The Christmas season is a time when music fills the air with joy and magic even more! This year, we asked every member of our team to share two of their favorite Christmas songs, each revealing some of the personal memories and emotions that make this time of the year so special. From timeless classics to more unique choices, each staff member brought their own musical taste into the mix.
Whether it’s the warm memories of family gatherings or the simple joy of singing along to holiday hits, these songs reflect the diverse traditions and personal connections we all hold dear during the festive season. Join us on this personal article as we suggest you some songs to listen to and explore the holiday sounds that fill our holidays with warmth and cheer!
Arianna's picks...
Mistletoe - Justin Bieber
I’ve loved Mistletoe ever since the first time I heard it. As a big belieber, having a Christmas song sung by Justin Bieber was a huge deal for me back then and it still is because Christmas and Justin are two things I absolutely love, haha. Plus, it’s not a cover but an original song, which is something you don’t see very often with young artists. It perfectly captures a festive vibe and I have so many wonderful memories associated with it.
Silent Night - Michael Bublé
How could I not mention the iconic Michael Bublé? Listening to his Christmas album during this time of year is a tradition. I chose this particular song because we also have an Italian version of it called Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle. Whether it's in Italian or English, it reminds me of all the Christmas holidays with my family: setting up the tree and the decorations, waiting for Santa Claus, the smell of winter air and the warmth of hot chocolate. Michael's voice makes the English version of this song truly special!
Dunya's picks...
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon
It's quite ironic: I am Muslim, so I don't celebrate Christmas but, inevitably, the Christmas spirit and atmosphere of these holidays touch everyone, regardless of their religion or background. Perhaps the beauty of Christmas, in the end, lies in the fact that it unites us through the love and solidarity it embodies. As a music lover, Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon is a must-have on my playlist because it deeply moves me. We live in a time of war and the thought that “war is over if you want it, war is over now” gives me a bit of hope, comforting me with the idea that these holidays can bring relief to those less fortunate in this world. When John sang it, he likely thought the same, so his message of hope, peace and love resonates deeply with me. I hope that people in difficult situations and those affected by war can find peace and love and that they can enjoy the values of Christmas without any deprivation.
A Natale Puoi - Alicia
Another song that I greatly appreciate (even though it’s quite mainstream here in Italy because it’s very famous) is A Natale Puoi by Alicia. It’s a song associated with a Christmas commercial and is part of an album of Italian Christmas songs, often sung at school concerts. I sang it as a child and, thanks to the commercial, it became the soundtrack of my childhood. The song talks about the magic of Christmas, a moment when everything seems possible and the values of family, sharing and happiness are rediscovered. For me, it perfectly describes the meaning of Christmas, embodying all the values that characterize this time of the year.
Giulia's picks...
Tu scendi dalle stelle
As a child, the school Christmas play was one of my favorite moments of the year. I would count down the days until the performance with my classmates in front of all our relatives. Dressed all in white, we would line up in front of the altar like little angels to sing a different song for each class. We wore pastel-colored capes, improvised halos made of golden garlands and had our teachers constantly reminding us not to sing with a “slipper-shaped” mouth but with an “O-shaped” one. In the end, we all performed together, singing my favorite piece: Tu scendi dalle stelle.
Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande
In December, despite all the tests scheduled at the end of the term, there was always a wonderful atmosphere in the classroom, with windows and walls decorated and a slightly scruffy little tree adorned with mismatched ornaments. On December 23rd, we celebrated with a snack, sharing pandoro and other treats brought from home, after exchanging our Secret Santa gifts which, in reality, were never all that secret. In the background, the most famous Christmas songs played and we sang along hitting all the wrong notes (especially the higher ones) like in Santa Tell Me.
Sara's picks...
Su carita divina
Even though I listen to some classic Christmas pop songs like as all the world (the usual ones: All I Want For Christmas Is You, My Only Wish, Last Christmas…), what I actually listen to the most are villancicos flamencos. In my hometown, Jerez de la Frontera, we have traditional festivities called zambombas. People sing while clapping their hands or playing tambourines, sometimes accompanied by a guitar, always gathered around a zambomba, the instrument that gives this celebration its name. Zambombas are usually organized by the local government, associations, flamenco clubs or religious brotherhoods. They are mostly held outdoors, though they also take place in bars or wineries. My favorite villancico is probably Su carita divina (which is also known by other names). Despite its joyful rhythm, it mixes the celebration of Baby Jesus’s birth with the sorrow anticipating His sacrifice on the cross.
Entré en el Jardín de Venus
Another villancico I really like is Entré en el Jardín de Venus. It actually has little to do with Christmas since it talks about the goddess of love instead of Baby Jesus. The song cleverly tells the story of someone offering their heart to another person, only to be rejected (or at least that’s how I interpret it).
Alexandra's picks...
Stay Another Day - East 17
One of my favourite Christmas songs is Stay Another Day by East 17. I feel like everyone’s favourite Christmas songs are attached to the memories behind them, and for me I remember watching the music video for this song when I was a teenager, laughing with all of my friends. Apart from the fact we were all still obsessed with boybands, I think the iconic music video is what kept us playing Stay Another Day year after year. Alongside the group's gentle harmonies to the distant beat of shimmering bells, the video is set in an ethereal space, with the whole group adorned in their matching white coats. For me the whole video is so ridiculously reminiscent of the 90’s fashion and music video style, it gives me nostalgia for a time when I wasn’t even alive! Lastly, the sweet lyrics of the song, the longing for a loved one to stay a little longer perfectly balance the track, making it heartfelt but still in a classic 90’s boy band fashion!
Fairytale of New York- The Pogues, Kirsty MacColl
One of my other favourite Christmas songs is Fairytale of New York by The Pogues. This song is slightly more mellow, or not as cheerful in tone as a lot of other Christmas songs, but full of soul and a message everyone resonates with, which is why I think it is and always will be a Christmas classic! The song is narrated by an Irish immigrant in America and is a tale of love, but also how imperfect it can be. I will always think of home when I hear this song and I know many family and friends that understand the leaving of Ireland for a better life but missing home at the same time. Overall, I think this is a Christmas song with a real story and a song that everyone always loves to sing together!
Laura's picks...
Christmas Tree Farm - Taylor Swift
As a huge fan of Taylor Swift and a lover of Christmas, a song that combines the two is perfect for me.
Fairytale of New York - The Pogues, Kirsty MacColl
This song has a deep meaning for me because it reminds me of all the Sunday afternoons spent decorating the house with my family.
*Disclaimer: choosing just two of our favorite songs was nearly impossible but we had to keep it concise to fit the length of the article: these are the ones we chose for this particular occasion.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS.