And the best Christmas song is…

• December 7, 2017
• Beth Hepple
• no comments

As our Citizens, you regularly share your thoughts with us via the app. When you complete those lovely light blue fun tiles, you can also see how your opinions compare. At CitizenMe HQ, we’ve been getting into the festive spirit and sharing our thoughts on all things Christmas; it is the most wonderful time of the year after all. But one thing that we couldn’t decide on was what the best Christmas song is. Let’s face it, there’s a lot to choose from! So rather than trying to decide amongst ourselves, we decided to put the question out there to our lovely Citizens.

People from all over the world shared their thoughts with us, with responses from Sweden, Peru, the Philippines, Australia and more – thanks guys! If you’ve checked the app today, you’ll also see a very special festive insight, don’t miss it!

Taking it back to centuries past with Christmas carols

We know that there’s nothing better than screeching to Mariah at the top of your voice, getting your dancing shoes on to Elton John and trying your best to learn the words to the Pogues; but we can’t forget where our fascination with Christmas songs began. The Christmas carol. The term ‘carol’ is believed to have originated from the old French world ‘carole’ which was a circle dance performed with accompanying singers. But just how old is the concept of the Christmas carol? The world’s oldest Christmas carol is thought to be “Jesus refulsit omnium” a latin song from the fourth century. By comparison, ‘Away in a Manger’ originated in the 1880’s, meaning some of those ‘classics’ that you can’t help but sing along to aren’t actually that old.

Despite the excitement that’s synonymous with the festive season, it seems our Citizens like a mellow atmosphere when it comes to their favourite carol, with ‘Silent Night’ scoring a whopping 46% of the vote. The popularity of this Christmas classic may not just be down to the traditional carol, notable covers include those by Bing Crosby, which is reportedly the third best-selling single of all time, and a more recent version by Kelly Clarkson. Still, 17% of you were a little more upbeat with your selection; coming in second place was ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’. The version that we all know and love was released in 1924 but the tune was first heard back in the 1500’s.

Christmas classic chaos

When you think about the extensive list of Christmas songs that have been released over the years, it’s easy to understand why artists are keen to release Christmas albums and singles; many become instant classics that you will listen to for years to come.

With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that the question which didn’t offer a clear cut answer was ‘Which of these if your favourite Christmas classic?’. The results were super close, so close that we can’t really say there is one winner. With that in mind, here are your top five Christmas classics:

1. The Pogues – Fairytale of New York
2. Andy Williams – It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
3. Wizzard – I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday
4. Elton John – Step Into Christmas
5. Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

What about those modern classics?

When it came to choosing the best Christmas song of the millennial era, there was no contest. With a massive 47% of the vote was the one you can’t help but sing along to, whether you love it or hate it. Mariah Carey – All I want for Christmas. But did Mariah reign supreme when it came to non-millennial Citizens? She certainly did. It was only the over 65’s who opted for Cliff Richard’s ‘Millennium Prayer’ instead. Sing with me now “Iiiii don’t want, a lot, for Christmas…”

If you were a Christmas song, what would you be.

While thousands of you have ‘fessed up your favourite festive anthems via the CitizenMe app, all of you should definitely check out our Christmas Song Insight. Using your Facebook likes, this special edition exchange will tell you which Christmas song you are. Are you going to be a holly jolly Michael Buble or will you be more like your (probable) favourite and channel your inner Mariah? Share your responses with us!