Christmas Songs: A Personal List of Memories, Traditions, and Holiday Magic
by: Anastasia KlinovskaPosted on:

Christmas Songs: A Personal List of Memories, Traditions, and Holiday Magic

Christmas is right around the corner, and the season already feels closer than ever. Every year, we hear thousands of Christmas songs – on the radio, in cafés, in movies – but each of us has that one track that instantly brings back a memory, a moment, or a feeling.

So this year, I decided to create a different kind of Christmas songs list. Instead of ranking the “best Christmas songs” or simply naming the most popular Christmas songs, I reached out to people from different countries and backgrounds and asked one simple question: “What is your Christmas song and why does it matter to you?”

The answers I received turned into a beautiful collection of personal stories, nostalgia, and traditions tied to some of the top Christmas songs of all time.

So, if you’re ready to discover Christmas through other people’s memories – let’s jump in!

Table of Contents

1. “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych

To open this list, I chose the favorite Christmas song of the admin of this website. And it’s a powerful one: “Carol of the Bells.”

Most people know it as one of the best Christmas songs ever created – a dramatic, unforgettable melody instantly associated with the holiday season. But originally, this song had nothing to do with Christmas.

Composed in 1916 by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, the piece was first known as “Shchedryk.” “Shchedryk” comes from the Ukrainian word meaning abundance, yet the song carried a much deeper message. Written during a cold and difficult winter at the height of war, it wasn’t meant to be a festive melody. It was a song about hope – a call for a better future and a belief that brighter days would eventually come.

Over time, this haunting melody travelled far beyond Ukraine’s borders. It was adapted, transformed, and reimagined until it became what the world knows today as “Carol of the Bells.” A global Christmas anthem. A soundtrack to winter holidays everywhere. A melody performed by choirs, orchestras, and artists on every continent.

What makes this song even more meaningful today is where it was born: the city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine – a place tragically destroyed by russians. And yet, just like the melody itself, the story continues to live, to travel, and to inspire. It reminds us that even in the darkest winters, hope survives. And no matter how hard the times are, one truth remains unchanged: Ukraine will rise, rebuild, and reclaim its future.

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This song is also one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable Christmas melodies in the world. And while its history is uniquely Ukrainian, its emotional impact belongs to everyone. Each person carries their own memories, stories, and associations tied to “Carol of the Bells.”

Below, you’ll find reflections from people who shared why this iconic piece holds a special place in their hearts – each story different, personal, and meaningful in its own way.

The first perspective comes from Deepak Shukla, Founder and CEO of Pets Let’s Travel, who shares his own connection to the song. He says:

My favourite Christmas song is “Carol of the Bells.” It sounds like Christmas if Christmas were a thriller. I love that slightly manic energy and it matches the way my brain works when juggling 15 Pearl Lemon projects at once. Daniela, my wife, laughs because I’ll play it while batch-cooking my pet’s (Ken and Kiki) food, turning the kitchen into some kind of festive war zone.

There’s nothing soft-focus about it. It’s sharp, dramatic, and somehow motivating. The holidays don’t slow me down; they crank everything up like that first chime in the song.

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Next reflection on this timeless song comes from Albert Brenner, Co-owner of Altraco. With more than four decades in global manufacturing, he connects “Carol of the Bells” not just to the holidays, but to the rhythm and precision that define his work. For him, the song mirrors the beauty of complex systems moving in perfect sync.

Here is his story in his own words:

My favorite Christmas song is “Carol of the Bells.” I’ve spent 40+ years managing manufacturing timelines across multiple continents, and that song captures something I deeply understand – the beauty of synchronized complexity.

When I’m coordinating production runs in Vietnam while managing quality checks in three other countries, there’s this moment when everything clicks into rhythm. That’s what “Carol of the Bells” sounds like to me – multiple moving parts creating something greater than the sum. The overlapping melodies remind me of our 99.6% on-time delivery rate – it only happens when every piece harmonizes.

Last Christmas, I was on a call with a factory in Asia while my family decorated the tree, and that song came on. My daughter asked why I was smiling during a work call. The urgency and precision in those bells – that’s the manufacturing world during peak season. It’s chaos that becomes magic when done right.

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Another reflection on this powerful melody comes from Piotr Dederowski, Co-Owner of Lemont Dental Clinic & Gentle Touch Dentistry. For him, the original Ukrainian version, “Shchedryk,” carries both cultural resonance and real-world relevance to the high-speed pace of December in a dental practice.

Here is his story in his own words:

My favorite Christmas song is “Carol of the Bells” – the original Ukrainian version, “Shchedryk.” Growing up in a Polish household, I heard both the American arrangement and the Eastern European folk melodies my parents brought with them. That song bridges both worlds for me.

What makes it special is the urgency in it. Most Christmas music is slow and contemplative, but “Carol of the Bells” has this driving rhythm that matches how December actually feels in a dental practice. We’re squeezing in patients trying to use their insurance benefits before year-end, parents scheduling kids’ cleanings during winter break, and seniors wanting their smiles ready for family photos. It’s controlled chaos, and that song captures it.

I play it in our Lemont and Palos Hills offices during the last two weeks of December. Our team jokes that when they hear those bells, it’s go-time. After 15 years of running these practices, I’ve learned that acknowledging the rush – instead of pretending it’s a silent night – helps everyone stay energized through the busiest season.

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The final reflection on this beloved classic comes from Michelle DeFronzo, CEO of Realm Music Group. For her, “Carol of the Bells” is more than a seasonal anthem – it’s a bridge between childhood nostalgia, family tradition, and the modern artistry she now champions through her work in music.

Here is her story in her own words:

My favorite Christmas song has always been “Carol of the Bells”. There’s something timeless about it-the rhythm, the build, that feeling that the season is truly here. Every time those first notes hit, it takes me right back to childhood, family traditions, and that cozy holiday energy we all look forward to.

This song means even more to me because of a stunning R&B version recorded by one of our artists, Annie Jules a/k/a “The Black Pearl”.  She has this incredible ability to take a classic and make it feel intimate and soulful, while still honoring the spirit of the original. Her performance gave me the same chills I felt the first time I ever heard the song.

2. “The Little Drummer Boy” by Johnny Cash


The next song on this Christmas songs list comes from Megan Knight, Founder & Steward of Natural Surrender. Megan chose a track that carries a timeless message of humility, sincerity, and giving from the heart: “The Little Drummer Boy.”

Below is Megan’s reflection on why this song resonates with her:

“The Little Drummer Boy” – backstory: A poor boy who is invited to see the newborn Jesus but has no material gift to offer. So he plays his drum for the baby.

The beat – the music – grabs me always first. It is strong and confident and conveys the joy and the heart behind the boy’s humble offering. The boy cannot compete with the lavish gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh brought by the Magi, but he gives it his all, putting everything he has into what he can give.

And Jesus smiles at him, signifying that the boy’s gift of music was valued and understood as given with love. A sincere tribute does not require earthly riches – simply the riches of the heart freely given. I need to know that, as I have lived decades with widely fluctuating levels of earthly riches, and this feeds my need to know I am still contributing in a worthwhile manner to society and those around me.

3. “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway

Next song on our Christmas journey belongs to Kira Byrd, an Entrepreneur, Chief Accountant, and Compliance Strategist at Curl Centric. Kira’s choice is Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” It’s a track that grounds her during a busy season, offering a rhythmic foundation that mirrors both her personal memories and the cadence of her professional life.

Here is her story in her own words:

Growing up in a household where the holidays were structured similarly to a fiscal year-end with specific roles, deadlines, and routines, I have a strong musical connection to the holiday season based on these familiar patterns. So, my favorite Christmas song is Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas,” because it provides a consistent, rhythmic foundation to the season, which helps to create a sense of stability or steadiness for me during this time of year. The arrangement of the song is confident and never rushed. The rhythm provides a similar cadence to the workflow process that I rely upon as an accountant, managing large groups and complex processes.

The song brings back memories of my family planning their holiday preparations like a project management team. The house was typically calm until the moment the opening riffs of “This Christmas” began. The song still serves as a signal for me to transition from what can be an extended period of year-end review, compliance cycle, etc., back into alignment with the natural rhythms of both my work and personal life.

4. “O Holy Night”

Next song comes from Brian Clark, Founder of United Medical Education. He works closely with people who carry heavy memories through the holidays, so he gravitates toward Christmas music that brings calm rather than chaos. For Brian, “O Holy Night” is that quiet anchor in a busy season.

Here is his reflection in his own words:

I work with people who carry heavy memories through the holidays, so I tend to reach for music that quiets the noise instead of adding more to it. “O Holy Night” is my favorite Christmas song because it stays grounded even when everything else feels rushed. The slow build gives people room to breathe, and that same quality has helped me reset after long stretches in the operating room or during the seasons when United Medical Education was growing.

This is a song that has a stability to it, holding up year after year. The melody feels intentional, steady. I listen to it in the early hours of the day when the house is especially quiet, and that ritual has become the closest thing I have to a pause button in the month of December.

5. ” O Holy Night” by Mahalia Jackson

Next song is shared by Maury Blackman, CEO & Founder of The Transparency Company. Despite spending decades in tech, leadership, and military service, the Christmas song that resonates with him most is deeply personal and rooted in memory rather than business. For Maury, “O Holy Night” – specifically Mahalia Jackson’s version – has become a powerful anchor through different stages of his life.

Here is his story in his own words:

I’m a tech CEO and former Army officer who’s spent 25+ years building companies around transparency and trust, but my favorite Christmas song has nothing to do with business – it’s “O Holy Night.” The version by Mahalia Jackson, specifically.

I grew up in Houston and first heard it at a midnight church service when I was maybe seven or eight. Something about that song cuts through all the commercial noise of the season and hits you with raw emotional power. When I was deployed during my Army years, hearing it on a crackly radio in the field reminded me why we were doing what we were doing – service, sacrifice, something bigger than ourselves.

What makes it special for me now is that after finishing eleven Ironman races, I’ve learned that endurance isn’t just physical. That song is about endurance through darkness toward light. When I’m training in the predawn cold or dealing with a crisis at work, I think about that core message: keep going, something better is ahead.

I play it exactly once each season, usually alone on a long December run. It’s become my personal tradition – a moment to reset before the chaos of the holidays and year-end closes.

6. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland

Next song comes from Dr. Reema Sethi, an Emergency Medicine Physician and Founder of Aura Health & Spa. After more than 15 years of working holiday shifts in the ER, she gravitates toward Christmas music that feels honest, grounded, and emotionally real. For her, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland carries exactly that kind of truth.

Here is her reflection in her own words:

My favorite Christmas song is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland. After 15+ years in emergency medicine, working countless holiday shifts while my kids were opening presents at home, that song hits differently. There’s a bittersweet honesty to it that feels real – it acknowledges life isn’t perfect, but we can still find joy.

I remember one particularly rough Christmas Eve shift in Chicago when we lost a patient, and this song came on in the break room. Instead of the usual cheerful holiday noise, it gave me permission to feel what I was feeling while still holding onto hope. That’s what makes it special – it doesn’t demand fake cheer.

Now that I’m building Aura while balancing ER work and three kids in Plymouth, I play it every year while wrapping gifts at midnight. It reminds me that showing up imperfectly is better than not showing up at all. Whether it’s for my patients, my clients, or my family – presence matters more than perfection.

7. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby

Next song comes from Bill French, Founder & CEO of FDE Hydro and a construction leader with more than five decades of experience. After years spent managing large-scale infrastructure projects that didn’t pause for holidays, he connects deeply with Christmas music that reflects distance, sacrifice, and the meaning of home. For him, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby captures all of that in one timeless melody.

Here is his story in his own words:

My favorite Christmas song is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby. After five decades building W.L.F. Excavating, I’ve spent countless Christmases away from family on job sites – Logan Airport taxiways don’t stop for holidays, and neither do infrastructure deadlines.

That song hits different when you’re coordinating 300 employees and $200M in projects. There were years I missed Christmas morning because we had equipment down or a critical timeline to meet. The line “if only in my dreams” became pretty literal.

Now with FDE Hydro, I’ve got more flexibility, but the song still reminds me why I built these companies – to create jobs so other families could be home for Christmas. Every time one of our team members clocks out early on Christmas Eve, that’s the real win.

8. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love

Next song comes from Gunnar Blakeway-Walen, Marketing Manager at FLATS. He gravitates toward Christmas music that feels honest and emotionally charged rather than overly polished. For him, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love stands out because it carries raw emotion beneath the holiday surface.

Here is his reflection in his own words:

My favorite Christmas song is “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love. There’s something about that raw, almost desperate vocal performance that cuts through all the polished holiday cheeriness – it feels real and emotional in a way most Christmas songs don’t.

I first heard it during a particularly grueling lease-up season at one of our Chicago properties. We were pushing hard to hit occupancy targets before year-end, and that song became the soundtrack to late nights reviewing marketing data and tweaking campaigns. The urgency in Darlene’s voice somehow matched the energy we needed to close out the year strong.

What makes it special is that it’s not really about Christmas – it’s about longing and home and the people you want to be with. Living in Chicago’s West Loop and working across multiple cities, I’ve learned that “home” isn’t always a place. Sometimes it’s the feeling you create for residents in their new apartments, or the satisfaction of seeing a strategy work after months of planning.

The song reminds me that behind every lease we sign, there’s someone looking for their own version of home. That’s what keeps the work meaningful, even during the chaotic holiday season when everyone’s trying to move in before New Year’s.

9. “The Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby and David Bowie

Next song comes from Sean Kearney, a Restaurant Equipment Specialist at The Restaurant Warehouse. He connects deeply with Christmas music that reflects humility, effort, and the idea of doing your best with what you have. For him, “The Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby and David Bowie captures that message perfectly.

Here is his story in his own words:

My favorite Christmas song is “The Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby and David Bowie. When I was selling baseball cards in college to make tuition money, I’d set up at weekend markets during the holidays, and that song always came on. It reminded me that you don’t need fancy gifts to make an impact – just bring what you’ve got.

Now that I work with restaurant owners, I see that same principle play out constantly. A small cafe owner can’t always afford the biggest commercial kitchen setup, but they come to us with passion and hustle. That song hits differently when you’re helping someone start their dream with a used griddle and a solid work table – they’re playing their drum the best they know how.

What makes it special is the collaboration between two completely different artists who made something timeless together. In foodservice, I see the same magic when a chef partners with the right equipment supplier. It’s not about having everything – it’s about making something great with what you can bring to the table.

10. “Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea

Next song comes from Aaron Wroblewski, Founder & Managing Director of SpaceTek Australia. While he spends most of December working under the Australian sun – often on rooftops in remote areas – there’s still one Christmas song that resonates with his life on the road. For Aaron, “Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea captures that feeling perfectly.

Here is his story in his own words:

I’m Aaron Wroblewski, founder of SpaceTek Australia. Funny question for someone who spends most of December on a roof in the Australian sun, but I’ll bite.

My pick is “Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea. Sounds cliché, but hear me out – I spend a lot of time on the road installing satellite systems across rural and remote Australia. There’s something about that song playing while you’re heading back after connecting someone’s farmhouse or caravan park to decent internet that just hits different.

What makes it special is the feeling it captures: the anticipation of getting home, the road stretching out ahead. I’ve literally been driving through the outback in 40-degree heat on Christmas Eve, dust everywhere, and that song comes on. Makes you appreciate the journey, not just the destination – which is pretty much what my work’s all about anyway.

11. “God Rest Ye Merry Gents” by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Next song comes from John Swann, Founder of John Buys Your House. He gravitates toward Christmas music that brings energy and atmosphere without needing lyrics. For John, the instrumental version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gents” by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings is the perfect blend of classic holiday sound and modern groove.

Here is his reflection in his own words:

My favorite Christmas song is God Rest Ye Merry Gents by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings 

It’s all instrumental but that is what I love about it. It’s upbeat, has some of the ‘classic’ Christmas brass horn sounds, and is a great addition to a Christmas party playlist.

12. “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano

Next song comes from Rene Fornaris, Vice President at Land O’ Radios, LLC. For him, Christmas music is closely tied to heritage, community, and the influence of growing up in Miami’s Cuban culture. That’s why “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano remains his most meaningful holiday song.

Here is his reflection in his own words:

My favorite Christmas song is “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano. Growing up in Miami’s Cuban community, this song was the bridge between my family’s traditions and the American holiday experience – it played at every gathering, whether we were at my abuela’s house or at community celebrations.

What makes it special is its simplicity. Just three lines repeated, but those lines got everyone singing together regardless of whether they spoke English or Spanish. When I’m directing a film or managing my team at Land O’ Radios, I’m constantly reminded of that lesson – the most powerful communication isn’t the most complex, it’s the most inclusive.

The song also reminds me of my wife Larissa and our two boys. We blast it while decorating, and my kids have grown up knowing every word in both languages. It’s become our family’s signal that the season has officially started, just like how a clear radio signal connects teams when it matters most.

13. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams


Next song comes from Dr. Marcia Layton Turner, a bestselling business book ghostwriter whose work is rooted in storytelling and emotional resonance. Her favorite Christmas song is tied to childhood memories and the kind of pure joy that stays with you long into adulthood. For her, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” brings that feeling back every time.

Here is her reflection in her own words:

For me, the Christmas song I can never get enough of is “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” I suspect that song is my favorite because when I was around 10, my parents gave me a tape recorder with one tape of Christmas songs, and that was on it, so I listened to that song and “We need a little Christmas” on repeat that year. I remember being so delighted with my gift, so hearing that song takes me back to a time of joy and wonder.

14. “Christmas in Harlem” by Kanye West

Next song comes from Isabella Rossi, CPO at Fruzo. She gravitates toward Christmas music that feels modern, lively, and full of community energy rather than traditional or sentimental. That’s why “Christmas in Harlem” by Kanye West stands out as her holiday soundtrack.

Here is her reflection in her own words:

My favorite Christmas song is “Christmas in Harlem” by Kanye West. It just has this incredible and joyful energy that feels more like a block party than a traditional carol.

I love it because it captures the spirit of community celebration. The song features all these different artists, and you can just feel the fun they had making it. It’s festive, a little gritty, but totally authentic.

It’s special to me because it blends my love for hip-hop with the holiday season. It’s the track I play when I’m cooking a big holiday meal or wrapping presents. It puts me in a good mood and reminds me that the holidays are really about the people you share them with.

15. “Hark the Harold Angels Sing”

Next song comes from Adam Mighton, Chief Operating Officer at Mighton Construction Limited. For him, Christmas music is tied to childhood memories, community, and the powerful feeling of singing together. That’s why “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” remains his favorite.

Here is his reflection in his own words:

My favourite Christmas song is “Hark the Harold Angels Sing”. I feel like I love the energy that builds in the song and I just belt it out when the chorus comes. It reminds me of childhood and going to church and being part of a community.

Christmas Songs, Final Thoughts

What began as a simple question –“What is your Christmas song, and why does it matter to you?” – turned into a tapestry of memories, cultures, professions, and personal histories. From global executives and healthcare workers to founders, creatives, and community leaders, each person shared a story shaped by the song that has followed them through life.

Together, these reflections paint a vivid picture of what Christmas music truly is: not just melodies we hear in cafés or on the radio, but emotional landmarks that remind us where we’ve been, who we love, and what moments shaped us.

Whether it’s the haunting power of “Carol of the Bells,” the quiet hope of “O Holy Night,” the longing in “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” or the raw joy in “Christmas in Harlem,” every track in this list carries a story worth remembering.

If you enjoyed exploring these personal connections to some of the best Christmas songs, you might also love the next article I’ve put together: Trending Christmas Songs for Reels to Elevate Your Holiday Spirit. It’s a modern playlist full of energy, perfect for your content, parties, and festive mood.

Thank you for reading, celebrating, and sharing these musical memories with me. Wishing you a warm, joyful, and meaningful holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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