One of my favorite components of the Christmas season is the timeless music. But what makes a holiday song endure?
Why is it that people can enjoy “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” every single year without getting tired of it?
In my mind, whether a song will remain popular or not comes down mainly to the meaning of the lyrics.
Here is a list of songs I think have staying power and why, followed by a list of songs I think could be destined to join the ugly tie you bought your uncle last year.
1. “O Holy Night”: staying power.
Yes, it is an old one. It may be located in the cobwebby section of the hymnal, but it is still there. “O Holy Night” can often be heard around the last pages of the calendar, reminding us of God’s holiness and that people can trust Jesus to give their souls worth.
2. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: staying power.
An unexpectedly poignant song, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” teaches the importance of respecting all kinds of people. Not all people may look or act the same, but they still have talents and reasons for existence.
3. “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”: staying power.
A Christmas song of praise, “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” will likely last the ages because of its firm substance. It is a deep song about glorifying God and appreciating his mercy because Jesus reconciled between God and sinful man.
4. “Santa Baby”: not going to last.
Maybe I’ve missed something, but I always get the idea that the whole point of “Santa Baby” is … nothing. There does not seem to be a shred of deeper story or emotion than a woman who wants to fluff Santa’s ego so she will have gifts under her tree.
5. “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”: not going to last.
Oh, joy. Now I can add the fear of being hit by an oncoming reindeer to the phobias of holiday traffic, being trampled on Black Friday, tangled Christmas lights and having to actually eat fruitcake to avoid being rude. I am trying to forget grandma’s fate as soon as possible.
Songs come and go through the Christmas season. Some of them will probably still be popular in a hundred years, while others may not make it into the next decade. I just hope people remember to think about the deeper meaning of the yuletide carols they love, and on that musical note, everyone can go back to stringing popcorn and wassailing.
