Unearth The Voyage
The 1970s gave us some of the most memorable Christmas music ever recorded. From soulful ballads to glam rock anthems, these holiday singles captured the unique spirit of a groovy decade. Whether you loved disco, rock, or Motown, the seventies had a Christmas song that spoke to your heart and made the season brighter.
1. Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano (1970)
José Feliciano created something truly magical when he released this bilingual masterpiece in 1970. The song blends English and Spanish lyrics seamlessly, making it a celebration that everyone can enjoy. Its simple message of wishing prosperity and happiness during the holidays resonates across cultures and generations.
What makes this single so special is its infectious rhythm and warm acoustic guitar sound. Feliciano recorded the track with a laid-back vibe that captures the joy of the season perfectly. The repetitive chorus makes it easy for anyone to sing along, whether they speak Spanish or not.
Over five decades later, this Christmas classic still fills homes, stores, and radio stations every December. Its universal appeal and upbeat energy helped it become one of the most-played holiday songs in history. Feliciano proved that Christmas music could bridge language barriers and bring people together through pure musical joy.
2. Merry Christmas Darling by The Carpenters (1970)
Karen Carpenter’s velvety voice delivers one of the most romantic holiday songs ever written. Released as a single in 1970, this tender ballad speaks to anyone spending Christmas away from someone they love. The lyrics express longing and hope, wrapped in beautiful orchestration that tugs at your heartstrings.
Richard Carpenter’s arrangement showcases his sister’s incredible vocal talent with lush strings and gentle piano melodies. The production feels warm and intimate, like receiving a heartfelt letter from someone special. Every note Karen sings feels genuine and filled with emotion that listeners can truly feel.
This single became a holiday tradition for millions of families around the world. Its timeless quality means it never feels dated, even after more than fifty years. The Carpenters gave us a Christmas song that reminds us love is the greatest gift we can give or receive during the holiday season.
3. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town by The Jackson 5 (1970)
Motown magic meets Christmas cheer in this energetic version of a holiday classic. Young Michael Jackson’s voice brings fresh excitement to a song that had been recorded many times before. The Jackson 5 added their signature soul sound with funky bass lines and irresistible grooves that made everyone want to dance.
Berry Gordy knew his young stars could breathe new life into traditional Christmas music. The production features tight harmonies from all five brothers, creating a joyful sound that captured the spirit of the early seventies. Their youthful energy made the song feel brand new, even though the lyrics were familiar to millions.
This single proved that holiday music could be both respectful of tradition and totally modern at the same time. Kids and adults alike loved the upbeat tempo and catchy arrangement. The Jackson 5 showed the world that Christmas songs could make you move your feet while warming your heart.
4. Silent Night by The Temptations (1970s)
Smooth harmonies and soulful voices transformed this ancient carol into something entirely new. The Temptations brought their legendary vocal blend to one of the most peaceful songs ever written. Their arrangement added rich layers of sound while keeping the reverent spirit of the original hymn intact.
Motown’s production team knew exactly how to showcase these incredible singers. The single features the group’s trademark precision, with each voice perfectly balanced against the others. Their interpretation feels both spiritual and contemporary, bridging the gap between sacred music and popular soul.
What stands out most is how they maintained the song’s quiet beauty while adding their own distinctive style. The Temptations proved that classic Christmas carols could work beautifully in any musical genre. Their version offers a moment of calm reflection during the busy holiday season, reminding listeners of the deeper meaning behind all the celebrations and gift-giving traditions we enjoy each December.
5. This Christmas by Donny Hathaway (1970)
Donny Hathaway created a masterpiece that has become essential listening every holiday season. His smooth vocals glide over a funky groove that makes you want to sway along. The song captures the warmth of family gatherings, with lyrics that paint vivid pictures of decorations, caroling, and togetherness.
The production features sleigh bells, hand claps, and a bass line that gets stuck in your head for days. Hathaway wrote and performed the song with genuine feeling, making every word sound personal and heartfelt. His keyboard playing adds layers of sophistication that elevate the track beyond typical holiday fare.
Though it came from his 1970 album, the song gradually became a single through radio play and listener demand. Today, it ranks among the most beloved Christmas songs of all time. Hathaway’s gift to the world was a celebration of joy, love, and the simple pleasures that make the holidays special for everyone.
6. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono (1971)
John Lennon and Yoko Ono released this powerful peace anthem in December 1971, combining holiday cheer with an urgent message. The song asks listeners to imagine a world without war, making it both a Christmas single and a protest song. Children’s voices join the chorus, adding innocence and hope to the powerful lyrics.
The melody is simple and haunting, designed to stick in your mind long after the music stops. Lennon wanted to create something that would make people think about peace during a season often focused on material things. The production features bells, strings, and a gentle arrangement that supports the song’s serious message without feeling heavy.
This single became one of the most important Christmas songs ever recorded because it dared to be different. Instead of just celebrating the holidays, it challenged people to work toward a better world. Lennon and Ono gave us a reminder that the Christmas spirit should extend beyond December and into our daily lives throughout the year.
7. My Christmas Card to You by The Partridge Family (1971)
Television’s favorite musical family brought their bubblegum pop sound to the holiday season with this cheerful single. The Partridge Family was hugely popular with young audiences, and their Christmas offering delivered exactly what fans wanted. Bright harmonies and an upbeat tempo made this song perfect for family listening during the holidays.
David Cassidy’s teen idol status helped push the single onto radio playlists across America. The lyrics express warm wishes and holiday greetings, keeping things light and fun. The production has that classic early seventies pop sound with jangling guitars and bouncy rhythms that defined the era.
While not as serious or sophisticated as some other Christmas singles from the decade, this track captured pure joy. It reminded listeners that the holidays are about sending good wishes to people you care about. The Partridge Family created a musical greeting card that brought smiles to millions of homes during the 1971 Christmas season and beyond.
8. Santa Claus and His Old Lady by Cheech and Chong (1971)
Comedy legends Cheech and Chong brought their counterculture humor to Christmas with this hilarious novelty single. The song reimagines Santa Claus as a groovy hippie, complete with slang and seventies references that had listeners laughing out loud. Their unique perspective on holiday traditions made this track stand out from all the serious Christmas music on the radio.
The duo’s comedic timing shines through in every line, delivering jokes with perfect rhythm and style. While the song pokes fun at Christmas conventions, it does so with affection rather than meanness. The production includes funny sound effects and musical choices that enhance the comedy without overwhelming the jokes.
Not every Christmas single needs to be sentimental or traditional, and Cheech and Chong proved that perfectly. Their irreverent take on holiday music gave people permission to laugh during a season that can sometimes feel too serious. This novelty track became a cult favorite, showing that Christmas music could be funny, weird, and totally groovy all at once.
9. I Want to Come Home for Christmas by Marvin Gaye (1972)
Marvin Gaye’s soulful voice conveys deep longing in this emotional holiday release. The song speaks to anyone who has ever been separated from loved ones during Christmas time. Gaye’s vocal performance is filled with yearning and hope, making listeners feel every word in their hearts.
Motown’s production team created a lush arrangement that supports the song’s emotional weight. Strings swell behind Gaye’s voice, adding drama and beauty to the already powerful lyrics. The single showcases his incredible range and ability to communicate complex feelings through music.
What makes this track special is its honesty about the holidays not always being happy times for everyone. Gaye acknowledged that many people feel sad or lonely during Christmas, giving voice to an experience often ignored in holiday music. His gift was creating a song that comforted those who needed it most, reminding them they were not alone in their feelings and that better days would come when families could reunite again.
10. Step Into Christmas by Elton John (1973)
Elton John delivered pure holiday joy with this upbeat rocker released in late 1973. The song bursts with energy from the first note, featuring John’s signature piano style and Bernie Taupin’s clever lyrics. Its message is simple: forget your troubles and celebrate the season with music and dancing.
The production sparkles with bells, hand claps, and a driving rhythm that makes sitting still impossible. John’s vocal performance is enthusiastic and warm, inviting everyone to join the party. The song perfectly captures the excitement kids feel on Christmas morning, translated into a rock and roll celebration.
Unlike many Christmas songs that focus on romance or nostalgia, this single is about pure fun and celebration. John created a holiday anthem that works equally well at family gatherings and holiday parties. His flamboyant style and musical genius combined to produce a Christmas classic that still gets people moving decades later. The track proved that holiday music could rock just as hard as any other genre.
11. Merry Xmas Everybody by Slade (1973)
British glam rockers Slade created the ultimate Christmas party anthem with this explosive single. The song opens with a spoken greeting before launching into a stomping beat that demands attention. Lead singer Noddy Holder’s powerful voice delivers lyrics that celebrate working-class British Christmas traditions with pride and joy.
The production is loud, proud, and impossible to ignore, featuring crashing drums and sing-along choruses. Slade captured the excitement of the holiday season without any pretension or excessive sentimentality. The song feels like a celebration with your best mates, full of laughter and good cheer.
In the UK, this single became a cultural phenomenon that still tops charts every December. Its staying power comes from genuine emotion and infectious energy that never gets old. Slade gave Britain a Christmas anthem that perfectly matched the glam rock era while creating something timeless. The track reminds us that Christmas is about coming together, having fun, and celebrating life with the people around us.
12. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday by Wizzard (1973)
Roy Wood and his band Wizzard created a glam rock Christmas extravaganza that captures childhood wonder perfectly. The song features a children’s choir, bells, and orchestral arrangements that create a wall of joyful sound. Wood’s production is maximalist in the best way, packing every second with musical ideas and festive energy.
The lyrics express a simple wish that many kids share: wanting Christmas to last forever. Wood’s enthusiasm is contagious, making listeners feel like children again no matter their age. The combination of rock instruments and traditional Christmas sounds was innovative for its time and still sounds fresh today.
This single became another British Christmas classic, competing with Slade for holiday radio dominance. Its theatrical production and genuine happiness made it stand out in a crowded field of holiday releases. Wood succeeded in bottling the magic feeling of Christmas morning and turning it into three and a half minutes of pure musical joy that continues to delight new generations every year.
13. Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas) by John Denver (1973)
John Denver took a brave and unusual approach with this heartbreaking holiday single. The song tells the story of a child pleading with their father to stay sober during Christmas celebrations. Denver’s gentle voice makes the serious subject matter even more poignant, creating a song that addresses real family struggles many people face.
The acoustic arrangement keeps the focus on the lyrics and emotional message. Rather than hiding behind production tricks, Denver lets the story speak for itself with simple guitar and his sincere vocal delivery. The song acknowledges that not every family experiences the perfect Christmas portrayed in most holiday music.
This single was controversial because it dealt with alcoholism during a season usually portrayed as purely joyful. However, Denver’s compassionate approach gave voice to children living with difficult family situations. His courage in releasing such an honest song showed that Christmas music could address real problems while still offering hope. The track remains a powerful reminder that the holidays can be complicated for many families.
14. I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake (1975)
Progressive rock musician Greg Lake created one of the most thoughtful Christmas singles of the decade. The song questions commercialization of the holidays while acknowledging the magic of childhood beliefs. Lake’s voice carries both sadness and wisdom, making this track appeal to listeners tired of superficial holiday music.
The arrangement features beautiful orchestration inspired by classical music, giving the song a sophisticated sound. Peter Sinfield’s lyrics are poetic and layered with meaning, rewarding careful listening. The production balances rock elements with orchestral beauty, creating something unique in the Christmas music landscape.
This single resonated with people who felt conflicted about modern Christmas celebrations. Lake didn’t reject the holiday but questioned what it had become in consumer culture. His honest approach created a Christmas song for adults who wanted something more substantial than simple cheer. The track remains relevant because it addresses tensions between commercial and spiritual aspects of the season that many people still struggle with today.
15. Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney (1979)
Paul McCartney embraced synthesizers and electronic sounds for this futuristic Christmas single released at the decade’s end. The song’s bouncy melody and repetitive lyrics create an almost hypnotic effect that divides listeners even today. McCartney’s production experiments with new technology, making this track sound completely different from traditional holiday music.
The synthesizer riffs and electronic drums give the song a distinctive sound that captures the late seventies perfectly. McCartney’s playful vocals and simple message about having a wonderful Christmas keep things light and accessible. The track feels like a party in electronic form, celebrating the season with modern sounds.
This single became hugely successful despite mixed critical reactions to its unconventional approach. McCartney proved that Christmas music could evolve with changing musical trends and technology. His willingness to experiment created a holiday song that sounds like nothing else from the decade. The track’s lasting popularity shows that sometimes the most divisive music becomes the most memorable and enduring over time.
16. If We Make It Through December by Merle Haggard (1973)
Country music legend Merle Haggard brought stark realism to Christmas music with this powerful single. The song tells the story of a factory worker laid off before the holidays, struggling to provide for his family. Haggard’s weathered voice conveys the desperation and determination of working people facing hard times during what should be a joyful season.
The production is stripped down and honest, featuring traditional country instrumentation that supports the story without distraction. Haggard’s songwriting shines through, painting vivid pictures of economic hardship and parental worry. The track acknowledges that Christmas can be financially stressful rather than magically solving problems.
This single resonated deeply with working-class Americans who faced similar struggles during the economic difficulties of the early seventies. Haggard gave voice to people often ignored in holiday music, showing respect for their dignity and perseverance. His honest approach created a Christmas song that offered solidarity rather than empty cheer, reminding listeners that getting through difficult times together is its own kind of holiday miracle worth celebrating and acknowledging.
