Imbrock, Spencer. “Woman Standing Watching LED Light Musical Instrument.” // Unsplash.com

By Jocelyn Wong

  1. The Christmas Song/Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) 

Written in 1945 by pianist Mel Tormé and lyricist Robert Wells, this Christmas song (no pun intended) was the most-performed of all ‘yuletide carols’. Ironically, it was written during the summer with the mindset of “stay cool by thinking cool,” and only in forty-five minutes! It’s secondary name “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” comes from the captivating opening line. Perhaps the most famous version of this song is the one sung by Nat King Cole. Fun fact – this release actually broke segregation barriers in music because this song shot Nat King Cole, a black artist, into popularity.

  1. Underneath the Tree

Kelly Clarkson – Underneath the Tree (Official Video)

This popular Christmas song was released in 2013 by Kelly Clarkson as part of her first Christmas album, Wrapped in Red. It has yet to stand the test of time like The Christmas Song, but it is currently doing very well even after 8 years. 

  1. Candy Cane Kisses

Lyn Lapid – Candy Cane Kisses (Official Audio)  

If you thought the previous song was new into the Christmas scene, be prepared for “Candy Cane Kisses”! Written by Filipino-American singer Lyn Lapid, who is known for her TikTok hit “In My Mind,” this track was released in 2021 alongside “Messed Up on Christmas” in her single album XMAS 01. Her soft vocals complimented with bells in the instrumentals make this song my personal favorite of 2021!

  1. O Holy Night

Mariah Carey – O Holy Night (Official HD Video)

This Christmas ballad was written in 1843 by Adolphe Adam. Interestingly, it was originally in French and was even based on a French poem. Like a lot of Christmas songs, a lot of the lyrics are based on the story of Jesus’ birth. This song has definitely passed the test of time — with versions of different artists singing it over the years. 

  1. Kpop Korner: Christmas EveL

Stray Kids “Christmas EveL” M/V

Popular K-pop boy band, Stray Kids, released a Christmas bop with their signature rap and then vocal breakdown sound — “Christmas EveL.” This song has already been trending on social media platforms due to one of the member’s deep-voiced lines. The musical structure of this song reminds me of another one of their popular songs — “God’s Menu.” This is definitely a head-banger; be sure to check it out!

Works Cited

“Woman Standing Watching LED Light Musical Instrument.” Unsplash.com, Unsplash, 21 Dec. 2017, unsplash.com/photos/JAHdPHMoaEA. 

Micucci, Matt. “A Short History Of… ‘the Christmas Song’ – JAZZIZ Magazine.” JAZZIZ Magazine, 23 Dec. 2020, www.jazziz.com/a-short-history-of-the-christmas-song-2/.