"What Makes a Christmas Song?"
Entry #47 As holiday tunes fill the airwaves, have you ever wondered what qualifies a song as a Christmas song? One popular tune, "Last Christmas" by Wham!, has me questioning its status as a true Christmas song. At first glance, the song's title and chorus seem to fit the bill. However, upon closer inspection, I argue that "Last Christmas" is more of a breakup song than a Christmas carol. The lyrics revolve around a past relationship, heartbreak, and moving on – themes that aren't inherently Christmas-related. So, what defines a Christmas song? Typically, Christmas songs incorporate elements like sleigh bells, specific chord progressions, and themes or imagery associated with the holiday. "Last Christmas" lacks most of these elements, with Christmas only being mentioned in the chorus. Personally, I can relate to the song's themes of lost love and nostalgia, especially during the holidays. However, if you remove the word "Chris...