, it is a must to listen to any of these incredible songs to remain holly and jolly as you count down the days until winter break.
