Festive music

Festive music

Today’s post is more light-hearted: my favourite popular Christmas music.
This will form part of a playlist. I don’t have any strict rules, apart from focusing on popular songs. Last year, I made a playlist—which you can find here—with various rules attached. This year, I’m being more flexible, sharing thoughts and a little bit of history along the way. Below are some songs—you may recognise a few.

The list is sorted by release date, showcasing a mix of classics and newer songs:

  • Deck the Halls by Nat King Cole (traditional carol; Nat King Cole’s version released in the 1960s, original carol dates back to 16th-century Wales)
  • Joy to the World by Nat King Cole (traditional carol; Nat King Cole’s version released in the 1960s, original written in 1719)
  • It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Perry Como (1951)
  • Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms (1957)
  • Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee (1958)
  • It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams (1963)
  • Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes (1963)
  • Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon (1971)
  • Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney (1979)
  • Walking in the Air by Peter Auty (1982, originally from The Snowman)
  • Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Band Aid (1984)
  • Last Christmas by Wham! (1984)
  • Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin’ Stevens (1985)
  • Carol of the Bells by John Williams (traditional; this arrangement is from Home Alone (1990), original composed in 1914)
  • Santa Claus Is Coming to Town by Michael Bublé (2011, though the song dates back to 1934)

I may have added more songs than I originally planned, but these are classic Christmas tracks. I’ve included some well-known tunes that are played on repeat during the season. Growing up, I remember these songs being everywhere. Back then, music was more communal: you had the radio and, later, TV. Families would gather to listen or watch scheduled playlists together. You couldn’t pause or replay them, so you had to catch them live.

Today, music feels more personal. With headphones and streaming services, public music has become less common. Streaming allows us to play songs on repeat, turning us into our own DJs. Algorithms create playlists tailored to individual tastes, trapping us in personal bubbles. Unlike in the past, when everyone was exposed to the same songs, the shared experience of loving—or hating—a popular tune is disappearing.

Honestly, that’s a shame. The music industry has changed drastically, shifting from the golden age of physical media to the dominance of streaming. Many of these songs have been covered countless times, often based on older carols. Streaming has even shaped music itself, making songs shorter and faster-paced.

Among the more recent hits, All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey (1994) is iconic. A modern favourite of mine is Snowman by Sia (2017)—it’s rather good. There are also Christmas covers in metal or rock styles, offering a fresh twist on traditional pop versions.

Lately, I’ve come to enjoy jazz at Christmas—it’s calming and refreshing. Examples include O Little Town of Bethlehem by Chris Botti or Oscar Peterson, both offering unique takes on this carol (originally written in 1868). Santa Claus Is Coming to Town by Bill Evans and a jazzy twist on Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery are equally brilliant.

Classic carols also have enduring appeal. O Holy Night (1847) and Jingle Bells (1857) are often covered. Carol of the Bells, with its Ukrainian origins, has become timeless. Once in Royal David’s City (1848) and Away in a Manger (1885) remind me of nativity plays, while The Twelve Days of Christmas (1780) is one I can never quite remember all the words to.

Some carols have ancient roots. The oldest I found is Jesus, Light of All the Nations, dating back to 4th-century France. It’s not widely known, and I’ve yet to find a modern performance. Another is The Friendly Beasts, a 12th-century tune still sung today, with a modern version written in 1920.

Modern interpretations, like A Mad Russian’s Christmas by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (1996), mix classical and rock. The band, oddly American, has loads of excellent Christmas-themed music. O Holy Night by Apocalyptica (2008), with its stunning use of violins, is soothing and relaxing.

Finally, I’ll mention Skating by Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965) from the Charlie Brown Christmas special and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (1892) from The Nutcracker. These remind me of Christmas theatre and festive imagination. For a fun twist, check out Don’t Shoot Me Santa by The Killers (2007) or Winter Lights by Ferran Leal (2020).

In total, this post features 34 songs. Thanks for reading—happy holidays or winter!

Today’s post is more light-hearted: my favourite popular Christmas music.
This will form part of a playlist. Apart from focusing on popular songs, I don’t have any strict rules. Last year, I made a playlist—which you can find here—with various rules attached. This year, I’m being more flexible, sharing thoughts and a bit of history. Below are some songs—you may recognise a few.

The list is sorted by release date, showcasing a mix of classics and newer songs:

  • Deck the Halls by Nat King Cole (traditional carol; Nat King Cole’s version released in the 1960s, original carol dates back to 16th-century Wales)
  • Joy to the World by Nat King Cole (traditional carol; Nat King Cole’s version released in the 1960s, original written in 1719)
  • It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Perry Como (1951)
  • Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms (1957)
  • Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee (1958)
  • It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams (1963)
  • Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes (1963)
  • Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon (1971)
  • Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney (1979)
  • Walking in the Air by Peter Auty (1982, originally from The Snowman)
  • Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Band Aid (1984)
  • Last Christmas by Wham! (1984)
  • Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin’ Stevens (1985)
  • Carol of the Bells by John Williams (traditional; this arrangement is from Home Alone (1990), original composed in 1914)
  • Santa Claus Is Coming to Town by Michael Bublé (2011, though the song dates back to 1934)

I may have added more songs than I originally planned, but these are classic Christmas tracks. I’ve included some well-known tunes that are played on repeat during the season. Growing up, I remember these songs being everywhere. Back then, music was more communal: you had the radio and, later, TV. Families would gather to listen or watch scheduled playlists together. You couldn’t pause or replay them, so you had to catch them live.

Today, music feels more personal. With headphones and streaming services, public music has become less common. Streaming allows us to play songs on repeat, turning us into our own DJs. Algorithms create playlists tailored to individual tastes, trapping us in personal bubbles. Unlike in the past, when everyone was exposed to the same songs, the shared experience of loving—or hating—a popular tune is disappearing.

Honestly, that’s a shame. The music industry has changed drastically, shifting from the golden age of physical media to the dominance of streaming. Many of these songs have been covered countless times, often based on older carols. Streaming has even shaped music itself, making songs shorter and faster-paced.

Among the more recent hits, All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey (1994) is iconic. A modern favourite of mine is Snowman by Sia (2017)—it’s rather good. There are also Christmas covers in metal or rock styles, offering a fresh twist on traditional pop versions.

Lately, I’ve come to enjoy jazz at Christmas—it’s calming and refreshing. Examples include O Little Town of Bethlehem by Chris Botti or Oscar Peterson, both offering unique takes on this carol (originally written in 1868). Santa Claus Is Coming to Town by Bill Evans and a jazzy twist on Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery are equally brilliant.

Classic carols also have enduring appeal. O Holy Night (1847) and Jingle Bells (1857) are often covered. Carol of the Bells, with its Ukrainian origins, has become timeless. Once in Royal David’s City (1848) and Away in a Manger (1885) remind me of nativity plays, while The Twelve Days of Christmas (1780) is one I can never quite remember all the words to.

Some carols have ancient roots. The oldest I found is Jesus, Light of All the Nations, dating back to 4th-century France. It’s not widely known, and I’ve yet to find a modern performance. Another is The Friendly Beasts, a 12th-century tune still sung today, with a modern version written in 1920.

Modern interpretations, like A Mad Russian’s Christmas by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (1996), mix classical and rock. The band, oddly American, has loads of excellent Christmas-themed music. O Holy Night by Apocalyptica (2008), with its stunning use of violins, is soothing and relaxing.

Finally, I’ll mention Skating by Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965) from the Charlie Brown Christmas special and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (1892) from The Nutcracker. These remind me of Christmas theatre and festive imagination. For a fun twist, check out Don’t Shoot Me Santa by The Killers (2007) or Winter Lights by Ferran Leal (2020).

In total, this post features 34 songs. Thanks for reading—happy holidays or winter!