As the holiday season descends upon us, it’s time to unwrap the gift of music that fills the air with festive cheer.
Christmas songs have a unique ability to transport us to a winter wonderland of joy and nostalgia.
From timeless classics that have stood the test of time to modern hits that have become instant holiday anthems, the soundtrack of the season is as diverse as the ornaments on a Christmas tree.
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Jingle all the way: Classics that echo through time
No list of the best Christmas songs would be complete without the classics that have become synonymous with the holiday season.
Bing Crosby’s velvety voice crooning White Christmas remains a perennial favourite, capturing the essence of a picturesque snowy holiday. Frank Sinatra’s rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas continues to tug at heartstrings, providing a warm embrace of sentimentality.
The chipper jingle of bells in Jingle Bells and the playful whimsy of Frosty The Snowman bring a sense of childlike delight to the season.
These classics, handed down through generations, are the musical ornaments that adorn the Christmas tree of our collective memories.
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree: Modern hits that sleigh
While the classics maintain their enduring charm, the modern era has gifted us with a sleigh full of contemporary Christmas hits.
Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You has become a ubiquitous anthem that heralds the arrival of the holiday season. With its catchy melody and Carey’s powerhouse vocals, it’s no wonder this song has become a modern classic in its own right.
Michael Buble’s velvety smooth voice lends a timeless touch to holiday favourites such as It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. Buble’s Christmas albums have become a staple of festive playlists, adding a touch of sophistication to the holiday sound.
Ed Sheeran’s Perfect has also found its way into the hearts of many during the holiday season. With its romantic lyrics and melodic charm, it has become a popular choice for winter weddings and cosy Christmas celebrations.
A Down Under yuletide: Aussie Christmas tunes
While the sounds of jingle bells and snowfall may not resonate with the Australian experience, a plethora of homegrown Christmas songs has emerged, reflecting the unique blend of cultures and climates that define the land Down Under.
A beloved classic is Christmas Photo by John Williamson. This heartwarming song captures the essence of an Australian Christmas, focusing on family, friends, and the joy of sharing the holiday season together.
Paul Kelly’s How To Make Gravy is an Australian Christmas classic that adds a soulful touch to festive playlists.
Released in 1996, this iconic song narrates a letter from a man named Joe, incarcerated during the holiday season, sharing his secret gravy recipe with his family. Kelly’s emotive storytelling and the song’s timeless melody make it a must-have for any Aussie Christmas gathering.
Colin Buchanan and Greg Champion’s rendition of Carol Of The Birds is a delightful addition to the Australian Christmas music repertoire.
The enchanting tune, combined with its lyrical celebration of the natural beauty that defines the Australian landscape, makes Carol Of The Birds a cherished piece for those seeking to infuse their holiday season with a touch of local charm and a connection to the country’s rich biodiversity.
Spotify has compiled a playlist of some more great Australian Christmas songs from Christine Anu, Jessica Mauboy, Delta Goodrem, Guy Sebastian, Adam Brand and Katie Noonan.
Sleigh ride through genres: Diverse sounds of the season
The beauty of Christmas music lies in its ability to transcend genres, offering something for everyone. From the soulful sounds of Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song to the country twang of Dolly Parton’s Hard Candy Christmas, the diversity of Christmas songs mirrors the tapestry of our holiday experiences.
For those seeking a modern pop twist, Taylor Swift’s Christmas Tree Farm paints a nostalgic picture of holiday memories on a tree farm.
Meanwhile, Pentatonix’s acapella renditions of Christmas classics showcase the power of vocal harmonies to capture the spirit of the season.
A symphony of holiday joy
As the streets are adorned with twinkling lights, the best Christmas songs serve as the soundtrack to our yuletide festivities.
Whether you find comfort in the classics that have weathered the years or prefer the modern beats that add a contemporary flair to the season, the magic of Christmas music is a unifying force that brings people together in joy and celebration.
So, let the melodies of the season fill the air, and may your holidays be merry and bright.