10 Ways To Welcome Christmas With These Iconic Lyrics

As the winter season approaches, the air is filled with the magic of Christmas. The festive lights, the warm fireplace, and the sound of carolers singing iconic lyrics all come together to create an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Christmas is a time for love, laughter, and giving, and what better way to welcome it than with the timeless words of our favorite holiday songs? In this article, we'll explore 10 iconic lyrics that are sure to get you in the mood for Christmas.

1. "All is calm, all is bright" - Silent Night

The tranquil lyrics of "Silent Night" evoke a sense of peace and serenity, perfect for a Christmas Eve spent snuggled up by the fireplace. This carol, written in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr, is a timeless classic that has been translated into over 300 languages and remains a staple of holiday playlists around the world.

The Story Behind the Song

The story behind "Silent Night" is one of necessity and creativity. In 1818, Gruber, a music teacher, and Mohr, a priest, were tasked with creating a song for the Christmas Eve service at their church in Oberndorf, Austria. With the church organ broken and no time to repair it, Gruber composed a melody for guitar, and Mohr wrote the lyrics. The result was a beautiful, soothing carol that has become synonymous with Christmas.

2. "Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh" - Jingle Bells

Who can resist the infectious energy of "Jingle Bells"? This classic Christmas song, written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont, is a staple of holiday playlists and has been covered by countless artists over the years.

Fun Facts About Jingle Bells

• "Jingle Bells" was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas.
• The song was composed in just 30 minutes.
• The original lyrics were titled "The One Horse Open Sleigh" and were published in 1857.

3. "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." - The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)

Nat King Cole's smooth, velvety voice brings to life the warm, fuzzy feeling of Christmas in "The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)". Written in 1944 by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells, this song is a holiday classic that evokes the nostalgia of Christmases past.

The Story Behind the Song

The song was written during a hot summer in 1944, when Tormé and Wells were tasked with creating a Christmas song for Nat King Cole. Despite the sweltering heat, the duo managed to conjure up a song that would become synonymous with the holiday season.

4. "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams" - I'll Be Home for Christmas

Written in 1943 by Kim Gannon and Walter Kent, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a poignant ballad that captures the longing and nostalgia of being away from loved ones during the holiday season.

Fun Facts About I'll Be Home for Christmas

• The song was written during World War II, when many soldiers were away from home for the holidays.
• Bing Crosby's version of the song is the most well-known, but it has been covered by countless other artists over the years.

5. "Rockin' around the Christmas tree..." - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Brenda Lee's upbeat, energetic voice brings to life the fun and excitement of Christmas in "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". Written in 1958 by Johnny Marks, this song is a holiday classic that's sure to get you in the mood for dancing and celebration.

Fun Facts About Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

• The song was written specifically for Brenda Lee, who was just 13 years old at the time.
• The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Bill Haley and the Comets and Amy Grant.

6. "Have yourself a merry little Christmas..." - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Written in 1944 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a heartwarming ballad that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Judy Garland's iconic version of the song in the 1944 film "Meet Me in St. Louis" is a holiday classic that's sure to bring a smile to your face.

The Story Behind the Song

The song was written for the 1944 film "Meet Me in St. Louis", in which Judy Garland starred. The song has since become a holiday staple, covered by countless artists over the years.

7. "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Written in 1963 by Edward Pola and Franz Blane, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is a festive, upbeat song that captures the joy and magic of the holiday season. Andy Williams' iconic version of the song is a holiday classic that's sure to get you in the mood for celebration.

Fun Facts About It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

• The song was written specifically for Andy Williams, who recorded it in 1963.
• The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Tony Bennett and Josh Groban.

8. "Santa Claus is coming to town..." - Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Written in 1934 by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is a fun, upbeat song that's sure to get kids (and kids at heart) excited for the holiday season. Fred Coots' iconic version of the song is a holiday classic that's been covered by countless artists over the years.

Fun Facts About Santa Claus is Coming to Town

• The song was written specifically for Eddie Cantor, who recorded it in 1934.
• The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Bing Crosby and The Jackson 5.

9. "Do they know it's Christmas time at all?" - Do They Know It's Christmas?

Written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" is a poignant, thought-provoking song that brings attention to the struggles of those in need during the holiday season. The iconic version of the song, recorded by Band Aid, features a star-studded lineup of artists, including Bono, George Michael, and Sting.

The Story Behind the Song

The song was written in response to the 1983-1985 Ethiopian famine, in which thousands of people died due to poverty and malnutrition. The song was recorded by Band Aid, a supergroup of British and Irish musicians, and has since become a holiday classic.

10. "We wish you a merry Christmas..." - We Wish You a Merry Christmas

This traditional English carol, dating back to the 16th century, is a festive, upbeat song that's sure to bring a smile to your face. The iconic version of the song, recorded by Bing Crosby, is a holiday classic that's been covered by countless artists over the years.

Fun Facts About We Wish You a Merry Christmas

• The song is believed to have originated in the 16th century, when it was sung by carolers in England.
• The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole.

As we welcome Christmas with these iconic lyrics, let's remember the true spirit of the holiday season: love, kindness, and generosity. Whether you're snuggled up by the fireplace or dancing around the Christmas tree, these songs are sure to bring joy and magic to your holiday celebrations.