Christmas songs continue to hold a special place in people’s hearts, despite the passage of time. Classics like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You,” Wham’s “Last Christmas,” and Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” remain popular even decades after their release. Older holiday staples such as “Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells” have been around for generations.
To understand why these songs endure, Montclair State University professors Jon Caspi and Bob Bailey-Lemansky offer insights. Caspi, from Montclair’s College for Community Health, believes emotional resonance plays a crucial role: “Something that moves people and makes them feel connected to the song.” Bailey-Lemansky adds that these songs are often light-hearted, focusing on themes of holidays, snow, gifts, love, peace, or charity.
The characteristics of enduring Christmas songs include emotional resonance, catchy melodies, an upbeat tempo, and timeless nostalgia. Songs like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” evoke nostalgic feelings about the holidays. Meanwhile, memorable tunes such as “Jingle Bell Rock” become ingrained in listeners’ minds.
Bailey-Lemansky notes the difficulty new songs face in capturing public attention due to splintered media consumption: “It’s harder for songs to take hold in the consciousness of the public these days.” The Billboard charts reflect this trend with older classics consistently topping lists.
The shift towards streaming has altered revenue streams for artists. While touring and licensing deals now provide significant income opportunities compared to past royalty earnings from sales alone.
Caspi believes classic Christmas music endures because it is associated with positive experiences: “Christmas…is a very positive association…hearing the soundtrack to that warm time in our lives takes us right back.”
As performers themselves—having played together since their 80s band Bouncing Off Bob—the professors plan on delivering festive performances this season with renditions like rockabilly versions of traditional favorites at upcoming gigs.
