by TISH MELTON
At age 7, I spent the holiday season anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus, chowing down on sugar cookies, crafting ornaments for my relatives and watching The Polar Express at my elementary school class’ holiday party. The magic tied to this time of year was almost tangible, and I spent every waking moment anticipating the thrill of Christmas Eve and the presents I would receive on Christmas morning (I was always on the “nice list”). Although times have clearly changed, and I now spend the weeks leading up to holiday break studying for finals (cough cough AP Stats), one aspect of the holiday season has remained consistent throughout all the years and all the Christmases: music. I’d like to share some of my holiday favorites that always end up on my seasonal Spotify playlists.
“The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)”: Nat King Cole
The classic of all classics, this simple, sweet, piano-driven Christmas song has to be my favorite. The cozy feel established from the first line persists throughout the song, creating an ambiance of comfort. (“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire / jack frost nipping at your nose.”) Emphasizing the magic cultivated through the community during a season as special as Christmastime, The Christmas Song serves as a gentle reminder that all we need is each other, and magic can be found wherever you search for it. (“Now I’m offering this simple phrase, to kids from one to 92, although its been said, many times, many ways: Merry Christmas, to you.”)
You can’t listen to this song without wanting to sit by the fire with someone you love drinking a steaming hot cup of cocoa, which is why it’s my favorite; that, to me, is what Christmas is all about.
“Happy Xmas (War is Over)”: John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Written by Beatles legend John Lennon and artist Yoko Ono, this song is a gut-wrenching take on the undeniable patterns of violence that we face each year, which remains very relevant today. Lennon’s most popular Christmas song leaves you with a pit in your stomach and an altered perspective on what peace is and how it can be achieved. With a chorus of children chanting throughout (“War is over, if you want it, war is over now”), Lennon reminds the listener that peace is within our control.
This song was originally written as a commentary on the Vietnam War during the 1970s and has stood the test of time, still applicable to the violence we face today. Lennon leaves you with a note of hope, knowing that this year may be better than the one before (“A very Merry Christmas / and a happy New Year / Let’s hope it’s a good one / Without any fear”).
“Last Christmas”: Wham
A certified holiday bop, Last Christmas is a definite favorite of mine. The lyrics are brutally honest and petty, touching on feelings and experiences that all people–from fans in the 1980s to TikTok users now–can easily relate to. (“Last Christmas, I gave you my heart / but the very next day, you gave it away / This year, to save me some tears / I’ll give it to someone special.”)
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Phoebe Bridgers (Cover)
If your vibe is less of a magical, elf-infiltrated Christmas and more of a blue, gloomy holiday, I would recommend this cover. The already melancholy song paired with Phoebe Bridgers’ piercing vocals create a hauntingly beautiful rendition of this classic song. Despite the sad undertones of the song, Bridgers’ voice never fails to create a cozy feel, making this cover a perfect addition to your holiday playlist.
The Mainsheet 