Encyclopedia Brittanica defines a novelty song as a popular tune distinguished by its unique or unconventional elements, which set it apart from standard musical offerings.
Christmas music, in particular, is ripe with examples of such music. From all of the character-driven songs, "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas" or "The Chipmunk Song," a good chunk of holiday classics would fall into the novelty category. But did you know there are also examples of such songs in the Christian market? Here are some of our favorites.
Brandon Heath - "The Day After Thanksgiving"
In this song, contemporary Christian artist 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"
I'm cheating with this one. This is, after all, a Thanksgiving song. However, in honor of Heath's music, I felt it appropriate to include contemporary artist Matthew West's humorous ode to family and food. Mainly because it explicitly addresses the shortage 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 the Christian power metal band Theocracy. Known for their poignant and humorous Christmas music, 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 second in command at Christmastime, the music weaves together an entertaining story that teaches a good lesson. Lust for power never gets you what you want. Listen to this if you want a good laugh and a unique Christmas song in composition and theme.
Lanae Hale - "Starving Artist Christmas"
Fighting the misconception that all musicians have money, musician Lanae Hale penned this ode to a starving artist's financial struggles 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 during the holidays is a somewhat dire topic, Hale's tongue-in-cheek delivery adds fun and humor to this novelty. This one will resonate with many of us, especially in our current age of heavy inflation. Downhere - "Five Golden Rings"
Classic Christian rock band Downhere said this is the only part of the 12 Days of Christmas that anybody 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 poorly at the North Pole. Something needs to go 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 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 sick of the beard. She wants to visit Mexico and have her husband shave. At least, that is how famous Christian contemporary artist 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 has long contributed to the NRT Staff. He published the novel Because of Austin and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His latest book, When Miracles Can Dream, is out now.
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