Almost Christmas Music

When we think of holiday music, visions of Santa, snow, and goodwill often come to mind. However, some of the season’s most beloved songs barely touch on Christmas—or have no connection to it. These almost Christmas songs are part of the cultural soundtrack for the holidays, sneaking their way into our celebrations thanks to tradition, nostalgia, or sheer beauty.

Songs like Jingle Bells, Over the River, and Through the Woods have become holiday mainstays despite their original ties to Thanksgiving. Others, like Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, make their way into Christmas playlists for their haunting beauty rather than holiday spirit. Even classics like Winter Wonderland and Let It Snow celebrate the magic of winter without mentioning Christmas. Meanwhile, songs with deeper connections to history and tradition, such as Here We Come A-Caroling (The Wassail Song), focus on New Year’s festivities instead of Christmas.

Additionally, pop hits like Last Christmas by Wham! and Baby; It’s Cold Outside brings a modern flair to the season, blending romance and nostalgia while sometimes sparking debate. From the jazz-infused charm of What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? to the soulful rhythms of My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music, the variety of these tunes showcases how holiday music transcends traditional boundaries.

Thanksgiving Tunes That Became Holiday Classics

Surprisingly, some of the most iconic songs we associate with Christmas were originally written for Thanksgiving. Take Over the River and Through the Woods, penned in 1844 by Lydia Maria Child. This classic was inspired by a nostalgic trip to her grandmother’s house, and it never mentions Christmas. Similarly, Jingle Bells, composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, was created as a cheerful tune for Thanksgiving gatherings, celebrating sleigh rides rather than holiday cheer. Despite their origins, these songs have become holiday staples, played and sung throughout December.

Wassailing and New Year’s Celebrations

Caroling is closely tied to Christmas traditions, but one of the oldest carols, Here We Come A-Caroling (also known as The Wassail Song), is more about New Year’s festivities. Written around 1850, this lively song celebrates wassailing, a tradition of visiting neighbors with songs and drinks for good luck. Though often grouped with Christmas music, its focus on New Year’s reflects the broader spirit of the season.

Holiday Duets and Controversial Lyrics

Few holiday duets capture the cozy charm of the season like Baby, It’s Cold Outside. Written by Frank Loessner in 1944 as a party duet for him and his wife, the song’s playful back-and-forth has made it a favorite for decades. However, its lyrics have sparked controversy recently, with some questioning the consent implied in the dialogue. Despite this, its original intent was far more innocent—a fun, flirtatious exchange designed for entertainment.

Hallelujah: A Surprising Holiday Hit

Hallelujah, written by Leonard Cohen in 1984, has become an unexpected addition to the holiday music playlist. Its haunting beauty and universal themes have made it a seasonal favorite, even though it has no ties to Christmas. The song gained widespread attention when Jason Castro performed it on American Idol in 2008, sparking renewed interest in Jeff Buckley’s iconic rendition. Pentatonix further cemented its place in holiday playlists with their acapella cover in 2016, which garnered over 760 million views on YouTube—half the views of Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Are You, arguably the most popular modern Christmas song.

The Great American Songbook of the Holidays

Many classic holiday tunes originated during the mid-20th century and became timeless additions to the Great American Songbook. Songs like Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, Let It Snow, and Home for the Holidays capture the festive season without explicitly referencing Christmas. Their charm lies in their universal celebration of winter and togetherness, making them perfect for any seasonal gathering.

Ghost Stories and Christmas Eve Traditions

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, released by Andy Williams in 1963, famously mentions “scary ghost stories” as part of the holiday tradition. While this might seem odd today, ghost stories were a significant part of Victorian Christmas celebrations. Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and The Goblin and the Sexton were popular tales read aloud during family gatherings. The Krampus legend from Central Europe, featuring an anti-Santa figure who punished misbehaving children, also contributed to the eerie side of Christmas. Families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries often listened to Christmas mysteries and ghost stories on the radio, particularly on Christmas Eve.

Fun fact: George Wyle, the composer of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, also wrote the theme song for Gilligan’s Island.