What We're Really Singing: Meanings of Christmas Songs

By far there is nothing more exciting than hearing your favorite Christmas song on the radio for the first time that season.   "Let it Snow" by Boyz II Men is my favorite, with The Temptations "Silent Night", the Vienna Boy Choir's "Carol of the Bells", and Luther Vandross "Every Year, Every Christmas" falling not to far behind it. Recently, I heard "This Christmas", which I like quite a bit as well, on a Gospel station.  What's funny is that although the song seems safe enough, there's nothing churchy or family oriented about it.  This got me to wondering, what other songs do we misinterpret this time of year?

1) "This Christmas"

The Donny Hathway song most recently covered by Chris Brown seems to be a favorite for children to sing at the Family Holiday party and in church Christmas celebrations. This song, however, is actually the Home Run anthem for a couple who are ready to take their relationship to the next level.  Think about out, "Hang all the mistletoe, I am going to get to know you better."  Mistletoe = automatic smooch pass.  It does get a little misleading around "Presents and cards are here," but keep listening, "My world is filled with cheer and you..."  After all those presents, I bet there will some caroling going on through the night.  "Very special Christmas"?  Indeed.

2) "The Twelve Days of Christmas"

This song actually does the opposite by masking in metaphor the birth of Christ.  Christianity, believe it or not, was not exactly the most popular religion and celebrating it could result in death.  Hence the reason for metaphors.  At first sound, it just seems like a lavish party is taking place, and in some ways, it is!  Quite a few people did show up at the manger that night after so many years ago, according to the scripture.  The 12 Days take place after Advent and Christmas, in the actual "Christmastide" season and lasts until January 5, the Eve of Epiphany, the observance of the wise men's arrival.  The symbolism? Every thing from the Christ child (Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ, Son of God) to the beatitudes (Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes).  See more here.

3) "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Caroling is a great tradition.  You learn the favorite seasonal songs, load up on coffee and hot chocolate, walk to neighbors' houses all in the name of jolly good fun.  Well, traditionally it was actually a ploy to get a much loved dessert, figgy pudding, and wassail (a spice apple cider with bourbon).  Check out the rest of the lyrics: "Now bring us some figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer" and "We won't go until we get some".  The idea was actually to keep singing until the figgy pudding and wassail arrived.  Instead of providing all the food for the party, it may be better to have the Christmas playlist going.

4) "Let It Snow"

What seems like a wish for a thick blanket of the white stuff - leading to school snow days and work closed days - is actually another hopeful seeking an opportunity to stay a little longer.   Not the coercive "Baby It's Cold Outside", but a little smoother progression.  First it's the announcement of leaving, followed by the regret of leaving, "How I'll hate going out in the storm!/But if you'll really hold me tight/All the way home I'll be warm."  By the time we get to the end, however, there is "The fire is slowly dying/And my dear is still goodbyeing/But as long as you love me so/Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"  Guess there is some advantage to having inclement weather after all. 

5) Let It Snow by Boys II Men featuring Brian McKnight.

Biting off the original, Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight take it one step further.  "It's a joyous day, let the angels sing cuz we're together" shows the real reason for the season, so to speak, but it's around the second verse that there is no longer a doubt about the invitation.  Brian McKnight's singing "Come over here, and help me trim the tree/I wanna wrap you up/ Baby then you'll see you're the only present I need" makes you wonder kind of Christmas decorations they purchased.  Is it a wonder why there are so many September/October babies?

This is just a few...can you think of any others?