December 2023’s Newsletter – “My Top Favorite Lesser Known Christmas Songs For Your Holiday List”
The holiday season is full of iconic music.
If you celebrate Christmas, chances are you’ll recognize timeless classics such as:
“Silent Night”
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
And of course, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
But there are many songs that are less widely recognized. Today, I’ll share some of my favorite lesser known Christmas songs. Give them a listen and see what you think!
6) “Let the Light In” by Peter Hollens
This original composition by Peter Hollens came out of the pandemic, and it shows. The lyrics address the struggle of enjoying the holidays when the world is so troubled, and yet finds joy in our love for each other.
5) “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by John Legend and Kelly Clarkson
A modern reinterpretation of a classic Christmas song. When the original was made, flirting and boundaries had different standards, so the lyrics come off as predatory now. While some of the new lines can be a little on the nose (“It’s your body and your choice”), it is a more respectful version for our modern era. The new lyrics also give the men’s part more variety and humor.
4) “Noel: Christmas Eve, 1913” By John Denver
Personally, I love pretty much anything made by John Denver. The gentleness and beauty of his compositions are particularly fitting for Christmas. The instrumentals and John Denver’s voice give the nostalgic feel of an old classic, akin to “White Christmas.” The lyrics evoke Christmas’ warmth and peace.
3) “That’s Christmas to Me” By Pentatonix
Pentatonix is pretty famous, so this song might not actually be lesser known. I had to include it on my list anyway.
This song wraps me in nostalgia. It brings to mind all my wonderful childhood Christmas memories, memories that I carry with me to this day. Because growing up doesn’t mean you have to lose the magic.
2) “December Song” By Peter Hollens
You ever listened to a song that gives you goosebumps? “December Song” does this for me every time. It’s another one of Peter Hollen’s original Christmas compositions, and I love it even more than “Let the Light In.”
This song carries a beautiful message about keeping the love of Christmas alive, and as always, Peter Hollens has the voice of an angel. You can find it with instrumentals or a cappella.
1) “The Gift” by Aselin Debison
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever. It begins with the singer alone, and adds the instruments slowly over the course of the song so the music builds and swells. It’s one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever heard, and the music combines with a story that’s guaranteed to bring you to tears.
What are your favorite holiday songs? I’d love to hear Christmas recommendations and music from other holidays in this festive season!
Thanks for reading, and Happy Holidays.
-S. Labrecque
Want articles like this straight to your inbox? Sign up to be part of my Dragon’s Horde of Friends here!