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Sleigh bells -

The jingling of sleigh bells, featured in songs like 'Sleigh Ride' from 1948, evokes imagery of snowy winter scenes and festive sleigh rides.

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Major keys -

Many Christmas songs are in major keys, creating a bright and cheerful sound. For example, 'Jingle Bells' from 1857 uses a major key to enhance its joy.

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Simple, catchy melodies -

Tunes like 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' are designed to be easy to sing, making them accessible and communal.

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Rich harmonic layers -

Songs often use lush harmonies, as heard in 'Silent Night' from 1818, to evoke warmth and serenity, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

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Triple meter and waltz-like rhythms -

Songs such as Frank Sinatra's 'The Christmas Waltz' use triple meter to give a lilting, graceful feel that's reminiscent of traditional dances.

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Brass and strings -

Orchestral instruments like trumpets and violins add grandeur, as heard in Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker Suite' from 1892.

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Descending melodies -

The descending melodic lines in songs like 'Do You Hear What I Hear?' create a sense of peaceful resolution.

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Minor key interludes -

Some songs, like 'God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,' use minor keys to add mystery and contrast, enhancing the sense of awe often associated with the holiday season.

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Bell-like tones -

High-pitched instruments mimic the sound of bells, symbolizing church bells or jingle bells, evoking the festive spirit of Christmas.

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Choral style -

Many carols, such as 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' from 1739, are written for choirs, emphasizing communal harmony.

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Association with seasonal sounds -

Instruments like celesta and glockenspiel mimic icy, crystalline tones, evoking frosty winter scenes in the Northern Hemisphere, while suggesting sparkling festive cheer in the Southern Hemisphere's summer celebrations.

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Themes of nostalgia -

Lyrics often recall idealized childhood memories, such as in Bing Crosby's 'White Christmas' (1942), conjuring images of snowy winters and cozy holiday traditions typical of the Northern Hemisphere.

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Religious influence -

Traditional carols like 'O Holy Night' from 1847 incorporate sacred themes, connecting to the holiday's religious roots.

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Warm timbral qualities -

The use of deep, resonant instruments like cello and organ creates a cozy atmosphere, enveloping listeners in the warmth of the holiday season.

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Storytelling lyrics -

Many songs, like 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,' tell heartwarming stories, creating emotional connections that often convey themes of acceptance, generosity, and the magic of believing.

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Community singing tradition -

Songs like 'Deck the Halls' invite group participation, reinforcing feelings of togetherness. Their easy repetitive lyrics make them perfect for caroling and communal celebrations.

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References to winter imagery -

Snow, fireplaces, and holly feature prominently in songs, tying them to the season's visuals of the Northern Hemisphere.

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Tchaikovsky's legacy -

Works like 'The Nutcracker Suite' established orchestral sounds that shaped Christmas music.  Tchaikovsky's iconic melodies became deeply associated with the holiday season, particularly in classical Christmas concerts.

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Hollywood influence -

Holiday movies like 'Holiday Inn' (1942) popularized songs such as 'White Christmas,' which have since become holiday standards.

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Marketing and media -

Post-war era marketing campaigns used jingles like 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town' (1934), embedding them into the cultural consciousness.

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Predictability and familiarity -

Repetition of familiar tunes year after year reinforces emotional connections to the holiday season, triggering nostalgic memories and creating a sense of comfort.

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Traditions -

Older carols like 'The First Noel' from 1823 root the music in longstanding traditions, often heard while decorating, celebrating, and getting into the spirit of the season.

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Uplifting tempo -

Faster songs like 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' convey joy and energy, encouraging lively dancing and upbeat celebrations. 

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Relaxing ballads -

Slower songs, such as 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' evoke calmness, creating a peaceful, reflective atmosphere for the end of the year.

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Use of romantic imagery -

Songs like 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' add a cozy, romantic vibe to the holiday season, with playful lyrics and smooth melodies.

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Evocation of sacred spaces -

Songs with echoing choral arrangements make you feel like you're in a cathedral, as their harmonies reflect the peacefulness of the season.

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Contrasts between light and dark -

Alternating joyous and somber tones, like in 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,' mirror the season's reflective nature.

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Yearly rituals -

Annual traditions solidify emotional attachment to Christmas music, as repeated listening each year evokes cherished memories and strengthens connections.

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Universality -

Christmas music spans genres and cultures, making it a unifying force during the holidays.

Sources: (Mental Floss) (Discover Magazine) (Classic FM) 

See also: The true story behind Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'

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