What makes a Christmas Song?

[belledreamer]

Okay, this comes from a conversation my dad and I had about Christmas songs since we hear them alot this time of year.

There are several songs played during this time of year that talk about Christmas, Rudolph, holidays, etc. But there are songs such as 'Baby, It's Cold Outside', 'Let It Snow', etc. that even though they are only played this time of year, make no mention of Christmas, Santa, or the holidays.

Here's the discussion:

I say: 'Since it's only played during Christmas, it is a Christmas song.'
He says: 'The holidays aren't mentioned in the song, therefore it's not a Christmas song.'

So if a song that's played during Christmas makes no mention of Christmas, Santa, holidays and the like, is it still a Christmas song?

It's made for some interesting conversations among me and my co-workers...

 

[redlight]

If it's a winter song, then it's also kind of a Christmas song. By the way, I love Zooey Deschanel singing baby it's cold outside in Elf!

 

[cglaura]

I think some are considered Christmas songs by the general population because they were featured in Christmas movies. Though I can't think of any that had Let it Snow in it!

 

[SandrA9810]

Even though they aren't holiday songs, they're still only played during the "holiday season"... After the first of the year you won't hear "Let it snow", even though Jan/Feb are generally the coldest months in the whole year.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I don't understand why "My Favorite Things" is considered a Christmas song. Anything winter-themed does make sense, though.

 

[mrodgers]

Even though they aren't holiday songs, they're still only played during the "holiday season"... After the first of the year you won't hear "Let it snow", even though Jan/Feb are generally the coldest months in the whole year.

"Let It Snow" is a Christmas song because everyone wants snow during Christmas. When January comes around, no one wants to hear or sing "Let It Snow," they all want to sing "QUIT ****** SNOWING ALREADY!!!!"

 

[GeorgeG]

I say the songs that don't mention anything specifical related to Christmas or the traditional Christmas story are not Christmas songs. They are "seasonal," in that they are specific to winter, cold weather, or snow. Somehow, Christmas seems to dominate an entire season and everything and anything has come under the Christmas umbrella, including Thanksgiving. Good, bad, or indifferent, that's the mentality of the general public.