As I turn on 100.3, my favorite Christmas station, I wait excitedly wondering what version of Christmas music I will receive. Although I am satisfied once I hear the upbeat “Last Christmas” performed by Pentatonix, I know deep down the Christmas spirit better fills my soul when the original is played.
The nostalgic memories that enter my brain when I hear my first learned Christmas songs such as “Frosty the Snowman” or “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, are better than any Micheal Buble song could ever be. I think these modern-day songs are extremely catchy and enjoyable to listen to, but they don’t hold the same memories.
As you get older, the Christmas spirit can feel as though it is fading. That is why I enjoy holding on to my childhood memories as much as possible. These songs help remind me of these key memories and keep the Christmas spirit alive. For instance, I can vividly recall learning about different reindeer through “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, but I can’t associate Ariana Grande’s Christmas songs with any core childhood memories of Christmas.
Beyond the nostalgia, old Christmas music truly encapsulates the real meaning of Christmas. They highlight all the characters from our childhood along with truly emphasizing Santa Claus and the importance of giving. Also, the old Christmas songs have simple uplifting messages such as wanting a white Christmas.
Nowadays you can find elementary school kids listening to songs such as “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”, which is not necessarily a “bad” song but it surely does not highlight the Christmas spirit I had as a kid.
Overall, I believe that all Christmas songs are good because I simply just love the time of year, but I prefer listening to the originals. Without them, my memories of Christmas would be altered greatly.
