20 Christmas Songs That Were Originally Written for Other Holidays
Discover the surprising origins of these 20 favorite Christmas songs and how they were initially written to celebrate other holidays or occasions.
- Chris Graciano
- 5 min read
Many Christmas songs we know and love today weren’t initially meant for the holiday season. From New Year’s celebrations to Thanksgiving and patriotic tributes, these tunes were later rebranded or adapted for Christmas. This list reveals 20 songs that made the journey from other occasions to become iconic parts of our Christmas playlists.
1. Jingle Bells
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Initially written for Thanksgiving in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont, “Jingle Bells” was meant to celebrate sleigh rides during winter. Its catchy melody made it a natural fit for Christmas celebrations, and the song eventually became synonymous with the holiday season.
2. Auld Lang Syne
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Robert Burns’s “Auld Lang Syne” is a traditional Scottish folk song known globally as a New Year’s anthem. While not explicitly linked to Christmas, its nostalgic tones make it a seasonal holiday favorite.
3. Over the River and Through the Woods
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This cheerful tune was initially a Thanksgiving song based on a poem by Lydia Maria Child. Its winter imagery of sleigh rides and snow-covered fields eventually led to its association with Christmas festivities.
4. Deck the Halls
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A classic Christmas carol, “Deck the Halls,” was adapted from a traditional Welsh New Year’s song called “Nos Galan.” Its upbeat melody and festive lyrics made it a perfect match for holiday celebrations.
5. My Favorite Things
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" My Favorite Things " is a song from the musical The Sound of Music. It was never intended as a Christmas song, but its references to wintry imagery, such as snowflakes and packages tied with string, have made it a holiday staple.
6. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
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Though now a quintessential Christmas tune, this song was originally sung as a New Year’s greeting in 16th-century England. Its cheerful goodwill message made it a timeless piece for all festive occasions.
7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
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First featured in the movie Meet Me in St. Louis, this song was written for a family reunion scene. While it’s now deeply tied to Christmas, its original context was more about nostalgia and togetherness than the holiday itself.
8. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
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Written during a heatwave in July 1945 by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, this song celebrates winter’s coziness rather than Christmas. Its warm imagery and association with snow quickly linked it to the holiday season.
9. Sleigh Ride
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Composed by Leroy Anderson in the middle of summer, “Sleigh Ride” was never intended as a Christmas song. The lyrics, added later, focus on winter fun, making it a popular choice for the holiday playlist.
10. The Twelve Days of Christmas
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This traditional English carol originated as a memory-and-forfeits game for Twelfth Night celebrations, marking the end of the Christmas season. Over time, it became a part of Christmas traditions rather than just its conclusion.
11. Silver Bells
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Initially titled “Tinkle Bells,” this song was inspired by the bustling city life during the holiday shopping season. Although it wasn’t explicitly written for Christmas, its imagery of decorated streets and ringing bells made it a holiday favorite.
12. Baby, It’s Cold Outside
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Frank Loesser wrote this song as a playful duet for him and his wife to perform at parties. Though not a Christmas song, its cozy, wintery theme made it a staple of holiday playlists.
13. Winter Wonderland
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This song, written by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith, celebrates the beauty of winter landscapes. While it does not mention Christmas, its joyful tone and seasonal imagery tie it to the holiday.
14. O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum)
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Originally a German folk tune, “O Tannenbaum” was about the enduring qualities of evergreen trees. It wasn’t until later that its lyrics were adapted to celebrate Christmas trees.
15. Good King Wenceslas
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This carol commemorates the feast of St. Stephen, celebrated on December 26th. Over time, its inclusion in Christmas hymnals and its winter theme solidified its connection to the holiday.
16. Happy Holiday
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Written by Irving Berlin, this song was featured in the 1942 film Holiday Inn. Although it wasn’t exclusive to Christmas, its broad celebratory message of the holiday season made it a favorite for Christmas gatherings.
17. Here We Come A-Wassailing
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A traditional English wassailing song, this tune was sung initially during New Year’s and other celebrations. It later became associated with caroling and the Christmas season.
18. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
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Although written on a hot summer day, this song by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells was inspired by winter imagery. Its comforting themes and timeless lyrics made it an instant Christmas classic.
19. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
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Edmund Sears wrote this hymn in 1849, inspired by the political turmoil of the time, to reflect on peace and goodwill. Its universal message fits the spirit of Christmas, though it wasn’t initially associated with the holiday.
20. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
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This song began as a simple tune about winter, with lyrics added later to honor Saint Nicholas. Its playful melody made it a favorite among children during the Christmas season.