What’s the Worst Christmas Song Ever? Vote for Your Pick! (POLL)

Some people wait all year to finally hear some Christmas tunes … while others groan when the familiar songs hit the radio and stores (this is especially true for those who have or still work in retail). But whether you love or hate Christmas music in general, there are certainly some songs that are better than others — though it can be tough to get folks to agree on which Christmas songs are the bad ones.

We rounded up a list of a few of the most-hated Christmas songs, and we will let you decide which one is the worst! Vote in the poll, and feel free to debate in the comments and let us know which ones you’d add.

“Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney (1979)

Originally released as a single in 1979 before being re-released in 1980 as part of McCartney II, this song was written, produced, and performed by Paul McCartney. Although the members of Wings are in the video, they didn’t play on the actual song; its a McCartney solo venture.

It is frequently cited as one of the most disliked Christmas songs because of its repetitive structure and synthesizer-heavy production. Though it’s a seasonal staple, it didn’t appear on the Billboard Hot 100 until 2018.

“Little Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth” by Bing Crosby and David Bowie (1977)

Recorded in 1977 for Bing Crosby‘s final Christmas TV special, this duet is widely known for its unusual pairing. It is documented that Bowie did not like the traditional “Little Drummer Boy” melody, which led the writers of the special to compose the “Peace on Earth” counter-melody for him on short notice. According to Crosby’s daughter Mary, Bowie initially made an odd impression on Crosby, recalling to Billboard, “The doors opened and David walked in with his wife. They were both wearing full-length mink coats, they have matching full makeup and their hair was bright red. We were thinking, ‘Oh my god.'” However, Bowie and Crosby eventually became more comfortable around each other: “Dad realized David was this amazing musician, and David realized Dad was an amazing musician. You could see them both collectively relax and then magic was made.”

The finished song has since become iconic, but it also regularly appears on lists of divisive Christmas recordings because of its contrasting styles.

“Little Drummer Boy” by Ashlee Simpson and Jessica Simpson (2004)

The Simpson sisters recorded their version of “Little Drummer Boy” in 2004 for Jessica Simpson‘s Christmas album ReJoyce: The Christmas Album. While there are many, many versions of this song, this one might be one of the most-hated just because of the singing.

“Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid (1984)

Released in 1984, this song was recorded by Band Aid to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. It featured a large ensemble of British and Irish pop artists and was successful as a charity single, selling 11.7 million copies worldwide by 1989, and raising eight million pounds for Ethiopia. It also led to the creation of “We Are the World,” and the 1985 Live Aid concert.

In the decades since, however, it has received sustained criticism over the years for its lyrical content and tone; some listeners have claimed the lyrics contain factual inaccuracies about Africa, while others simply find the song grating.

“Please Daddy Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas” by John Denver (1973)

This one is just heartbreaking. John Denver recorded this song in 1973 for his album Farewell Andromeda. The lyrics tell the story of a child begging a parent not to drink during Christmas.

“The Christmas Shoes” by NewSong (2000)

Another sad one. Released in 2000 by the Christian group NewSong, “The Christmas Shoes” is a narrative ballad about a boy trying to buy shoes for his dying mother. It became a charting hit and inspired a book and a TV movie, but for some, it is a little too depressing during the holidays.

“Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” by Elmo and Patsy (1979)

This novelty song was first released in 1979 by the comedic duo Elmo and Patsy, and its dark comedic storyline has made it both memorable and polarizing for more than forty years. While it can be funny, if you think about it too hard, it is just mean.

“Dominick the Donkey” by Lou Monte (1960)

“Dominick the Donkey” was recorded by Italian American singer Lou Monte and released in 1960. It remained a regional favorite for decades before becoming widely known again when it re-entered the UK charts in 2011, following heavy radio play and online campaigning. If you’ve heard this one, you know the donkey sound effects are a bit much.

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Home For The Holidays

November 2021

Celebrate the holidays with your favorite classic stars!

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