Special Report
Musical Humbug
Sleigh bells and snowmen and un-Christmas carols.
Mike Huckabee was doing an audience-participation segment on his Fox News Channel program last week when he was asked to name his favorite Christmas carol. “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” he answered. Then he asked his questioner to name her favorite Christmas carol.
“Winter Wonderland!” she answered cheerfully.
Huckabee smiled and said he liked the song, too. But surely the former Baptist minister must have been thinking the same thing I was thinking: “Winter Wonderland” is not a Christmas carol.
There is not a single reference to Christmas in the entire song. Snow, yes. Sleigh bells, yes. Christmas, no. Written in 1934 by Richard Smith and Felix Bernard, “Winter Wonderland” is a typical example of 20th-century “holiday” songs that have nothing to do with Christmas.
The same can be said for Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” (1949). Originally an instrumental hit for the Boston Pops, “Sleigh Ride” shares with “Winter Wonderland” the theme of a romantic outing in the snow. Romance is also central to another mid-20th-century holiday favorite, “Let It Snow!” Written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, it became a No. 1 hit for Vaughn Monroe in 1946, but for seductive insinuation, it’s hard to beat Dean Martin’s 1959 version.
Snuggling by the fireside might spark feelings of good cheer, but there’s no mention of Christmas in “Let It Snow!” either. Yet it joins “Sleigh Ride” and “Winter Wonderland” in the Top 10 of ASCAP’s list of most popular holiday songs.
The insipid “Frosty the Snowman” (1950) ranks No. 16 on the ASCAP list, but says not a single word about Christmas. Neither does the word “Christmas” appear anywhere in the lyrics of Perry Como’s 1954 hit, “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays,” ranked No. 22 by ASCAP.
These 20th-century pop concoctions belong to a genre of innocuous winter music created by James Pierpont, who in 1857 penned a tune he titled “One Horse Open Sleigh,” better known as “Jingle Bells,” another holiday classic that doesn’t mention Christmas. (Nor, for that matter, is there any reference to Christmas in Bobby Helm’s 1957 rockabilly hit, “Jingle Bell Rock.”)
YOU CAN GO PRETTY DEEP into the seasonal music catalog without encountering anything that would offend an ACLU lawyer. Progressing beyond the sleigh-and-snow variety of what might be called “un-Christmas carols,” we come to another cluster of tunes that focus on the Christmas season in a sort of festive holly-and-mistletoe way. “Silver Bells” (1951), “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (1961), and “Holly Jolly Christmas” (1962) are of this variety, as is “The Christmas Song” (1944), famed for its opening line, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”
Next come a trio of favorites — “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1944), “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” (1943) and, of course, “White Christmas” (1942) — which owe much of their sentimental value to their World War II-era origins, tugging at the heartstrings of folks on the home front as they remembered GI sons and sweethearts far away. If you want a “Greatest Generation” Christmas, those have to be high on your list.
A musical journey toward the heart of Christmas would not be complete without a nod to Santa Claus songs, the most famous being “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1948), “Here Comes Santa Claus” (1947) and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” (1934). The jolly old elf also features prominently in humorous holiday hits like “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” (1952), “Santa Baby” (1953) and “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” (1978).
Rock ‘n’ roll has made some catchy contributions to the season’s soundtrack, including Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and Chuck Berry’s “Run, Run Rudolph,” both from 1958. Owing perhaps to the music’s blues roots, many rock Christmas tunes tend toward themes of loneliness and heartache. In addition to the Elvis Presley hit “Blue Christmas” (originally recorded by Ernest Tubb in 1948), there is also “Please Come Home for Christmas” (a previously obscure 1960 tune boosted to classic status by the Eagles’ 1978 remake) and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” that Phil Spector had in mind for wife Ronnie and the Ronettes, but which ended up being recorded by Darlene Love in 1963 with Spector’s famous “Wall of Sound” production style.
In their post-Beatles careers, John Lennon and Paul McCartney made their characteristic additions to classic-rock Christmas rotations. The Cute One’s saccharine 1979 “Wonderful Christmastime” is bouncy and forgettable, while Lennon’s 1971 “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” remains poignant, despite the background warbling of Yoko Ono.
Rock aficionados can also enjoy the innovative Yuletide instrumentals of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which is to Mannheim Steamroller what Pink Floyd is to Neil Sedaka. Bob Geldof’s 1984 “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” serves mainly as a nostalgic souvenir for fans of British New Wave — Duran Duran! Bananarama! Culture Club! — while inspiring the rest of us with gratitude that Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Burl Ives never thought of famine relief as a holiday theme.
A couple of years ago, somebody noticed that there hasn’t been a genuine Christmas hit written in the past three decades. Every once in a while, a clever remake — Bruce Springsteen’s version of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” or John Mellencamp’s version of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” — will carve out a spot in the radio playlists, but in terms of entirely new tunes, it’s been a long time since America’s songwriters added anything memorable to the holidays.
About the Author
Robert Stacy McCain is co-author (with Lynn Vincent) of Donkey Cons: Sex, Crime, and Corruption in the Democratic Party (Nelson Current). He blogs at The Other McCain.
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Appleby| 12.15.08 @ 7:01AM
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas was made, er, notorious in a movie called The Victors, about the post-war mop-up overseas; in one early-morning scene they are taking a spy out to be shot in the show, with that song playing in the background.
It has given me a certain moody pleasure since then.
Melvin Leppla| 12.15.08 @ 7:11AM
After recently traveling abroad during the Christmas season, I have observed the United States is the only country that doesn't celebrate Christmas. Asia celebrates Christmas, Europe celebrates Christmas, as well as other countries.
Asia has Jews and Muslims, Europe has Jews and Muslims, and other countries have Jews and Muslims and my personal observations did not see one Jew or Muslim writhing in agony upon the in fear of going to Jewish or Islamic hell for celebrating Christmas.
So what is the deal America? Why must we enter into this long dissertation of the analysis, of the inclusiveness over Christmas year after year after year? This dissection of Christmas is stupid and moronic because we are the only country that refuses itself the enjoyment of Christmas.
The celebration of Christmas is many things to many people, it is up to the individual and family in how they choose to celebrate, but this is a classic example when this Country has educated elitists with political power to force their personal political views upon the masses.
Here is a bit of advise to the Supervisors of Armonk, NY. You want Christmas to be inclusive of Jews and Muslims. Here's a new flash for you. No one has ever said that Jews and Muslims couldn't be included, and by the way Jews and Muslims have been celebrating Christmas alongside the Christians hundreds of years before you decided to stick your pointy nose into it and ruin Christmas.
frost| 12.15.08 @ 8:06AM
Methinks thou protests too much, even though there's some tongue-in-cheek (makes it hard to sing...). Besides, driving home from a dinner last night, found myself singing along with McCartney that (admittedly) dippy song of his. Relax, enjoy!
Joe Strader| 12.15.08 @ 8:46AM
You forgot to mention the great "Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk this Christmas)" 1964 by the late John Denver. I used to hang out in a small town pool hall frequented by the local drunks and such and this was indeed the most popular song on the jukebox during the holidays. Alan Jackson has a pretty good cover but it is hard to beat the original.
Roger| 12.15.08 @ 9:32AM
Well, at least in some places there is a huge "Sing-a-long" version of Handel's Messiah performed. This will take you from prophecy, to birth, to death, to resurrection, to the gathering together. You can't get much more complete than that.
Laurey Boyd| 12.15.08 @ 9:33AM
It can be much worse. While listening to Prairie Home Companion on Saturday night, we heard Garrison Keillor opine repeatedly that the dweebs in Lake Woebegone made too much of Christmas. Then a musical guest sang "In the Bleak Midwinter" with no reference to Christ or the circumstances of his birth at all. No, it was about families traveling to Washington, D.C. to see you know who inaugurated. Also, the holiday tradition of "drinking coffee". What lyrics! They didn't just leave Christ out. They replaced him with someone more regal. Without the humble mystery of the incarnation to elevate, the song was stripped of its power. The overt omission was the theme. It left a pall on us that reminded us why we had stopped listening to NPR.
Vern Crisler | 12.15.08 @ 9:48AM
Come on on Robert! Complaining about Christmas songs that don't mention Christ makes about as much sense as complaining about Santa. The only song I don't want to hear, mainly because I've heard it so many times, is Feliz Navidad. Whenever I hear the music start, I run screaming out of the department store. Other than that, I welcome all, or at least most, Christmas songs. Bring on the elves, Rudolph, Santa, and White Christmas! “The Evangelium,” said Tolkien, “has not abrogated legends; it has hallowed them.”
J David| 12.15.08 @ 9:52AM
Bah, Humbug!
John M.| 12.15.08 @ 9:55AM
My wife and I were talking about this just this past weekend, and we both thought "The Little Drummer Boy" was a nice Christmas carol that not only mentions the "reason for the season" but can get to you emotionally if you really listen to the lyrics.
Michael Dooley| 12.15.08 @ 9:56AM
I love Christmas and nearly everything about it. I don't see any purpose in getting all superior about it. Oh, I could do without the guilt trips with hands outstreached for my money. I could do without the self-righteous, secular scolds telling me what the REAL meaning of Christmas is. (guess what it isn't) I could also do without the bozos on the evening new all telling me that the economy will tank if I don't buy more doo-dads for Christmas.
Still, I love Christmas. Just realize that the day has no meaning if it is anything less that Chistocentric. All else about Christmas are just minor tangents. They may be good tangents; but they are just shadows.
Oh, don't fall for that "put Christ back in Xmas" nonsense. As if you could! You wouldn't and didn't do it then; you can't do it now. Let God be God.
Gordon R. Durand | 12.15.08 @ 10:18AM
"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," based on the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, is my current favorite. It's probably never been popular among Southerners, but the last verse ought now to reassure all conservatives:
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
david Mills| 12.15.08 @ 10:22AM
There is one song--one song only that sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard and its' play is forbidden in my home. It's that "partridge in a pear tree" travesty. Man, I hate that song!
WendyG| 12.15.08 @ 10:38AM
I like "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" - but I'm Jewish, so what do I know? :)
I can tell you this. Last week I was a "Secret Santa" for a family in need that I will never meet. A friend (Jewish!) recruited me to by an outfit for a 12-year-old boy. Though I don't celebrate Christmas, it gave me great pleasure to know that some kid's Christmas might be a little happper and more fun because of my gift. It's important to give a little to others. No matter how bad things might seem, it ALWAYS feels good to give to others.
By the way, re: my comment about Jews and Christmas songs - it's astounding how many Christmas songs were written by Jews. Here is a partial list.
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Do They Know It's Christmas? (Feed the World)
Santa Baby
Holly Jolly Christmas
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Silver Bells
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Sleigh Ride
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
White Christmas
Tom Kelley| 12.15.08 @ 12:50PM
I would prefer "Mary's Boy Child", it has all the lessons of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" ,
yet is much more upbeat. I was belting out a chorus or two this morning on my way to work.
Don't think I could do that with God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.
ddc| 12.15.08 @ 1:29PM
This is typical christianist elitism. If you celebrate christmas your not doing right, if you don't your un-american because this is a christian country. Either way they want your tax money to fund their religious decorations.
Now I need to pack my bags so that "I'll be home for Christmas."
trurl| 12.15.08 @ 2:31PM
Let's not forget the deeply ironic Anti-carol. There was Jethro Tull's "Christmas Song" which was basically a continuation of the anti-organised religion/hypocrisy kick Ian Anderson was on at the time of the Aqualung album, and more famously Greg Lake's "I Believe In Father Christmas" which still gets airplay around the holidays just proving that no one actually listens to lyrics like
"They sold me a dream of Christmas
They sold me a silent night
And they told me a fairy story
till I believed in the Israelite"
and concludes with
"Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell
The Christmas you get, you deserve" as Prokofiev's Sleigh Ride plays in the background.
kcb| 12.15.08 @ 2:36PM
To argue the author's point that no new truly Christmas song has been penned in the last three decades, I suggest he listen the Clint Black's "The Birth of the King" -- beautiful! There is also "Mary Did You Know" sung by countless artists over the past years -- my favorite is Kenny Rogers and Winona Judd. There are many others, especially in the Contemporary Christian Music Genre. They're out there, but they're just not "poplular." But, my all-time favorite is "O Holy Night."
CoolCzech| 12.15.08 @ 7:28PM
What, no "Little Drummer Boy"??? It DOES mention Jesus, AND is hauntingly beautiful yet merry all at once.
Eica Brigid| 12.15.08 @ 8:20PM
I listen to National Public Radio. It is the only place where you can hear the GENUINE Christmas Carols.
mj| 12.15.08 @ 8:50PM
One other non-Christmas carol comes to mind, Martin Mull's "Santa Doesn't Cop Out on Dope."
Gary| 12.16.08 @ 12:55PM
What? No "Merry Christmas Darling" by the Carpenters. It's from a nice Christmas album they recorded which includes both religious & secular tunes. And Karen's voice!
Astro| 12.16.08 @ 1:17PM
WendyG -- interesting list. So many Christmas songs written by Jews, you'd think the guy they were celebrating was Jewish himself.
Oh, wait a sec...
JAZZ| 12.16.08 @ 4:15PM
ddc.
First of all, there is nothing Christian about Americans. They are about the most blood thirsty nation on earth.
They spend more money on massacres around the world than on their own people's education health care, and housing.
There is more dope dealers, drug addicts, prostitutes, pimps, murders, child molesters, homosexuals. Than any where else on the PLANET. So don't confuse Christianity with devil worshipers.
Jessica| 12.25.08 @ 2:02AM
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is my favorite Christmas Carol too!
It has it all. It's religious, yet jolly, it's English, I love it!
I highly, highly recommend the Bare Naked Ladies and Sarah McLaughlin medley of God Rest Ye and Star of Wonder, just excellent "new" Christmas music.
Yi-Peng Li| 11.29.10 @ 12:01AM
Well done for your appraisal of Christmas music. I think it's a great, well-balanced assessment of the different kinds of songs that we hear at Christmas.
The "non-carol pops" (i.e. Santa, Rudolph, Silver Bells, etc.) have their place, but they leave a certain horrible empty feeling in you. So that's where the traditional carols come in. The only thing is that we seem to mix them up with the secular non-carol pops.
The no-nonsense arrangements of Silent Night are winners, together with the indelible David Willcocks arrangements of Hark! the herald-angels sing and O come, all ye faithful. There are descants in these two hymns that just send you soaring up through the atmosphere. And who could fail to be moved by the chorister who starts the service by singing Once in royal David's city?
At least Christmas should offer us the chance to hear the King's College Lessons & Carols service...