It’s that time of the year. In the stores, in the car, on TV. Christmas songs are everywhere. Some people love this and think that Christmas songs are a huge part of the holiday. At the same time, one can experience Christmas music overload, especially with the repetition of some iconic songs. Eye of the Gale asked students and staff about the seasonal songs they love and those that they loathe.
Lancaster High School senior Sofia Seesholtz said that she has two favorite holiday songs.
“‘Carol of the Bells’ – I just like the fast melody and almost monotone pitch, it’s always been my favorite. Or John Lennon’s ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over).’ It’s not just beautiful but also foreboding and almost ominous. ‘Carol of the Bells’ is a general song about Christmas and the joy of the holidays, but according to some research I did, the original song (different lyrics, less Christmas-y) was written in Ukrainian by Mykola Leontovych. His version was to bless the home for the new year, to bring good fortune,” said Seesholtz.
Like Seesholtz, LHS freshman Tucker Shadd also likes Lennon’s ‘Happy Xmas’ for historic reasons.
“It’s a message aimed at the Vietnam War, which was going on at the time it was released. It advocates for peace and change,” he said.
LHS junior Matthew Browning said he particularly enjoys hearing one that reminds him of the joys of the season.
“‘Wonderful Christmastime’ by Paul McCartney because it’s just a very happy song that isn’t heard everywhere. Enjoy the simplicity of the Christmas season and your family,” he said.
But LHS guidance counselor January Almaguer isn’t tapping her toes when she hears McCartney’s familiar Christmas song.
“The synthesizer sounds like he is just playing around on a kid’s Casio keyboard. The lyrics are silly and pointless,” she said.
Junior Taylor Randolph said that her favorite Christmas song is a Catholic hymnal that she learned in school.
“‘Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence’ (a catholic hymnal we’re also doing in choir! But I liked it before that) specifically the Craig Courtney SATB arrangement because it’s just such a beautiful and melodic piece. It’s very calming one second and then it bubbles beautifully into a gorgeous yet chilling, dark harmony,” said Randolph.
LHS senior Noah Weldon said that he prefers Christmas songs that appeal to more untraditional tastes.
“Trans-Siberian Orchestra is my ABSOLUTE favorite. As a rock enthusiast, – making Christmas sound like a boss battle for Santa is absolute peak. A very untraditional-sounding Christmas song, but I think that’s what makes it stand out and give Christmas songs some flavor,” he said.
There are other reasons why some listeners loathe holiday music at this time of year.
“‘All I want for Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey; because of its over-commercialization and overplayed nature,” said Browning.
In recent years, what was once considered an oldie-but-goodie romantic song has actually become a controversial Christmas song. According to an NPR article, ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ contains lyrics that suggest male manipulation. The song is a duet about a man and woman on a date. The young woman wants to get home so that her parents won’t worry, but the man begs her to stay with him.
“The call and response duet has a female voice trying to tear herself away from her date in myriad ways: ‘I’ve got to go away . . . Hey, what’s in this drink?’ And finally, ‘The answer is no’” (Held).
The song, written in 1944 and winning an Oscar for best original song in 1947, has since been banned on many radio stations as the song is said to be sexist and offensive to women (Held).
Politics aside, some Christmas music undoubtedly has the power to evoke a sense of nostalgia. According to Psychology Today, the winter holidays are often about remembering, recalling the warm memories of family, childhood, and Christmases past (Hyman).
Eye of the Gale leaves readers with this Christmas Song message: As some “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” belting out “Jingle Bells” and hoping “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” with something better than socks, try not to fret if dreaming of a “White Christmas” while “Frosty the Snowman” melts in the yard next week. Here’s to “Feliz Navidad” and “Joy to the World.” May there be “Sleigh Ride” vibes, “Holly Jolly Christmas” energy, “Deck the Halls” chaos, and a “Blue Christmas” only if the Wi-Fi goes out.
