Madalyn Godfrey/Fourth Estate
Having trouble feeling holly and jolly? Check out these four Christmas staples to get you in the spirit
BY MADALYN GODFREY, COPY EDITOR
Now that Thanksgiving is over, the time has finally arrived when Christmas music can be played anytime. While in years past, it seemed that Christmas music started playing before Halloween–a travesty in itself–I feel that this year has been different. There seems to be a lack of Christmas music despite officially being in December.
Don’t get me wrong. I used to hate Christmas music, especially when it was played before Thanksgiving. Over the years, just like the Grinch, my heart grew and softened quite a bit, becoming a little bit more welcoming to the Christmas spirit; however, now that it is past Thanksgiving, I can’t help but notice where the Christmas music has gone and realize how much the music does help with feeling the Christmas spirit.
If you are like me and notice a lack of music causing a lack of Christmas spirit, here are four songs to get you back into feeling holly and jolly.
1. “Last Christmas” by Wham!
When it comes to Christmas music, you have to have a build-up. You can’t just go straight into Bing Cosby and expect to become immersed in the Christmas spirit immediately. You have to have fun first. You have to dance a little. Let the Christmas spirit enter through 80s synth-pop, specifically through “Last Christmas” by Wham!.
When the Christmas season rolls around, there’s always a tinge of sadness associated but it is also a season filled with hope and moving on and going forward. George Michael encapsulates these elements through the lyrics and the instrumentals of “Last Christmas.” The song allows listeners to recognize the heartbreaks that occur in the Christmas season but gives them the ability to dance anyway, hoping that next year will be better. Once we can recognize the bitter moments and learn to dance anyway, the Christmas spirit begins to infiltrate.
2. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé
After awakening the mind to dance through the bitterness, the ability to notice the beauty of the Christmas season follows. There’s no better way to see this beauty than by listening to “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” While technically, any version of the song could work, I believe the Michael Bublé cover is the best.
Known for his polished and classical jazz-blended vocals, Bublé’s voice creates a timeless feeling of nostalgia with a hint of charismatic charm to the song. His voice evokes the beauty of the song and leads listeners to visualize while creating a cozy, festive mood that is sure to allow anyone to feel the Christmas spirit as the Christmas season unfolds.
3. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by The Jackson 5
The Christmas season is not only a time for reminiscing and beauty but it is also a time for whimsical playfulness, which The Jackson 5 encapsulates through “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” With such a lively tempo channeling child-like wonder, the festive cheers of the Christmas season are heartened. Additionally, through the family appeal of The Jackson 5, their togetherness transcends their artistry into how the Christmas season intertwines with family.
What truly makes the song one to settle anyone into the Christmas spirit is the childlike imagination of the season. Although, as listeners, we know that Santa Claus referred to in the song is supposed to be the dad; however, when we sing along, we match the childhood belief that there is a Santa Claus. Keeping hold of childhood beliefs such as Santa Claus creates the Christmas spirit and only causes the spirit to grow stronger.
4. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey
To wrap up the list of Christmas songs, it would be shameful not to throw out one of the most popular songs of the Christmas season, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. Love or hate the song, the Christmas spirit lives deeply within it. As someone who used to be annoyed whenever the song would come on, whether in stores, the radio or even on TV, those feelings all changed when accepting the catchiness of the song and having fun loudly singing it.
The acceptance of the appeal to “All I Want for Christmas is You” and having fun being loud with singing and declaring your enjoyment over the song is what truly allows the Christmas spirit to take you over completely at full force. It is not the song that gets you into the Christmas spirit but rather the acceptance of enjoying the Christmas season and not holding back on the joys of the season.
