The Christmas season brings lots of joy and excitement each year; many people look forward to decorating their Christmas tree, buying presents for loved ones, and attending Christmas parties with families and friends. And of course, what would the holiday season be without the classic Christmas music that accompanies our favorite traditions? Typically, these festive tunes bring additional enjoyment to this time of year; however, there are certain songs that just… fall short. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, these are my personal (possibly hot) takes on some well-known Christmas songs.Â
- Hit: “Last Christmas” by Wham!
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“Last Christmas” is arguably one of the greatest Christmas songs of all time. It is timeless; incredibly catchy, relatable, and nostalgic. It is unique as it has a less traditional Christmas sound, which makes it relevant and applicable year-round, setting it apart from many other Christmas songs. Overall, I have no critiques of this song; it is perfect in my eyes.
- Miss: “The 12 Days of Christmas” by Various Artists
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“The 12 Days of Christmas” has been around for quite some time; it is one of the more enduring Christmas carols. While it is no doubt a classic, I find that the repetition gets old and the sound gets boring; by the end, it feels like the song has dragged on forever. Compared to other Christmas songs, I can definitely do without this one.
- Hit: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra
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A lot can be said for the impact of nostalgia; “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is one of those songs that invokes such strong nostalgic feelings for me. Sinatra’s voice brings a certain sense of peace, and the song feels like a crackling fireplace on a snowy night. This song always makes me feel grateful for the holiday season.
- Miss: “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevy
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While I don’t hate this song, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” is not a song that I really enjoy. The high-pitched, childlike vocals come off as annoying to me, and I don’t feel that the song has much substance to it. I definitely believe that there are better Christmas songs out there.
- Hit: “Do They Know It’s Christmas (1984 Version)” by Band Aid
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“Do They Know It’s Christmas (1984 Version)” is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever. The collaboration of so many iconic voices in music is incredible, and the fact that the song was written with the goal of positive social change makes it so much more meaningful. It is a beautiful song with a large cultural impact, making it a particularly special Christmas song.
- Miss: “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt
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This may or may be controversial, but I do not love “Santa Baby.” While I don’t think it is the worst, I do think there are far better Christmas songs. I just find it quite repetitive and I am not a huge fan of the extreme emphasis on materialism. Overall, just not my personal favorite Christmas tune.
- Hit: “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson
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I absolutely love “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson; it brings me so much happiness. I think it is one of the best original Christmas songs of the 2010s. It is super upbeat and catchy, and Clarkson’s voice is truly flawless. It is an undeniably feel-good song that spreads such positive Christmas vibes to all, making it a modern Christmas classic in my opinion.
- Hit: “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” Live by Bruce Springsteen
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Last but certainly not least is Bruce Springsteen’s rendition of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” Springsteen is a simply iconic figure in the music industry, and it is awesome to hear his cover of this classic Christmas song. The joy in this version of the song is palpable, and the interactive aspect of it really gets the listener in the Christmas spirit.