The title of the very first Christmas song ever composed is debated, but historians believe it to likely be “Angels Hymn” from 2 AD or Latin Hymns from the 4th century. “The Angels Hymn” was composed by St. Telephorus from Rome, but its lyrics are likely lost (unlike the aforementioned Latin hymns). This is all to say that, historically speaking, we have had Christmas music for likely 2023 years or more.
When one asks the question “What is the best Christmas song?” many contemporaries may come to mind: from the likes of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” to Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby” or even classic songs like “Blue Christmas” by Elvis. I believe that there are many good Christmas songs, so here are the top 5, in my opinion.
#5 – “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
While not my favorite Christmas song, I think this is a classic, and the list wouldn’t be complete without it. It’s the best-selling Christmas song ever and is, admittedly, very catchy. It is well written, and Carey’s vocals are impressive, to say the least. The only reason it’s not higher on the list is because I feel that it’s so terribly overplayed, and I feel horrible for all the retail employees every year who have to hear the song nonstop, all day.
#4 – “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé
Although it’s also overplayed, I like this song just a slight bit better than the latter. I really enjoy the original version, recorded by Perry Como in 1951, but Michael Bublé’s vocals only work to enhance the original song. Overall, the writing is sweet and the melody is terribly catchy. I hope to hear this a few times this holiday season.
#3 – “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano
I remember hearing this song for the first time when I was very young, in the Shrek Christmas special, “Donkey’s Caroling Christmas-tacular.” It has a huge sentimental value to me, and it reminds me of those special white Christmases you only get when you’re young. Overall, 10\10 writing, catchy melody, and the fact that a non-English Christmas song has become so popular among an English-speaking audience is really cool!
#2 – “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon & Yoko Ono
I really enjoy the fact that this song is a protest song and a Christmas song. John Lennon’s use of the choir in the chorus is iconic, and overall the somber and serious tone of this song makes it stand out. I think you can listen to it outside of the holiday season, as it is just a well-written and well-performed song. Even now, it is charted at No.21 on Top Rock albums, and I’m writing this in early November.
#1 – “Last Christmas” by George Michael
This song has been on my mind since the summer, and I think it works as a song by itself, outside of any holiday setting. George Michael’s writing on this track is so genius – the mix of melancholy and heartbreak, yet there’s a sense of growth by the “next” Christmas. It’s really good storytelling, showing a clear start, middle and bittersweet end. The melody is catchy and very ‘80s while not being overbearingly synth-heavy. Everything about this song makes it the perfect Christmas song, in my opinion. George Michael’s death on Christmas in 2016 is sadly ironic because of “Last Christmas” being one of his biggest hits. He is missed every year. RIP George. You are the real king of Christmas.
