By Ava Hult-Falk ’27
Since my return to campus from fall break, I have been pleased to hear holiday carols constantly ringing in the hallways of Nichols dormitory. Inspired by this melodic backdrop and my own holiday spirit, I, along with my Nichols dormmates, have created a Christmas playlist with our top four favorite Christmas songs.
First on our festive playlist is the insultingly underrated “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” by Elmo & Patsy. This Christmas classic narrates a hilariously memorable farce about Santa’s interaction with a grandma celebrating Christmas with her family. I can still vividly recall the first time I heard it as a wide-eyed child, howling with laughter and disbelief that Santa Claus and his reindeer would not stop and assist an elderly woman. I spent the next few weeks convincing everyone I knew that Santa belonged on the naughty list! “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” may be unknown to many, but it has earned a rightful spot on our Nichols playlist for its comedic relief.
Track two in our playlist is none other than “Drummer Boy” by Justin Bieber featuring Busta Rhymes. While Christmas classics will always hold a special place in my heart, this contemporary rendition of “Drummer Boy” is much closer to what we hear on a day to day basis. Busta Rhymes’s rap segments are my favorite part, providing listeners with a welcome departure from the familiar tunes that have echoed for years. The mixture of old and new in “Drummer Boy” makes it a personal favorite of mine.
Claiming the next spot is the perennial favorite, “Last Christmas” by WHAM. While its lively melody projects a lighthearted mood, a closer examination of the lyrics reveals surprising depth. The song recounts a commonly relatable scenario: a lonely individual who recently ended a long relationship and struggles to find as much joy in the holidays as they did before. We Nichols residents appreciate that “Last Christmas” acknowledges the complex emotions that may arise during this time of year.
And now, the final song on Nichols’s holiday playlist is the one and only (not surprisingly) … Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” This track rightfully outshines all the rest. Its presence is ubiquitous during the holidays, permeating social media, stores, dorm hallways, and beyond. While some would strongly disagree, I believe that this song’s holiday charm never wanes. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is the epitome of love, kindness, cheer, and connection.
These four holiday songs, carefully chosen by Nichols residents, capture a wide range of emotions that define our experiences in this festive, beloved season. Holiday music truly connects us all through its explorational themes of love, loss, joy, and so much more.
