Think of your favourite Christmas song. Getting that warm fuzzy feeling in your tummy. Is nostalgia popping up to say hello? Are your spirits being lifted? 

So Why do Christmas songs make us happy? 

In this short article, we will be exploring the reasons why Christmas songs make us happy. Discovering the musical gems and facts hidden within these short yet perfectly formed pieces that keep us pressing play each year. And asking why are the old songs the best.

Nourishing ourselves on Nostalgia 

For most people in the world, the time of Christmas is in the middle of the Winter cycle. Therefore there is a deep need to keep our bodies warm and spirits lifted during the darker days. Playing our favourite songs revivifies a chain reaction of Christmases past. This nostalgia makes us feel happy. And songs with fun lyrics and stories such as Baby it's Cold Outside remind us to be playful and in harmony with the gifts, the colder and shorter days bring. 

Are there deeper intentional messages within these compositions? 

The frequencies of Christmas songs lift us to a state of euphoria. They remind us on a deeper level of the purpose of good cheer and lyrics such as god rest you merry gentlemen remind us to be aware and kind to our neighbours and community. Bing Crosby's Christmas Song, Rocking around the Christmas Tree and All I want for Christmas are all set in the key of C. 

When composing a song the fifth and fourth notes of the scale are used within many of the chord progressions. The chord of C major offers the message of security and stability. F offers us the frequency of love and compassion and G is associated with the throat and expression and communication. So it is no surprise that many of the great Christmas songs are in the key of C major for as we listen to these melodic transitions it lights up that warm cosy feeling inside and reminds us to fill our days with joy and happiness as we move into the new year.  

Even sad songs make us feel content and peaceful. 

George Michael’s lyrics in Last Christmas progress beautifully from sad to hopeful accompanied by a mix of minor and major chord progressions. Each line of new lyrics alternates between a major and a minor chord. This takes us as the listener through a psychological journey from hurt to healing, sad to happy, and uncertainties to resolution a reflection of the overriding message of Christmas perhaps! 

Play it again Sam! 

The purpose of music is to offer us a whole embodied experience that we can join in with. And it's through the choice of lyrics, key signature, key, and sequence of notes which create unforgettable melodies that keep us singing the same songs again and again throughout our lives. So Christmas songs not only make us happy but bring us a sense of inner joy, and peace, and evoke memories that help us connect to our past and feelings. 

So next time you listen to your favourite Christmas song thank the composers and lyricists for igniting this forever flame of warmth in your memories. 

Now go and have yourself a merry little Christmas, as you rock around the Christmas tree and admire the chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and dream about a white Christmas just like the ones you used to know. 

Fancy something a little different this Christmas? Check out my Sonic Soundscapes on the album Born To Stand Out available over on I-Tunes, Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.