What is your favorite holiday song?

Mine is Carol of the Bells. It’s a melody that immediately brings me joy and nostalgia, mainly since it’s featured in so many classic movies, like my mom’s favorite, Home Alone. But there’s something even more special about it for me – it’s originally a Ukrainian folk song called Щедрик (Shchedryk).

In Ukrainian, “Щедрик” means “Bountiful” or ”Generous One.” This song tells the story of a little swallow flying into a home, bringing tidings of prosperity and abundance. Though it’s now famous worldwide as Carol of the Bells, its roots are deeply tied to Ukraine’s heritage and traditions.

As a Ukrainian, I find this song to have an incredibly personal meaning. Growing up, Щедрик was everywhere during the New Year’s celebrations and Orthodox Christmas in Ukraine. My father used to sing it to me, and it felt like a warm embrace, a thread connecting me to my family and our traditions. Even now, when I hear its familiar notes, I’m transported back to those moments of love and togetherness. Knowing that this song has transcended borders and become part of American culture makes me feel so proud – it’s like a piece of Ukraine shared with the world.

Holiday songs often carry stories we don’t think about when we hum along. For instance, Sleigh Ride wasn’t even written with Christmas in mind. Leroy Anderson wrote it during a sweltering summer, dreaming of snowy scenes to escape the heat. The lyrics were added later, turning it into a holiday favorite.

Or take Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, which almost had a completely different tone. It was heartbreakingly somber when it was written for Meet Me in St. Louis, with lines like “It may be your last.” Judy Garland insisted on a more hopeful version, and later, Frank Sinatra polished it into the heartwarming classic we know today.

Even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has an unexpected beginning. Cute little Rudolph was created as a marketing character for a department store before becoming the star of a beloved song. I can’t imagine the holidays without Rudolph now.

However, one particularly touching story is “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire). Written on a sweltering summer day in 1945, Mel Tormé stumbled upon some notes his collaborator Bob Wells had scribbled to cool off—lines like “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” and “Jack Frost nipping at your nose.” Mel immediately recognized the potential for a song, and in just 40 minutes, they had created what would become one of the most iconic holiday tunes. I love the energy behind this song – the warmth and simplicity of the holiday season. It reminds us of the little things – family, cozy fires, and the beauty of tradition.

It’s amazing how these songs, written in moments of longing or nostalgia, have become essential to our holiday celebrations.

A Special Note on “White Christmas”

Finally, the best-selling single of all time “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin. Its origins carry a somber note. Berlin wrote the song while staying at the sunny La Quinta Hotel in California.

His melancholy in the song reflects his personal grief. His three-week-old son had died on Christmas Day in 1928, and every Christmas after was tinged with sadness for him.

Featured in the movie Holiday Inn, Bing Crosby’s rendition became an instant hit. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became the best-selling single ever.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the song resonated deeply with soldiers overseas. They were longing for home and the familiar comforts of Christmas.

So, what’s your favorite holiday song? What memories or traditions does it bring to mind for you?