All I Want for Christmas is Not Just ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’
Here are 17 Christmas songs better than the Mariah Carey “anthem.”
Listen: “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey slaps. Does it automatically slap you into the Christmas mood? Most likely. But does it do the deed for me? Not really.
My disdain for why Carey’s song has become the natural leader for the season stems from the fact that our visions of Christmas do not align. Christmas is my fave because it’s both a joyous, magical season, and also the time sweet baby Jesus was born. While Carey sings of a season in search of a love, my love is already the season. And because of that, I never got in tune with the song as my season starter.
However, my indifference towards Carey’s song helped me develop a vast compilation of other songs I regard as “the best Christmas song.” The list is comprised of classics from my favorite holiday movies or jams off classic albums like Motown Christmas and Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration — songs I really connected with.
So, in this season of giving, I give you a piece of that list for those who’d rather hear ANYTHING other than Ms. Carey cry for another on Christmas. Gather ‘round children, this is what Christmas sounds like to me:
1. “Christmastime is Here (Instrumental)” — Vince Guaraldi Trio
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a darn classic, and 90% of it is because of Snoopy, Linus, and the orchestrations of the Vince Guaraldi Trio heard below.
2. “This Christmas” — Donny Hathaway
Yes, there may be multiple covers, but none do it like Donny and his smooth vocals telling me how great this Christmas will be.
3. “Wonderful Christmastime” — Paul McCartney
Hot take: my favorite Paul/Beatles song. Ever.
4. “Silent Night” — The Temptations
It’s like The Temptations are the men’s church choir narrating the annual Christmas play.
5. “Let it Snow” — Boyz II Men
With a special cameo from Brian McKnight, the Boyz make snow sound more enjoyable than it actually is.
6. “8 Days of Christmas” — Destiny’s Child
There’s nothing more 2000s Christmas than DC3 listing off the most cliché 2000 gifts. And they added another day because they were just that trill.
7. “O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion” — Stevie Wonder and Take 6
There is no background music. I repeat: there is no background music. This song is purely vocals. Purely. Vocals.
8. “O Come, All Ye Faithful” — Kirk Franklin & the Family
Ever heard a Christmas song with a tight groove that makes you want to do a two-step while jigging your shoulders? Here you go.
9. “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” — Jackson 5
Whether if you believe or not, let Michael be the one to tell you about that big man Santa coming in for the season.
10. “White Christmas” — The Drifters
White Christmas sung by Black men. Look at this interracial music lesson.
11. “O Tannenbaum/Sleigh Ride Medley” — Dave Koz
What a Christmas day sounds like: the quiet, calm moments in the morning leading right into the joyous, hype cheers of family festivities for the day.
12. “Children’s Christmas Song” — The Supremes
This is a generational song that my mom put me on. Her fave became one of mine.
13. “O Tannenbaum” — Vince Guaraldi Trio
A tune so good, I annually make this my ringback tone for the month of December. Yes, you read ringback tone.
14. “I Know That My Redemmer Liveth” — Tevin Campbell
It’s like the same groove of “Can We Talk” meets a Christmas song.
15. “The Christmas Song” — Nat King Cole
Christmas warmth in one. single. song.
16. “Hallelujah” — Handel’s Soulful Messiah Choir
You wanna know what on the way to heaven sounds like? You’re welcome.
17. “Joy to The World” — Whitney Houston feat. the Georgia Mass Choir
What heaven actually sounds like.
I hope I’ve put you onto any Christmas jams you weren’t aware of before. Comment below if you have others that deserve more recognition, and as always, a playlist sits below for you to enjoy!
Merry Christmas everyone!
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