“Have yourself a merry little Christmas…”
But does holiday music still make it merry?
Every year, the festive season rolls in, and with it comes a familiar soundtrack. From holiday classics to timeless classical holiday music, these songs are the backdrop to our celebrations.
In fact, holiday music might be more important than ever.
While listener habits are shifting and streaming playlists dominate, these songs provide a sense of nostalgia and connection that’s hard to replicate. Whether it’s a festive party, a quiet evening by the fire, or a shopping spree, holiday music keeps us grounded in the spirit of the season.
But what does that mean for the future? Lets take a closer look at the traditions, trends, and transformations shaping holiday songs today.
The Legacy of Holiday Music (and Why it Matters)
Holiday music isn’t just background noise—it’s the sound of nostalgia, celebration, and connection. Whether it’s belting out holiday classics with family or hearing classical holiday music like Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” at a festive event, these songs create the soundtrack of the season.
But holiday music is more than just tradition—it’s a cultural and commercial phenomenon. From the enduring royalties of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to TikTok reviving old hits with a fresh audience, holiday music continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in our holiday habits.
The Staying Power of Classical Holiday Music
Streaming has changed how—and when—we listen to holiday music.
Gone are the days of waiting for radio stations to kick off holiday playlists. Now, anyone can hit play on holiday songs as early as November (guilty!). Platforms like Spotify enable us to curate personal soundtracks for the season, allowing holiday music to linger longer in our lives.
Interestingly, this also means holiday music is less concentrated than it once was. Listeners can easily skip over jingles if they’re not in the mood, creating a paradox where holiday classics are simultaneously more accessible and less obligatory.
But do we listen more during the holidays because of our cultural association with soundtracking December? Prepping for the season—whether it’s baking cookies or decorating—has become its own ritual, and holiday songs are an essential part of that experience.
Netflix, TikTok, and Cheesy Christmas Covers
This year, Netflix dropped an entire lineup of cheesy Christmas movies. The music in these films? Equally cheesy—and maybe intentionally so. Covers of holiday classics with familiar, saccharine vibes feel like a deliberate choice. Are we asking for holiday entertainment that’s nostalgic and predictable because it’s comforting?
Meanwhile, TikTok is throwing a new spin on holiday hits. The platform thrives on nostalgia, and holiday songs are perfect fuel for trends. Whether it’s an unexpected remix of “Jingle Bell Rock” or creators lip-syncing to classics, TikTok ensures that holiday music remains part of the cultural conversation.
The Diamond of Holiday Music: Rights and Royalties
When Mariah Carey released “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” it wasn’t seen as cool. Critics doubted the longevity of holiday records. Fast forward, and Carey is reportedly earning $3 million from that single song—every year.
This highlights something unique about holiday songs: their durability. In a world where copyrights often have short-lived value, a recurring holiday hit is a rare and valuable diamond. It’s like Hugh Grant’s character in About a Boy, trying to live off a single Christmas jingle. For songwriters, landing a hit in this space is the ultimate career jackpot.
With copyright value becoming increasingly fragile in other genres, holiday music stands out as one of the last bastions of enduring IP. It’s not just music; it’s an annual investment strategy.
The Evolution of Popular Holiday Songs
From Holiday Classics to Modern Mashups
There’s something magical about hearing a fresh spin on a holiday classic.
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Jazz, EDM, hip-hop—today’s artists are remixing traditions, creating tracks that appeal to diverse audiences. But while these mashups bring excitement, they don’t always stick.
Why?
Sometimes it’s because holiday music thrives on nostalgia, making it hard for new versions to measure up. But let’s be honest—sometimes, the music just isn’t good enough. If a remix feels forced or doesn’t capture the warmth and charm we associate with the holidays, it’s unlikely to become a new favorite.
For me, the best modern holiday songs strike the perfect balance: they respect the classics while adding a unique touch.
The Role of Nostalgia in Keeping Holiday Songs Alive
Holiday music is so tightly tied to memory that even the cheesiest tracks endure. But that’s exactly why we can’t declare holiday music dead—it’s too ingrained in how we celebrate.
The Future of Holiday Music
Holiday music isn’t going anywhere, but it’s clearly evolving. With TikTok shifting listener habits, and a constant need for fresh content, the future of holiday songs will look different—but that’s not a bad thing.
The key to holiday music thriving lies in how well it adapts to modern tastes while staying true to its nostalgic roots. AI-driven music platforms, personalized playlists, and interactive streaming experiences could make the holiday music experience even more engaging.
Meanwhile, holiday specials continue to play a big role in keeping these songs alive. Platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are creating original content packed with modern holiday tracks, giving new songs a shot at becoming a classic. As long as these specials resonate with audiences, they’ll keep driving excitement for both old favorites and fresh tracks.
Conclusion
So, is holiday music dead?
Absolutely not. I, for one, love it. And yes, I have been playing it since the fall to get pumped for ski season.
It’s evolving, expanding, and finding new ways to connect with audiences.
Whether you’re team nostalgia or love a modern remix, holiday music is here to stay—just with a new twist.
