The Impact and Importance of Christmas Music

Music is one of the few truly universal languages, present in every culture and corner of the world. From the earliest days of striking objects together to create rhythm, humans have turned to music for connection and expression. Among all musical traditions, few have had the global reach and cultural impact quite like Christmas music.

The earliest English-language Christmas carols trace back to the 15th century, arriving in the United Kingdom during the late Middle Ages. Before this, by the 1200s, Christmas songs had already been translated from Latin into Spanish, German, and French. In 1426, the first known English collection, titled “Caroles of Cristemas,” was compiled — most likely intended for carolers traveling house to house, singing as part of the holiday celebrations. Since then, music has been an essential part of Christmas traditions around the world.

Christmas music stands apart for its ability to unite different musical genres and audiences. One famous example is the duet “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy,” performed in 1957 by Bing Crosby and David Bowie — two artists with vastly different styles. The arrangement added a counter-melody to allow both singers to shine, demonstrating how Christmas songs often bridge generational and stylistic divides.

By that time, Bing Crosby was already a towering figure in holiday music. On Christmas Day 1941, Crosby debuted Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” during a live radio broadcast. A year later, he recorded the iconic track in a mere 18 minutes. According to the Guinness World Records, Crosby’s version of “White Christmas” remains the best-selling single of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.

Another standout success story is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” written by Johnny Marks. Although first performed by Harry Brannon, it was Gene Autry’s recording that captured the public’s imagination, becoming a Billboard No. 1 hit in December 1949. Remarkably, “Rudolph” became the first song ever to fall completely off the charts the week after holding the top position — a sign of its intense seasonal popularity. The single sold 2.5 million copies in its first year and eventually reached 25 million sales, holding the title of best-selling record until the 1980s. Music historians often credit this success with forever changing how radio stations embraced Christmas music.

Interestingly, while Christmas music is highly popular in the U.S. and Europe, the country that plays the most Christmas music is the Philippines. In the Philippines, Christmas music fills the air from September through December — a period known as the “Ber Months.” This extended celebration reflects the country’s large Christian population and holds the record for the longest Christmas season in the world.

Today, music and the Christmas season are inseparable. Whether one cherishes traditional carols or contemporary holiday hits, these songs are woven into our memories, celebrations, and culture. Christmas music’s enduring ability to bring people together ensures its continued place in holiday traditions for generations to come.

by Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff