Christmas Music

31. Christmas Music

Christmas music in the form of carols, songs stringed or instrumental

renditions, is constantly heard during the Christmas season. Music forms the

background against which everything else takes place to make the Christmas

season different from all others. Christmas music plays such a significant role

that during the entire season, other popular music temporarily disappears from

radio. That may be the reason for all the different types of Christmas music -

sacred, secular, popular and traditional - that have emerged throughout the

years.

Popular and secular renditions of Christmas music has been developed by

musical artists and performers who 'make over' classic styles of Christmas music

with their own personal touch. One reason for popular make overs of Christmas

music may be because regular popular music is not heard during the holiday

season so pop musicians and artists do Christmas music to keep their voices

always in earshot of their fans and the general audience. It could also be that

they want to capitalize on the popularity of Christmas music.

Whatever the reason, it has become a trend for popular musical artists to

release new Christmas or holiday music albums during the season. Since variety

is the spice of life, it means there are more variations of secular, sacred,

classical or traditional and popular renditions of Christmas music that can be

heard.

Music at Christmas time is important to create the right mood. The

prevalence of Christmas music is what helps to create the special holiday type

of feeling or spirit that is present everywhere and among everyone. Everyone has

particular Christmas songs and carols that are favorites, maybe for the melody,

the lyrics or because they are reminders of special memories.

The most popular Christmas song is said to be 'White Christmas,' which is

popular even in warm and tropical climates where people sing of 'dreaming of a

White Christmas,' which in reality they would not want. Other popular Christmas

songs and carols are: Away in a Manger, which tells the Nativity story in song;

O Holy Night, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels and Angels

we have Heard on High.

All of those songs are sacred and are all about the story of Jesus' birth. Of

note also is Handel's majestic 'Hallelujah Chorus,' which is a favorite that

choirs like to sing because of the splendor embodied in the music.

Nat King Cole's 'Chestnut Roasting On an Open Fire' is a classical favorite. It

defies categorization as it isn't sacred but is also not considered secular like

a song such as 'Sleigh Ride.' Among secular Christmas songs, there are also

funny ones such as 'I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus Underneath the Mistletoe

Last Night' and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The availability of a wide

Christmas music selection makes it possible to choose ones for different

occasions, such as for general use at home, for a fun or informal party or for a

formal dinner. As an example, selections can be made to create the right mood at

the start of a party, followed by more lively music when the party is in full

swing, and then selections to slow down the pace when the party is nearing its

end.

It's also important to note that professional groups such as choirs, symphonies

and orchestras will also record performances of Christmas music on albums. For

the very serious and critical music aficionados, these albums will provide

wonderful listening pleasure and also make good Christmas presents. Listening to

music from those groups is also a way of enjoying their performances if doesn't

get the opportunity to attend a live concert by the professional group.

Whatever selections of Christmas music are made however, it's likely that it

will create a festive mood and spirit among all who hear or are listening to the

music.