Santa's Musical Journey: From Eartha Kitt's Sultry Tunes to Grime Christmas Carols
Santa Claus, the beloved figure of Christmas, has a unique relationship with music. And it's not just about jingling bells and cheerful carols. Professional Santas, the men behind the red suits and beards, have their own musical preferences and pet peeves when it comes to the festive season.
'I can't stand hearing Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' again!' exclaims Paul Fessi, a Santa with a diverse clientele. But his distaste for this modern classic is not due to the song itself, but rather the frequency of its play. Fessi's favorites include Eartha Kitt's sultry rendition of 'Santa Baby', a song that gets adults in the mood to dance, and the pure-hearted 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Arnold Warneken, a.k.a. Green Santa, has a unique look with his green outfit, and he's not afraid to share his controversial opinion: 'Spike Jones is just so cheesy!' Warneken's favorite, 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', holds a special place in his heart due to its message about global inequality. But when it comes to Spike Jones' 'All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth', he can't help but cringe at its cheesiness.
Cleve Freckleton, or Rasta Claus, brings a unique twist to the role. 'I'd rather hear a grime Christmas song than Mariah Carey any day!' Freckleton, a Black Santa, created Rasta Claus to resonate with children with special educational needs. His favorite songs, 'Baby It's Cold Outside', 'Winter Wonderland', and 'When a Child Is Born', capture the festive spirit without mentioning Christmas directly. Freckleton's wish for a grime Christmas carol or a punk 'Silent Night' is a refreshing take on holiday music.
Joseph Ridgely, a Santa who feels the magic of the season, has a more lighthearted reason for disliking a song: 'I can't stand 'When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney' for obvious reasons!' His favorite, 'Underneath the Tree', holds a special memory of a choreographed dance with families. But the chimney song? He jokes about it, saying it only happened once.
Keith Leech, a former science teacher turned Santa, has a unique perspective on the music he hears. 'Christmas Wrapping drives me bananas, but it's an earworm!' Leech's favorite, 'Jingle Bells', matches his jolly personality, but he's heard some songs too many times, like Noddy Holder's shout in 'Merry Xmas Everybody'. The Waitresses' 'Christmas Wrapping' is catchy, but the singing leaves something to be desired.
Nigel Harvey, a.k.a. Santa Himself, has a deep connection with a lesser-known Christmas song: 'Stop the Cavalry' is a heartfelt plea to end all wars.' This song's bouncy rhythm and brass section resonate with Harvey. However, he finds Nat King Cole's 'The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot' too sad, as it reminds him of the heartbreaking moments he's experienced as Santa.
Simon Anthony, a Santa with a classical music preference, shares a relatable struggle: 'You grin and bear Donny Osmond for the love of Christmas.' Anthony's love for Doctor Who leads him to believe Santa is a Time Lord. His favorite, Prokofiev's 'Sleigh Ride', was part of BBC Two's launch music. While he might not enjoy Donny Osmond's songs, he endures them for the joy of the season.
And this is the part most people miss: being a Santa is not just about the costume and the beard. It's about creating magical moments, spreading joy, and sometimes, even healing. So, what's your take on these Santas' musical preferences? Do you agree with their choices, or do you have your own unique Christmas playlist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
