The song that defines Christmas

[D'Snowth]

If you ask me, there's three answers to that...

1. If we're talking about the TRUE meaning of Christmas (as in celebrating the birth of Christ the Lord), I'd say "Joy to the World".
2. If the more secular aspect of Christmas, then I'm inclined to say "The MOst Wonderful Time of the Year", my favorite version of that song is by Andy Williams.
3. For the fun of it, I'd also say "Christmas All Over Again" by Tom Petty... such a fun, and somewhat amusing song.

 

[Beauregard]

I'm with Snowthers, if we're on about the True meaning then:

1. Hark the Herald Angels Sing, is my fav.
2. Secular (and all time favourite) All I want for Christmas is YOU!
3. Best for making me feel Christmasy no matter what time of the year: "Need a little Christmas" from MFC.

 

[dwmckim]

That question is one that lends itself to two types of answers:

- What song does one feel embodies the spirit/meaning of Christmas via its own artistic merits, mostly the music/lyrics?

- What song does one personally associate with Christmas - ie holds a personal meaning or memory, doesn't seem like it's _officially_ Christmas til you hear it?

In regards to the first question, all Muppet Freak bias aside, Kermit's "A Christmas Wish" really sums it up - this is one of the rare Christmas songs (if not the only one?) that attempts to define Christmas in a more universal meaning that defies religion or upbringing - that calls everyone to acknowledge and celebrate the time when mankind is full of good will and wishing for peace on earth regardless of what their religion is - ultimately it doesn't matter how differently the listener may view the holiday season than the narrator, but regardless everyone's still welcome to "come and celebrate with me" This is one amazing song that i always like to sing and/or play for others - and the fact that it's Kermit's song just makes it more special. Given how both this and Rainbow Connection came from 1979, Kermit was really getting some top-notch profound songs written for him. This is a real underrated Kermit song, since it fits Kermit so well and totally embodies his character and worldview but i almost never see it cited on lists of people's favorite "Kermit songs"

Now of course, to me (and probably everyone else on this forum) Christmas and Muppets are so closely linked that of course no season seems right without Muppet Christmas music. Since that pretty much seems like a given, i'll skip listing various Muppet songs and instead mention the following songs that hold a special seasonal place in my heart...

"What Child Is This?" - hauntingly beautiful music and lyrics.

"Winter Wonderland" by Eurythmics. According to ASCAP their recording was actually the top played Christmas song the last two years in a row. Not only do i love the song by virtue of it being a Christmas recording by my all time favorite artist, but they made it sound so wonderfully Christmasy that it's irresistable - very magical track! Of course i always look forward to hearing this track every year but i also have another Eurythmics Christmas tradition. When they were in existence, the Eurythmics Fan Club sent out a special flexidisc every Christmas to its members that had a special recorded message from Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox (who was born on Christmas). Sometimes they would be Christmas songs, other times musical holiday wishes, and often just rare tracks not heard anywhere else (one year it was the original demo tracks for songs from their "We Too Are One" album including a song that ultimately never made it on the album). Every year i break these all out and listen to them (or more accurately the tape i put them all on so i can play them in the car)

Wham!'s "Last Christmas" - this was just such a great song and it always feels special when i hear it played somewhere during the holiday season.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - a truly wonderful song to both sing and listen to; it's wonderfully subdued; a bit more a sense of quiet celebration - makes me think of looking at a snowfall at night. Sorry, Rowlf, but as much as i enjoy your version of it with John Denver (and Kermit's more recent version), my favorite recording of the song is the one by The Pretenders.

"We Need a Little Christmas" - i can't hear this song without automatically smiling just because i have so many fun memories of this song. Of course the Muppets' grand opening to their best ever Christmas special - but also i've been in a number of choirs or groups that have done this song - and everytime i always make it a point to bring up the question "who is Carol and why is she at the spinnet?"

Shakespear's Sister's "Christmas Number One" - this is a track that celebrates that special feeling of hearing a fave Christmas track, which of course is what i've been talking about here! This was a track that comes from their mega-rare "MGA Sessions" cd so that makes it a little extra special!

...and ah heck, even though i tried to resist mentioning Muppet tracks, Gonzo and Rizzo's recording of "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is just made of win!

 

[Gelfling Girl]

Well, I wouldn't really call any of these specifically the song that defines Christmas, but some of my personal favorite Christmas songs are "Last Christmas", "Little Saint Nick", "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime", "It Must've Been Ol' Santa Claus", "Do They Know it's Christmastime?", and "All I Want for Christmas is You."

 

[Drtooth]

...that said, if I hear "Christmas Shoes" one more time, I'm gonna puke in my hat.

...and ah heck, even though i tried to resist mentioning Muppet tracks, Gonzo and Rizzo's recording of "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is just made of win!

I gotta say, out of all the Muppet Christmas songs there are, my absolute favorite is The Swedish Chef and Big Bird's duet version of the Christmas Song. Now, I think that is the MOST overused Christmas song out there... everyone single musical artist has covered that song, slapping it on a "Let's make Christmas Money" type album that feels like factory made artificial snow for the soul. But somehow, this version is one of the best I've ever heard. Maybe it's just the fact that the Chef and Bird sequence was one of my favorite parts of the special, or the Chef's mock Swedish... but I just love that cover.

 

[D'Snowth]

On the subject of Muppet tracks, I love Ernie and Bert's rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", as well as "Twelve Days of Christmas" by John Denver and The Muppets.

As far as original tracks are concerned, I love "Keep Christmas With You (All Through the Year)", but I prefer the version from Elmo Saves Christmas... *Gets shot*

 

[animalrescuer]

Now that you mention it, I do love the Muppet Christmas music, the majority of them show the true spirit of Christmas and what it's all about.
Keep Christmas with you- Christmas Eve on Sesame Street's version
It feels like Christmas- Muppet Christmas Carol
Bless us all- Muppet Christmas Carol
One More Sleep 'til Christmas- Muppet Christmas Carol
True Blue Miracle- Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
I Believe- Sung by Kermit at the Macy's parade last year
The Christmas Wish- Kermit the Frog from "A Christmas Together"
Pass it on- A Muppet Family Christmas

As well as reditions of classics sung by The Muppets
Have Yourself a Merry little Christmas- Ernie and Bert
The Most wonderful time of the year- Gonzo and Rizzo
The twelve days of Christmas- John Denver and The Muppets
Santa Baby- Miss Piggy
The Christmas song- Big Bird and Swedish Chef

 

[Speed Tracer]

For me, Bing & Bowie's "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy".

 

[PurpleHonker]

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year always feels like christmas to me.

There are so many other good ones too, though. I love One More Sleep 'Til Christmas. Ironically enough for me, Bless Us All is also fantastic and makes me get all nostalgic.

Mmmm christmas music makes me so happy... until about halfway though December!

 

[unclematt]

For me, Bing & Bowie's "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy".

I think its the best ever.