As the Holiday season rolls around, listening to music is one of the most popular ways to get into the spirit of things. We all know every song word for word, whether it is on the radio or in movies, it is impossible to avoid them. They are a significant part of Western pop culture. However, along with the catchy tunes, there are also the ones that get stuck in your head and bounce around until they become unbearable. So here, in my opinion, are the top five best and the top five worst Christmas songs.
Top 5 Best
- “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Fecliano
A very, very large amount of people would disagree with Feliz Navidad being anywhere near the top five, but I like this song. With some of the lyrics being in Spanish, it brings a whole new energy and culture to the lot of Christmas songs everyone listens to and loves.
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
This list would not be complete without this song. Even though this song is completely overplayed, it still never gets old. Through all the memes and all the internet coverage, Mariah Carey never fails to get people singing and dancing. Every year, this comes back out of hibernation just as strong as the year before.
- “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays” by Perry Como
This song is one of those you do not get sick of. There are a lot of different versions of this song out there, too, so finding a version that you like is never an issue, my favorite being the one by Perry Como. One thing I do like about this song is the different verses and the fun upbeat production that goes along with it. This song captures what the holidays are for a lot of people.
- “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes”
Like many other Christmas songs, “Sleigh Ride” has many versions made by many different kinds of artists. This being said, The Ronettes’s version is honestly the best version. It’s a perfect mix of pop and that classic Christmas music sound—kind of like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, but less overplayed.
- “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra
There could be a lot of different songs in this number-one spot, but I honestly think this one takes the cake. From the vocals of Frank Sinatra to the production, to the honest and deep feeling of nostalgia when this song comes on. I do not think I speak for just myself when I say this song reminds me of waking up on Christmas morning to get presents under the tree and running around at my grandmother’s house with my cousins. There is something so especially warm and fuzzy about this song that it just had to be named the best Christmas song.
Top 5 Worst
- “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” by Camilla Cabello
There are a few different versions of this song out for listening, ranging from Michael Buble to Frank Sinatra, but I am ranking the Camila Cabello version. We all know this version: the version sung at the White House. This should have been great. It was. Until the part when Cabello says “Quismois” instead of “Christmas”. You know, if it was not for the Internet, it would not even have been a big deal. But of course, TikTok got a hold of the video, and the song filled my For You Page for two months.
- “Frosty The Snowman” by Jimmy Durante
I do not know if it is this version of the song that I do not like, but I think we can all agree that this song has been played far too much. I can remember a time in elementary school when the teacher would put on the little video movie thing to go along with this song, but after the first couple of times of listening to it, it just got old.
- “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” by literally anyone
This song is not too bad, but in general, there are just too many versions of this song. This song is like the original, classic Christmas song found in everything. Like literally everything. It is repetitive and gets old quickly. One listen to this song every year is enough.
- “Run Run Rudolph” by Chuck Berry
There is just something about this song that I do not like. I do not like the vocals in this song, I do not like the music, and not to mention they play it everywhere. When it starts playing on the radio, I turn the radio off. I would rather sit in silence than listen to it. I cannot get away from this song no matter how much I try. The lyrics are repetitive, it has a horrible sort of 1950s hop kind of sound. Just generally everything about this song is wrong.
- “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt
I know this is a popular one. I also know that there are a lot of other songs that could be ranked number one worst songs. However, this song has been the only Christmas song I have actively tried to avoid. Christmas is supposed to be about spending time with your family and friends, giving presents, and eating good food. We all know that is not what this song is about. From what I gather, the singing in this song can get annoying fast. God forbid this song comes on in the car with your whole family because it will be an uncomfortable 3 minutes and twenty-six seconds considering the suggestive undertones.
