You don’t know the really good Christmas songs, says my daughter (15). Hmm, right

These words spontaneously came out of my daughter’s mouth when she played her “Tallulah’s Christmas Playlist” a few days ago. Dad asked what exactly she meant by that. “They only know ‘Last Christmas’ and Mariah. And maybe – if it becomes big – “Let It Snow” or the song “Snowman” by Sia.”

The conversation deepens, the playlist continues. And yes, their playlist included both Wham and Mariah, mind you. But also Christmas hits such as ‘Merry

A mistake, apparently.

She is right. A quick glance at my Swiss friends’ Insta stories confirms: Wham, Mariah, “It’s Starting to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and “Let It Snow”. Oof. And those last two are so boring! Guys, you are missing so much fun by listening to the same 3-4 Christmas pop songs. Christmas should be fun!

Clarify: No, we’re not interested in bashing “All I Want For Christmas Is You” or “Last Christmas.” These are really big, well-written pop hits, performed by great singers, there’s no doubt about that. It’s also not about mentioning insider indie tracks or cult anti-Christmas songs. Yes, I personally love “Don’t Believe In Christmas” by The Sonics, but that’s obscure garage punk from the 1960s that almost no one knows.

No, we’re talking about cheap, poppy sing-along hits here. About hit parades and catchy tunes that seem to play endlessly in department stores, office parties and bars.

For this reason: Here are some great Christmas hits that you should definitely add to your Christmas playlists! Compiled by Tallulah Baroni (high school student) and commented by Oliver Baroni (aspiring ethnomusicologist):

This uber song by glam rock legend Slade is celebrating its 50th (!) anniversary this year! With enough mulled wine, everyone can sing along. You too.

Another kitschy pop banger from the glam rock era! Somehow this genre of music is perfect for the holidays.

Festive, happy, sad and subversive all at the same time – THAT is the art of songwriting, people! With the tragic death of Shane MacGowan last week, this Christmas favorite will be even more prominent this year. That’s a good thing. The song is brilliant.

Yes, a Christmas song can just be poppy and beautiful. And this one is one of the poppiest and prettiest. Also: Kudos to good old Shaky, who in 1984 postponed his song for a whole year to release the benefit single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” to make. make room.

At the express request of my daughter: There must be a John Lennon song. And a little idealism and hope for peace would do the world some good.

Sia’s “Snowman” tune is great. But this song is a masterpiece in the art of Christmas songwriting. If your Christmas party is even half as much fun as this song, then it’s more than a success.

«Somehow the songs take us back from that time [den 1960ern] the Christmas spirit is conveyed best.” An interesting statement from a 15-year-old – but one that contains a grain of truth. Here are some playing tips:

So immediately add the above songs to your Christmas playlists! And Advent is guaranteed to feel even more Christmasy.

Here are two personal favorites from a father of a 15-year-old (although my daughter also loves the Ramones) – songs that somewhat meet the criterion of an “atypical Christmas song”:

No one manages to convey deep human longing amid pounding punk guitars like Joey Ramone. Yes, Christmas without a relationship or family conflict – that would be something.

Okay, and this is just a bit of fun. Oh yes – after yet another mulled wine I turn up the volume here.

^{And by the way, “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” is a terrible song.}