Discuss These Lesser-Known Christmas Songs in a Free-Talk Lesson
A handful of Christmas songs have become classics guaranteed to get tons of plays every holiday season. However, that doesn't mean new songs aren't being written.
This time, we'll highlight 10 Christmas tracks that aren't as well known as the traditional ones most of us hear all the time. Some are great for celebrating, while others are slower and focus on the variety of emotions the holiday can bring.
If your students are in the Christmas mood, check to see if they've heard these tunes, then spend some time discussing the themes each one deals with.
Slower Christmas Songs
Harvey Danger - Sometimes You Have to Work on Christmas (2009)
Christmas is generally a holiday for spending time with family and friends. But that may not be the case for everyone. The singer of this song, for example, is spending the holiday with the customers at the movie theater where he works.
Well, life is not so wonderful
For 15 soggy patrons
Who have no better place to be
Not to mention me
I'm working for a holiday wage
My family is two time zones away
Full lyrics here
Cam - Believe (2021)
This is an inspirational holiday song about holding onto positive thoughts even in difficult times.
So I will open up my heart like a kid on Christmas Eve
When the dreams are as real as the lights up on the tree
And what you choose to look for is what you're gonna see
So if only for tonight, I will believe
Full lyrics here
The Both - Nothing Left to Do (Let's Make This Christmas Blue) (2014)
Here's another song about feelings of loneliness on Christmas. Rather than family, the singer seems to be missing a romantic partner from the past.
Every year passes, everyone's frozen
But not like you
I'm doing fine, but at Christmas time
I don't know what I'm supposed to do
With all the gifts that I'll never give to you
Full lyrics here
Low - Just Like Christmas (1999)
The rhythm of this song suggests a train moving along tracks. That's appropriate since the singer is describing a train ride from Stockholm to Oslo as it begins to snow. Do your students typically travel during the holiday?
By the time we got to Oslo
Snow was gone
And we got lost
The beds were small
But we felt so young
It was just like Christmas
Full lyrics here
Lizzo - Never Felt Like Christmas (2015)
Despite its popularity, not everybody loves Christmas. But sometimes meeting a special person is enough to change one's opinion on it.
Never cared for jingle bells or picking out a tree
I would rather paint my nails and watch some bad TV
But ever since we shared a kiss, I've been spreading the news
It never felt like Christmas 'til I spent it with you
Full lyrics here
Uptempo Christmas Songs
!!! - And Anyway It's Christmas (2013)
The singer of this song is thinking back to a special girl he met at a holiday party.
I don't wait for signs
But sometimes you just know
When someone like
Someone like you
Is beneath mistletoe
Lil Jon - All I Really Want for Christmas (ft. Kool-Aid Man) (2018)
Club music isn't often thought of when people mention Christmas songs, but that doesn't mean those combinations don't exist! It's unlikely your students have heard a Christmas song like this before.
This song has lots of slang that should be fun to explain to interested learners.
Everybody in here VIP
Old Saint Nick, that's the MC
Gotta see him turnt on some old CDs
Playin' all your favorite songs from A to Z
Full lyrics here
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - Ain't No Chimneys in the Projects (2015)
Santa Claus is famous for leaving presents for boys and girls after entering their homes through the chimneys on their roofs. But what about homes without chimneys?
When I was a child I used to wonder
How Santa put my toys under the tree
I said, "Momma, can you tell me how this can be?"
When there ain't no chimneys in the projects?
Full lyrics here
Lloyd - She's All I Want for Christmas (2011)
This song doesn't include some of the classic sounds such as sleigh bells, which are often featured in Christmas songs. In fact, listeners likely wouldn't know it's about Christmas at all unless they're listening carefully to the lyrics.
Baby, I had a talk with Santa last night
And I told him I only need a thing from him this year
And I told him all I wanna be is by your side
And Santa, I just need you to get her off my mind
Full lyrics here
Sia - Santa's Coming for Us (2017)
The final song on this list is a fun pop tune that also has a fun video made to look like vintage American sitcoms. It also includes appearances from several actors students may recognize from TV and movies.
Send your letters off to Santa, baby
Tell him all your secret wishes too
Send your letters off to Santa, baby
Hopin' all your wildest dreams come true
Full lyrics here
Wrap-up
If your students are tired of hearing the same holiday songs every year, share these selections with them and expand their range of Christmas music. And don't forget to ask them to share their own favorite picks! 🎄🎵
