Wikipedia defines a novelty song as: a type of song built upon some form of novel concept, such as a gimmick, a piece of humor, or a sample of popular culture.
Christmas music in particular is ripe with examples of such songs. From all of the character-driven songs, "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas," or "The Chipmunk Song," a good chunk of holiday classics would definitely fall into the novelty category. But did you know there are also examples of such songs in the Christian market? In this article, we take a look at some of our favorites.
Brandon Heath - "The Day After Thanksgiving"
In this song, Brandon Heath sings about how much he likes Christmas music, but only once the day after Thanksgiving arrives. And not a day sooner. Here, Heath sings about the perils of it still being autumn with golden leaves and hayrides, and yet the malls are all decked out for Christmas. Regardless of one's opinion about when it is permissible to start listening to Christmas music, it's hard not to appreciate the wit of devoting a whole novelty song to arguing for when the yuletide songs are allowed to commence.
Matthew West - "Gobble, Gobble"
Well, I'm kind of cheating with this one. This is, after all, a Thanksgiving song. But in honor of Heath's song, I felt it appropriate to include Matthew West's humorous ode to family and food. Especially because it explicitly addresses the dearth of songs about Thanksgiving. And while it is written for Thanksgiving, one can appreciate its witty celebrations of culinary excess throughout the holiday season. Plus, it's so darn catchy too.
Theocracy - "Rudolph vs. Frosty"
Did you know that Rudolph and Frosty never really got along? Or at least, that's how the story goes in this humorous (and dramatic) original song by Christian power metal band, Theocracy. Known for their Christmas songs both poignant and humorous, this is arguably the pinnacle of their "funny" Christmas songs. Telling a narrative in which Rudolph and Frosty come to blows over which of them deserves to be 2nd in command at Christmastime, the song weaves together a story that is both entertaining and also teaches a good lesson. Lust for power never gets you what you really want. If you want a good laugh and a Christmas song that is unusual both in terms of composition and theme, give this one a listen.
Lanae Hale - "Starving Artist Christmas"
Fighting the misconception that all musicians have money, Lanae Hale penned this ode to the financial struggles a starving artist faces at Christmastime. Hale declares that she "can't even feed a cat" and "if you want to join us for a christmas dinner/bring your own parkas/and some mittens and some slippers/and we'll have spaghetti and sauce." While the struggles of some to pay their bills at the holidays is itself a somewhat serious and dire topic, Hale's tongue-in-cheek delivery adds levity and humor to this novelty. Especially in our current age of heavy inflation, this one will probably resonate with a lot of us. Downhere - "Five Golden Rings"
Downhere said that this is the only part of the 12 Days of Christmas that anybody actually likes to sing. So it's the only part they recorded. Touche, friends. 'Nuff said.
Relient K - "Santa Claus is Thumbin' To Town"
In this tale of Christmas woe, things are going very poorly down at the North Pole. Nothing is going right. Christmas Eve is a disaster. And yet ole' Kris Kringle presses on, even hitchhiking, so the kids wouldn't have empty stockings on Christmas morning. It's a bit of a crazy tale, but it makes for a fun and unique Christmas novelty.
Crowder - "The Ballad of Mrs. C (She's Sick of the Beard)"
A tribute to the unsung hero of the North Pole, Mrs. Claus. She misses her husband when he's out delivering presents. And she's apparently sick of the beard. She wants to go visit Mexico and have her husband shave. At least that is how Crowder tells it in this ballad. And if Crowder tells you something, you listen.
What are some of your favorite "novelty" Christmas songs from Christian artists? Let us know.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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