Deck the Halls with 25 December Tunes
I love Christmas / winter music because it reminds me of my late Dad. He always enjoyed this festive season, especially the food, gifts, atmosphere, music, and family gatherings. He and my mum also liked to decorate our house and make the children happy. After she passed away, he tried to keep up the tradition. I cherished the moments when we were all together, even though our family became smaller over time.
That’s why I want to share some joy with Christmas / winter music. I made a Spotify playlist with a mix of less-known and familiar songs. I will explain why I chose each song and what it means to me. So relax, listen, and enjoy.
Classical
These are songs that are composed or inspired by classical music. Beautiful music that creates a sense of wonder and awe. These are some pieces that capture that winter and holiday season.
- “Winter” from “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi (1723)
Listening to this I can imagine myself outside, in wintry chilling winds with first bits of snowfalling. Back indoors sitting next to a cozy warm fireplace after experiencing the cold outdoors. Creating an enchanting story, a joy to listen to.
- “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1892)
Song from the Nutcracker suite op.72a 1892, which is an adaption of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King 1816. Christmas Eve at the bottom of the Christmas tree, in a child’s imagination. Something magical about this score is plum fairy dancing as you listen. Makes me remember staring at the bottom of the tree as a kid and dreaming the same thing.
- “The Snow is Dancing” by Claude Debussy (1908)
4th movement from Children’s Corner out of 6. Dedicated to Claude’s daughter, snowflakes in the air gracefully moving. With vivid and atmospheric sound, the song is about his love for his daughter. Seong-Jin-Cho version is below.
- Winter Wonderland” by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith 1934
A classic that has been covered by various artists. Overall cheery song features a well-known catchy melody and rhyme. I decided to go with the original version without lyrics which was added at a later date.
For me, this song creates a snowy park with kids playing in the background, a couple building a snowman and a sleigh being pulled around.
- “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson (1948)
I went with the original instrumental version, covered and adapted into various genres over the years. Iconic bit of music that has inspired so many Christmas-themed moments. Cheerful song that pulls along for the ride, and recreates the sleigh ride.
Childhood
The following two songs have a special place in my heart.
- “Walking in the Air” by Howard Blake (1982)
Raymond Brigg’s picture book The Snowman 1978, was adapted to film in 1982. Carton’s musical adaptation of that picture book. A sequel was produced 30 years later, snowman and the Snowdog. Every Christmas I would watch it, with my parents until they both passed away. I still remember my nan coming around for Christmas and watching it with me. Watching it allows me to remember all the Christmas in the past and how much they meant to me. It is the most personal and important song on this list.
- Grant Kirkhope – Freezeezy Peak (Banjo and Kazooie) 1996 alternviete version is here
I have fond memories of playing Banjo and Kazooie on the N64. I still own my original N64 given to me as a Christmas gift. Every time I listen to that game soundtrack I’m transported back in time playing that in the living room at Christmas. This track is for a winter-themed level, which was one of my favourites growing up. I have included the original and redone version from Grant himself off the Rejiggyed album.
Banjo and Kazooie Rejiggyed version
Modern Christmas standard
Collection of modern Christmas standard songs. Some well-known ones to more cult classics. Start with some new wave, synth pop main covered in pop goodness finishing up with rocky dessert.
- “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses (1981)
This song is about surprises and how romantic moments can happen when you’re not looking. Rather charming song grounded in what the holiday season is in practice. How stressful life can be around the holiday but at the same time people can get enjoyment from small things. It was never a hit song on release but has become a bit of a cult classic over the years. Part of the new wave rock genre but influenced by 80s hip hop and rap.
- Last Christmas by Wham 1986
Okay last song was pretty obscure, Wham mega hit however is not. I have memories of hearing this on the radio, in retail shops and everywhere. Classic 80s sound wrapped into a Christmas theme, a song about a broken heart.
- Christmas in Hollis” by Run-DMC (1987)
Why not wrap up the year with this Christmas classic? A catchy song that just lifts the mood. My first CD was a RUN DMC cover, this song was on the back of my mind making the list.
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey (1994)
Mariah Carey made one of the best love songs of all time which happens to be a Christmas song. Not many modern songs become Christmas standards. Mariah has refreshed the song over the years and invited artists to perform it with her. In many ways, she has become the pop queen of Christmas.
- Christmas Lights by Coldplay 2010
A second song about breakups on Christmas Eve. Coldplay here provides a festive song, mixed with that well-known coldplay sound. One of the few modern Christmas songs I enjoy. Every time I listen to Coldplay I think about my mum so that’s why I added it.
- “Snowman” by Sia (2017)
Much more downbeat low-tempo song, what I love about this song is the music video. Similar to the Waitresses song I have included. Would say it bit more hopeful and focused on being in love. Going to end up being part of the Christmas standard with time.
Folk
Something old reimaged
- “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych (1914)
This song is based on the Christmas carol, by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. It has been adapted with lyrics added at a later date. Popular carol and song in its own right these days, having been adapted and reused over the decades. I included this song to show my support for Ukraine and decided to share two different takes on the song.
Mannheim Steamroller version
Trans Siberian Orchestra version
- “Winterbird” by Aurora (2016)
Writing this list I wanted to include some winter songs and found this. Aurora creates a dark, slow very minimal song. Lyrics are full of references to nature and the harsh reality of it brings back to reality. A really powerful song about how the environment around us influences emotions. I’m really glad I did some research and found this gem.
Rock
- “Winterlude” by Bob Dylan (1970)
Bob Dylan is one of the greatest songwriters, to me Winterlude is a song about the simple joys and pleasures of winter. Winter gives us time for reflection before the year’s end. Something different once more.
- “Imagine” by John Lenno (1971)
Okay, not technically a winter or Christmas song. Imagine is a minimal yet powerful song. Idealist piece of music that feels in tune with common themes around Christianity. Given the challenges the world faces, this song gives me hope during struggling times.
I was thinking of including This Is Christmas by John Lennon.
Cover section
- Christmas at Ground Zero is a song by “Weird Al” Yankovic (1986)
It is a comedy Christmas song, dark humour and parody of Phil Spector-produced Christmas songs. Given the decline in the quality of Christmas songs over the years I feel like this earns a spot. This is also what happens when you force somebody who makes comedy songs to make a Christmas record.
I’m unable to embed the video.
- Hazy shade of winter by The Bangles (1987)
This is a cover of a 1966 folk rock song, by Simon and Garfunkel. released in 1966. Bangles covered the song for Less Than Zero. Gerard Way with Ray Toro covered the song in 2019 for the TV series adapted from his comic book series. Umbrella Academy, the same name as the comic book, Netflix production.
Bangales version
Gerrad way version
- “A Mad Russian’s Christmas” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (1996)
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a well-known big Christmas and winter-themed band. Covering various bits of music, adapting them even creating new music inspired by classical songs. Picking a single song was going to be hard, Wizards of Winter is my default but I wanted to highlight a different song. I picked a rock opera song instead, which from a full suite,
- Oh Holy Night by Apocalyptica 1996
Apocalyptica is a Finnish symphonic metal band that consists of four cellists and a drummer. This version is rather a traditional cover of the Christmas classic. Christmas carol was originally composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847. Showcase of talent mixed with a passion for music with this cover.
- Jingle bells by James Lord Pierpont 1857
Jingle Bells started as a winter song about sleigh riding that slowly morphed into a Christmas song. Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857. Guitar solo metal cover adds to the long list of covers over decades. Charlie Parra Del Riego brings new life to this classic song.
- Merry Christmas Everyone” by Shakin’ Stevens 1985
This song reminds me of my dad, standing on the doorstep as Santa collecting for local charities drove past. He loved Christmas and acted like a child at that time of year full of joy. A tradition now linked to the carnival around gunpowder plot celebrations. I remember him dragging me to the front door even as an adult to wave back.
Obscure jazz
- Winter wonderland harmony – Christmas star piano 2023
I found a song on Spotify called Christmas Star Piano, which is a cryptic name designed to keep them anonymous. YouTube is saying that James Smith is the composer so I don’t know. Released two albums on Spotify both are calming jazz music for winter. I wanted a Jazz song and found this obscure diamond. Spotify: Silent Night and Yuletide Harmony Christmas Music Delights.
- Skating by Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)
Less obscure this comes from A Charlie Brown Christmas which is a classic. Captures the mood of skating on a frozen lake and a beautiful piece of music history.
So season greetings and happy Christmas, hope you enjoyed the music.