Just for the heck of it, I thought about Christmas songs that didn’t have any Christmas-themes to them – or, if they did mention Christmas, it was in passing. Probably just because it’s Christmas Eve, and I’ve already written a blog post for tomorrow (what, you think I’m getting up on Christmas morning to write a blog post? Silly you …).
So let’s see how many songs I can rustle up that would work without decorating a tree and the like.
DAN FOGELBERG
Same Auld Lang Syne
With the only reference to the holiday being “The snow was falling, Christmas Eve,” here’s a song of love lost and almost recaptured … only to lose it again.
THE RONETTES
Sleigh Ride
There’s a plethora of holiday songs on the Phil Spector Christmas Album that are just “winter” songs, rather than Christmas songs per se. Like this one, in which Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes could melt any blizzard with just a quick glance.
BOYZ II MEN feat. BRIAN McKNIGHT
Let It Snow!
That’s what I need, man … some cool yule from the pre-eminent vocal harmony group of the 90’s. Come at me if you disagree.
ADAM SANDLER
The Hanukkah Song
I’m just going to say this right now. “The Hanukkah Song” just turned 25 this year. Damn. And there’s three sequels to this song. No, I’m not going to post them, I’m going to wait for Adam Sandler to write four more sequels so that I can have one for each night of Hanukkah. 😀
THE CARPENTERS
There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays
Think about this for a second. The song just references the “holidays,” which could be any holiday out there – Christmas, New Year’s Day, Talk Like a Pirate Day… then again, Karen Carpenter could sing the phone book and it would sound glorious.
DON CHARLES presents THE SINGING DOGS
Jingle Bells
This is the rare 78 RPM version where you get an introduction, as well as barking versions of “Pat-A-Cake” and “Three Blind Mice,” before we get to the star of the show, the dogs barking a version of “Jingle Bells.” Laugh if you must, but someone made money off of this. Maybe not me, but someone did.
GEORGE WINSTON
Skating
Yes, it’s from the TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas. And yes, it’s associated with the holidays. But do you hear the words “Christmas” or “Santa Claus” in this song? In fact, do you hear ANY words in this song? 😀
FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD
The Power of Love
Why am I including this track? Well, first off, it’s probably the best FGTH song they ever wrote, even better than “Relax” or “Two Tribes.” Secondly, have you seen this video? They crafted an entire Christmas video for a song that really isn’t about Christmas at all. Wow. Total wow.
Okay, everyone … have a great Christmas, enjoy the holiday season, and I’ll see you tomorrow with a new blog post.
What, you think I get Christmas off? Silly you …
Chuck The Writer 
Wow. Starting off my Christmas eve morning with Same Auld Lang Syne, and then The Power of Love?? It has definitely put me in a mood I wasn’t expecting to be in (A good one, don’t worry). Thank you for this Chuck. Merry Christmas.
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I am with you! I also would add:
“Winter Wonderland”
“A Marshmallow World”
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
Seriously, why are these songs only played in the weeks leading up to Christmas? They should be played in February when we grownups need to be reminded that winter is beautiful and fun — and in the case of “Baby,” an excuse to snuggle.
“Jingle Bell Rock” — is only a Christmas song because “Jingle Bells” is a Christmas song, but neither one mentions Christmas.
“Frosty the Snowman” — the TV special is set at Christmas and has Santa in it, but the song predates the special and does not mention Christmas. I’m a December baby, and I used to get a kick out of Frosty saying “Happy Birthday!” when he came to life — especially if the special aired on my actual birthday.
“My Favorite Things” — I don’t hear this on the Christmas music stations as much as I did 15 years ago, but it was in heavy rotation for a while. Sorry, but passing references to snowflakes and packages do not a Christmas song make. Also, the USPS will tear you a new one if you attempt to mail a package wrapped in brown paper and tied up with string.
“River” — Like “Same Old Lang Syne,” this Joni Mitchell song does have the C word in it, but man, it’s depressing AF. I love you, Joni, but this song is the reindeer turd in the wassail bowl.
BTW, I don’t think the Hanukkah Song belongs on this list. It’s not a Christmas song that doesn’t mention Christmas — it’s a Hanukkah song. JMO and YMMV.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Chuck!
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