The Magic of Christmas Music

There is no question that music plays a big part in our daily lives. We start our day with music in the car, background music at work, then more on the way home. Songs of all kinds pop up on the radio and remind us of our youth, a special event, or someone we know. There is no other holiday I'm aware of that has more songs, and more types of songs, devoted to it than Christmas. We used to sing them in school, sadly not so much anymore, in church and family gatherings. We hum them to ourselves as we sample the potential gifts on store shelves. The great thing about Christmas music is there’s something for everyone.

Religious Christmas Songs

Christmas is the most sacred of all Christian holidays. People who don’t attend church at any other time of year are often seen gracing the pews on Christmas Eve. Some of the greatest music ever written can be found in the lyrics and arrangements of songs like, “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Songs like these bring out the spiritual feelings that unfortunately lie dormant for much of the year. Religious songs tell stories such as, “We Three Kings” and “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem.” They remind us of the reason for the season.

Mainstream Christmas Songs

For those stores that wish to keep Christmas music non-secular, there are plenty of great songs to put shoppers in the mood to spend a couple bucks during the next two weeks. Everything from “Jingle Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” “Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer,” to “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” These songs also fill a vital role in getting folks in the Christmas Spirit. Although not religious songs, they are songs about being together, about being closer to each other. “The Christmas Song,” and “White Christmas” are timeless classics. They’re the songs we sing together in the car as a family on the way to Grandma’s house on Christmas Day.

Novelty Christmas Songs

What holiday would be complete without a few fun songs? Novelty songs are the ones that put a smile on our faces and a chuckle in our throats. The first novelty song I can remember as a kid was, “I Saw Mommy Kissin’ Santa Claus.” I remember hoping the song was about someone else’s mother. Alvin and the Chipmunks, “Christmas Don’t Be Late,” or “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth.” A Christmas staple would have to be, “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch.” Who could ever forget “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer?” One of the most famous Christmas songs of all time would have to be, “Frosty, The Snow Man.” Made famous by Gene Autry, the cowboy actor/singer of the 40’s and 50’s.

Some Final Thoughts

Christmas music is all encompassing. It makes us laugh, makes us cry, and makes us remember. I can’t even begin to imagine what Christmas would be like with no Christmas music. It’s as much a part of our lives as breathing. During this holiday there are musical selections to fit every age and taste. As “The Christmas Song,” by Mel Tormé says, “And so, I’m offering this simple phrase to kids from one to 92’. ‘Although it’s been said many times many ways, Merry Christmas to you.”