Recently on Splice Today, I shared my favorite and most hated Christmas songs. The latter initiated a minor debate with Chris Beck about whether or not I should have included Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” on the list. Although I respect Beck’s view, technically he’s wrong about this one. It may not be “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” but I love “Wonderful Christmastime” because it’s a really happy song.
I know why people hate the tune. It has a cheesy echoing synthesizer theme, it’s repetitive, and the lyrics are so simple a five-year-old could write them. Even the promo video is corny with its animation, 1980s-era special effects, and that weird conga line McCartney leads around the pub. From a cynical point of view, “Wonderful Christmastime” illustrates why John Lennon had the better post-Beatles solo material.
And yet, it captures all the joy of getting together with friends and loved ones to celebrate the holidays. Let’s face it: 2017 was a shit year, and we need some goofy fun to take our minds of things. An ugly Grandma Christmas sweater, some eggnog (non-alcoholic for me, unfortunately), gingerbread houses, and rocking around the Christmas tree to Yuletide music without a shred of irony. Let’s forget for right now that Trump is fucking us in every orifice, and just have fun even if it’s for one night.
As noted, I understand why people hate “Wonderful Christmastime,” but with the year I’ve been having, I don’t care. I want to hear some crappy 1970s synthesizers and simplistic lyrics. What’s the harm?