The Holiday Blues: Why Do We Love Sad Christmas Songs?
The Beautiful Paradox of the "Blue Christmas"
The holiday season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. It's a non-stop soundtrack of sleigh bells, cheerful carols, and songs about joy and peace. But for many of us, the holidays are... complicated. They can be a time of intense pressure, loneliness, or a powerful reminder of loved ones we've lost.
So why, in the middle of all this forced cheer, are we so drawn to "sad" holiday songs?
As a songwriter, I'm fascinated by this. I believe we don't listen to these songs to make us sadder. We listen to them because they make us feel seen. When the world is telling you to be "merry and bright," a song that whispers, "it's okay to feel a little blue," can be the most comforting gift of all.
The Icons of Holiday Melancholy
Some of the most enduring holiday songs are the ones that acknowledge this complex reality.
Joni Mitchell's "River" (1971): This is the ultimate "anti-Christmas" song. It's not about the joy of the season; it's about deep regret and the desperate wish to escape. It’s a masterpiece of songwriting because it captures a feeling of loneliness that is so real for so many people during the holidays.
Wham!'s "Last Christmas" (1984): This is a brilliant piece of pop craftsmanship. It's an upbeat, synth-pop song, but the lyrics are a story of pure heartbreak. This contrast is what makes it a classic. It’s a song you can dance to with a tear in your eye, and it validates the feeling that your own personal heartaches don't just pause for the month of December.
These songs aren't "downers"; they are "silent companions." They give us permission to feel all of our emotions, not just the "merry" ones.
The Antidote: A Song of Deliberate Hope
As much as these reflective songs give us comfort, I also believe in the power of music to lift us up. This year, I felt that the world didn't need another song about holiday heartbreak. I felt we needed a reminder of what connects us.
That’s why I was so drawn to recording my new single, "Christmas In Our Hearts."
It's a song that deliberately chooses to focus on what's possible. It’s not about ignoring the world's problems, but about actively choosing to respond with hope, unity, and compassion. It’s my musical antidote to the holiday blues. It's a celebration of the light that we can create together.
After a long journey of reflection on my new EP, My Continuum, this song, with its rich three-part harmony, feels like the perfect, joyful conclusion to the year.
A Postscript on the Holiday Blues
1. Why do I feel sad at Christmas? It's incredibly common. The holidays often bring a lot of pressure, financial stress, and can amplify feelings of loneliness or grief for people we've lost. You are not alone in feeling this way.
2. Is "Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley a sad song? It's the original modern holiday sad song! It perfectly captures the feeling of missing someone during a time that's supposed to be happy, which is a feeling millions of people can relate to.
3. What can you do if you feel the "holiday blues"? Be kind to yourself. It's okay to not feel perfectly happy. Sometimes, the best thing to do is put on a song that understands you (like Joni Mitchell's "River"), and allow yourself to just feel.
The best holiday playlist has room for all of it: the joy, the nostalgia, and the quiet reflection.
What's a song—happy or sad—that you have to listen to every holiday season? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.