As we head into the most festive time of year, the time has come to dust off the Christmas classics to play at your annual family gathering. Though many holiday hits stand out as timeless classics, which one to declare as the best of them all is a topic of great debate.
The most popular Christmas song in recent decades is undoubtedly “All I Want for Christmas is You.” At this point, it would take running away to a remote island to escape Mariah Carey’s peppy, commercialized jingle. Despite the overwhelming popularity of Carey’s hit, though, it simply cannot be declared the best Christmas song. If you consider playing this one at your family gathering, just remember that your loved ones would likely rather listen to “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” by Alvin and The Chipmunks.
If not “All I want for Christmas is You,” though, then what else? To find the true Christmas classics, one must dive into the past to dig up the hits that have stood the true test of time. In 1999, Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” (1957) became the first Christmas song to reach platinum status. Band Aid’s 1984 “Do they Know it’s Christmas” has also stood the test of time as a winter wonder. Most recently, Michael Bublé’s album “Christmas” has become a can’t-go-wrong option for a holiday gathering.
However, all of these artists cannot touch one man when it comes to holiday classics. That man is Bing Crosby. Responsible for the two best-selling Christmas songs of all time, you’ve inevitably heard Crosby’s timeless voice in stores, restaurants, TV, and movies during the holiday season. Crosby’s rendition of “Silent Night” is the most famous version of the song–with 30 million copies sold. His1947 hit “White Christmas” is the most popular Christmas song of all time – with over 50 million copies sold. It’s more than just the accolades that stand out, though; Crosby’s voice is a timeless relic. His songs aren’t just being made to make money, but rather to enjoy as true music. While our generation may be unfamiliar with his music, “White Christmas” is a song you simply sit back, take in, and enjoy. And his collab with David Bowie on Drummer Boy in 1977 is always a legendary moment to revisit. For this reason, Bing Crosby is indisputable the greatest holiday artist of all time.