by Sophia Caneira ’29 on December 11, 2025
A&E - Music
In my family, we aren’t allowed to head downstairs on Christmas morning until we hear the opening notes of Percy Faith’s “Joy to the World.” My dad pops the disc into the CD player and queues up the Music of Christmas album, and only then can we head into the family room to open our stockings. Listening to Faith on Christmas morning is one of my favorite family traditions—one started by my great-grandfather, who played the album for my dad when he was growing up. Likewise, I hope to carry on the tradition with my own kids. Hearing Faith’s “The First Noel,” “O Holy Night,” and “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” instantly reminds me of my great-grandfather and provides a reminder of what Christmas is all about.
Another album particularly close to my heart is composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker score. As a lifelong dancer, the familiar tunes from Clara’s magical journey hold for me both inexplicable joy and bittersweet nostalgia. One of the most recognizable tracks from Tchaikovsky’s score is the “Pas de Deux: Dance of the Prince and the Sugar-Plum Fairy.” This one is my favorite by far, yet regarding tone, it is completely different from the rest of the ballet. Amidst an otherwise upbeat, festive score, the movement is incredibly tragic. It is a beautiful piece because of its melancholic sound. The melody builds to the end of the song, giving me chills every time.
Of course, Christmas cannot be had without classic movies like A Charlie Brown Christmas and their soundtracks. The smooth jazz composed by Vince Guaraldi has become iconic—the piano melody of his song “Linus and Lucy” is particularly well-known. I have found that this album is also great for studying during the Christmas season—festive, but not too distracting (although, whenever I hear “Christmas is Coming,” I’m always struck with the desire to get up and dance). Guaraldi’s score perfectly complements a timeless, feel-good Christmas movie that reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday—not Snoopy’s commercial quest to win an award for the best Christmas decorations, but the love Charlie Brown shows to a little tree no one else wanted.
Another one of my favorite holiday numbers is the somewhat obscure “Christmastime” by none other than The Smashing Pumpkins. I used to be stuck in my ways when it came to The Smashing Pumpkins—my sister and dad both loved their music, but I was far from convinced. A few years ago, however, I heard the song “Christmastime” on a Christmas music compilation CD, and my sister asked me, “Do you know what band this is?” I was horrified to learn the very band I had sworn not to like was responsible for such a beloved Christmas song. Eventually, I accepted my defeat and grew to love all of their music.
Perhaps my favorite Christmas song of all time is none other than “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole. Each time I listen to this masterpiece, I am captivated by the wistful melody. Cole’s voice is so beautiful, and his piano in the bridge is incredibly emotional. I find it remarkable that artists like Cole have created such melancholy and sentimental music that still feels appropriate for the holiday season.
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” seems appropriate as the closer, given that it is the final track on one of my family’s favorite Christmas CDs. As is expected from The Edge, the guitar on this track is explosive. Bono’s vocals are heart-wrenching. Like many Christmas songs, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” has been recorded by many artists over the years, but in my book, U2’s rendition outshines them all.