So what are your favorite Christmas songs? Even for people who love things new, modern, influencer-recommended, current, or faddish, Christmas rings of nostalgia, hanabata days, and personal traditions. Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, even Mariah Carey… which do you savor most at this time of year?
Today let’s sprinkle some seasoning sounds to the season in which we all allegedly smile a bit more and relish time with family and friends. Check out this short list of Christmas songs from the past 55 years that are always part of my holiday playlist alongside more traditional Christmas hits:
“Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano (1970). Feliciano, also known for his stirring, soulful, Hispanic-flair rendition of The Doors’ “Light My Fire”, apparently penned this song while homesick. It’s repetitive, catchy chorus and mixture of Spanish and English makes it a festive, holiday singalong treat.
“I Believe In Father Christmas”- Greg Lake (1975). Lake was the vocalist for progressive rockers Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and this anti-holiday-commercialism tale (according to Lake) summed up what’s so right and so wrong about the holiday season. It remains a seasonal gem. Lyricist Pete Sinfield countered Lake’s song meaning claim by stating that the song was about lost innocence and youthful beliefs. Either way, it works.
“White Is The Winter Night”- Enya (2008). A beautiful slice of winter’s wonders sung by Ireland’s enigmatic singer/composer. Enya perfectly captures so many different flavors and feelings of the season; this is the best of the many wintry creations she has blessed us with over the years. A feel good song for the ages, with a rich Christmas-y chorus.
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”- John Lennon (1971). Written alongside Yoko Ono, this anti-(Vietnam) war song co-mingled with Lennon’s happy Christmas exhortation- quite the seasonal dichotomy. Lennon preached “social unity and peaceful change” (Smooth Radio) throughout his lifetime. The first stanza inspires: “So this is Christmas/ And what have you done/ Another year over/ And a new one just begun”. A reminder to stay active and stay passionate, peeps.
Also, sprinkle these for fun (yes, there are tons more) onto your classic, holiday egg-noggy setlist: “Little Saint Nick” (The Beach Boys), “Getting Ready For Christmas Day” (Paul Simon), “Christmas in Hollis” (Run-D.M.C.), “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” (Bruce Springsteen)” and the amazing 1999 chicken skin version of “O Holy Night” by Lahaina’s own, Willie K, my personal favorite.
Think about it…