Pop Culture and Christmas
Christmas is a globally celebrated holiday with a significant cultural impact. From decorating trees to hanging stockings and cooking traditional food, these activities get us in the mood for the holiday season. Music, of course, plays a key role in the whole Christmas experience. Its origins can be traced back to 4th-century Rome, evolving from ancient pagan songs, religious hymns and carols, to the popular pop tunes we enjoy today.
These classic and timeless Christmas songs evoke themes of love, joy, and nostalgia. They've been featured in countless films and commercials, and have become staples of social media content. Each December, people turn to these familiar tunes to create a festive or cozy atmosphere. However, the commercialization of Christmas has led to a flood of new Christmas songs released by artists each year. Yet, only a few manage to stand the test of time.
Just to name a few: "Last Christmas" by Wham!, with pop legend George Michael as the lead singer, came out in 1984. Considered one of the first pop songs about Christmas, it's a romantic ballad about a failed romance and the hope for a better future. A classic track with a melancholic undertone, it has been covered by recognizable names like Taylor Swift, the Glee cast, Ariana Grande, the Backstreet Boys, among others.
The iconic and most memorable song, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey, has become synonymous with the start of the Christmas season. This song has been covered multiple times and has even been featured in popular Christmas movies, such as the iconic concert scene in the romantic comedy Love Actually.
Bobby Helms' 1957 hit, "Jingle Bell Rock," is another must-have for the holiday season. A classic that has been featured in several Christmas movies, including the memorable scene in Mean Girls where the main characters dressed as Santa's helpers and performed an iconic dance routine.
The talent show scene in 2004's "Mean Girls." image by Paramount Pictures available on Netflix. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Pop stars have also embraced the Christmas spirit with their own holiday albums and specials. Back in the '90s, the Backstreet Boys released a full Christmas album. Later on, in 2001, Destiny's Child gifted us with "8 Days of Christmas."
The tradition of celebrity Christmas specials has its origins in the golden age of television. Stars like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra came out with these shows, often featuring musical performances, comedy sketches, and celebrity guests. These specials became annual holiday traditions for many families.
This year, a pop star of the moment Sabrina Carpenter released her "Nonsense Christmas" special on Netflix, featuring collaborations with artists like Tyla, Shania Twain, Kali Uchis, and Chappell Roan. She also starred in the accompanying holiday special alongside Quinta Brunson, Cara Delevingne, and other talented actors.
Christmas music can trigger memories of holidays past, childhood, or a particular holiday movie. It can take us back to a specific time, place, or person. This nostalgic quality is often celebrated in pop culture, as we revisit classic Christmas songs and movies to capture the holiday spirit, even without considering its religious aspects.
