Christmas music has a unique ability to evoke the festive spirit as soon as we hear the first notes of a familiar song. But what is it that specifically makes some tunes sound so distinctly “Christmassy”?
Philip Tagg, a music researcher, delves into this question in his book, “Music’s Meanings.” He employs semiotics—the study of how we interpret signs—to understand how different musical elements can convey meanings that may shift over time and among different audiences. An example he uses is the pedal guitar, which originally hailed from Hawaiian traditions but has become synonymous with country music. This highlights how instruments can take on new associations over time.
Sleigh bells are perhaps the most iconic sound closely tied to Christmas music. From classical pieces like Prokofiev’s “Troika” to contemporary hits such as Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me,” sleigh bells serve as a clear aural marker that indicates a song belongs to the holiday theme. This association originates from the winter season, where sleighs were common transport, linking both the bells and the festive period.
Beyond sleigh bells, the family of bell instruments contributes to the Christmas soundscape, especially in the context of church bells ringing in celebration of Christ’s birth. The presence of bell-like sounds is prevalent in numerous popular Christmas songs. For instance, last year’s list of the most-streamed Christmas tracks prominently featured bell sounds, from the chime of glockenspiels in Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to synthesized tubular bells in Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas.”
Aside from bells, lyrics and the melodies reminiscent of traditional instruments amplify the festive vibe. Interestingly, many of these features aren’t typical in modern pop music; instead, they bring a sense of nostalgia that aligns perfectly with the holiday spirit.
Nostalgia plays a vital role in our association with Christmas. Originally, nostalgia referred to homesickness, but it has evolved into a term for fondly remembering the past. This dual meaning resonates with how we perceive Christmas: a time for family gatherings that not only brings us back physically but also emotionally transports us to cherished traditions.
Musicians strategically tap into this feeling of nostalgia through music, lyrics, and imagery that harken back to simpler times. This explains why so many Christmas albums are composed of familiar classics rather than original songs. It’s simpler for listeners to connect with songs they already know.
Moreover, many artists strive to evoke the quintessential Christmas sound, characterized by easy-listening melodies akin to the styles of Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole. The warm, inviting croon of a vocalist over traditional orchestration has become synonymous with the holiday season, making this sound a fixture only during festive times.
Billie Eilish’s recent rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” serves as a valuable example. During her performance on “Saturday Night Live” in 2023, she chose to forgo her typical electronic soundscapes in favor of a classic arrangement featuring piano, drums, and upright bass. Her gentle, soothing vocals transported listeners to a nostalgic winter scene, embodying the essence of Christmas.
In terms of popularity, Michael Bublé’s 2011 album “Christmas” stands out, featuring multiple entries on the list of most-streamed songs. This album seamlessly incorporates all the quintessential Christmas elements: crooning vocals, light orchestration, and of course, sleigh bells. It epitomizes what it means to create a song that resonates deeply with the season.