10 Best Christmas Songs (Part 1)
- Nov 20, 2017
- 3 min read
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Seriously, this was a hard list to narrow down, but definitely got me into the Christmas spirit! And what better mood than MUSIC!
In no particular order, here's some holiday tunes.
1. White Christmas
The classic, and wonderful, 1941 song by Irving Berlin and most famously sung by Bing Crosby. This song conveys the feelings of warmth and nostalgia. The image of a white Christmas isn't something that many people around the experience. The lyrics of the song aren't even very long.
But that's the thing about Christmas, isn't it? It's not the grand gesture; it's the little details and memories and feelings of the season that count. Hope and love, friends and family. That's what we're all really dreaming about.
2. Frosty the Snowman
Magic and childhood fun! Written by Walter Rollins and Steve Nelson in 1950, this song captures the innocence and wonder of childhood. It's easy enough to get lost in the to-dos of the season, but "Frosty" is a reminder of the fun that is in new experiences.
Originally written after the success of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Frosty" just wants to enjoy the little time he knows he has. Through the subsequent films made, Frosty has been seen as a jovial character, brought to life through Christmas magic. A friend to all children, the song captures how we should all take to each moment whole-heartedly.
3. Silent Night
Written in Austria by Father Joseph Mohr and first performed for a Christmas Eve service in 1818, "Silent Night", or rather "Stille Nacht" is known as a soft rendering of the night Jesus Christ was born.
The music that originally was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber was a much faster beat, set in moderato. This song has become internationally recognized, not just for it's lyrics but for it's melody. It conveys a stillness and calm that is used to represent night, peace, and the eternal promise from faith.
4. Jingle Bells
"One Horse Open Sleigh" was written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont. It is quick and fun and doesn't have much to do with Christmas or anything in particular. It almost has no purpose, and that's okay!
'Tis the season for silly stories and gatherings and fun. For the time that it was written, a sleigh ride would be much like a ride in the car. Nowadays, it's seen as a symbolic gesture, traditions and vintage beauty. Listening to this song is sure to make everyone feel nothing but joy!
5. The Christmas Song
I love that this song wasn't written as a song. It was more of a writing exercise, and it conveys so much of what Christmas means, by expressing just that. Written by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé in 1946, and sung by Nat King Cole, "The Christmas Song" literally states everything that is wonderful about this time of year.
When the words Chestnuts roasting on the open fire... starts sounding, it's impossible to get the visual of warmth and children and winter out mind. Even if you don't have the typical Christmas setting, this is the kind of song that makes things go from any kind of chaotic and allows you to just slow down.
Ah, Christmas! What's not to love?
Part Two ...coming soon!
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