Everyone has their favorite Christmas songs, but there are several older hymns that have become universally beloved. Below, revisit three of the oldest Christmas songs that still get caroled around today. Do you have a version of any of these songs added to your festive playlist?
Videos by American Songwriter
Revisit Three of the Oldest Christmas Songs That We Still Sing Today
1. Jingle Bells (1857)
“Jingle Bells” is a holiday staple. Everyone, from your three old cousin to your grandma pushing 90, knows this track. It’s a simple tune, but perhaps its magic lies in its simplicity. People have been dreaming about riding in a one-horse open sleigh since 1857 and we don’t see them stopping anytime soon.
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
2. “O Tannenbaum/Oh Christmas Tree” (1824)
Though the words have changed, we’re still singing about the titular Christmas decoration: a lit up tree with lovely branches. “O Tannenbaum” was written in 1824. Somewhere along the way, the pervasive version of this song adopted English lyrics. Thought it has been changed, the sentiment remains the same.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
Your boughs, so green in Summer-time
Stay bravely green in Winter-time
O Tannenbaum, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
3. “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (1751)
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” certainly sounds like a song that was written in 1751. Nevertheless, it resonates today. Harkening back to the religious reason for the season, this hymn has seen many vocalists flex their powerful voices. Check out Martina McBride‘s stellar version, below.
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem
O come and behold Him, born the King of Angels
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
(Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.