It’s no question that the music we hear around the holidays carries a special type of comfort and nostalgia. Whether it be a song from your elementary school chorus concert, or the same one that’s always playing in your hometown mall while you gift-shop, there’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than to turn on the holiday music. Whether you want the classics or some newer tunes, the staff at Distraction compiled a list of our favorite holiday songs. So, swap out you earmuffs for headphones, and get festive.
“The Hanukkah Song” by Adam Sandler
Who else would you expect to produce the funniest Hanukkah song out there, other than comedy icon Adam Sandler? Sandler dedicated his song to “all the young Jewish kids” who don’t hear nearly as many Hanukkah songs as Christmas songs. He shares song highlights of the holidays — eight “crazy” nights as opposed to one day of presents — and hilariously rattles off a list of celebrities who also celebrate.
“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses
This 1981 song details a missed-connections romance taking place during the holidays season, from the perspective of a woman who is over the exhaustion of the holidays, and love in general. Inspired by one band member’s genuine hatred of Christmastime, the song was only made per request of The Waitresses’ label. But both the song and the real-life story have happy endings — the fictional couple find love, and this turned out to be one of their biggest hits.
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Thurl Ravenscroft
It doesn’t get more classic than a song from a Dr. Seuss original. While we recommend you set aside 26 minutes to watch the whole 1966 short, listening to Ravenscroft’s gravelly voice detailing the Grinch’s escapades could surely make you heart grow three sizes. Also, check out Tyler the Creator’s modern twist from the 2018 film remake.
“Donde Esta Santa Claus?” by Augie Rios
12-year-old Augie Rios sings this endearing song about a restless boy who can’t sleep on Christmas Eve and rather pesters his mother about where Santa Claus is. Besides the title, Spanish for ‘where is Santa Claus,’ the song makes other witty Hispanic references to Christmas, like Santa using castanets instead of jingle bells, or his reindeer being named Pedro and Pancho. The 1958 song captures the childlike wonder of the holidays quite well.
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Pentatonix
Despite making music year-round, the a cappella group Pentatonix makes a large resurgence every holiday season. They’ve made some solid original Christmas music, but often more beloved than that are their up-tempo takes on traditional Christmas carols. This one transforms the seventeenth century English carol “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” into a song you could completely groove to.
Honorable Mentions
- “Winter Things” by Ariana Grande
- “Christmas Tree Farm,” by Taylor Swift
- “The Christmas Shoes” by NewSong
- “Winter Paradise” by Destiny’s Child
- “Last Christmas” by Wham!
- “What Christmas Means to Me” by Stevie Wonder
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Glee Cast
- “Hallelujah” by Pentatonix
words_julia hecht. illustration_isa márquez. design_nina d’agostini.
This article was published in Distraction’s Winter 2022 print issue.
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