Most Popular Christmas Carols of All Time

Christmas carols are intrinsic part of Christmas celebration from the time immemorial. For centuries all over the globe wherever there have been a considerable Christian population surrounding the Christmas holidays singing songs with reference to the celebration or religious significance of Christmas has been a tradition and in every era and in every parts of the globe thus Christmas themed songs or Christmas carols have been one of the most popular artistic mediums of this celebration. From the songs based on Christmas celebration in fifth century BC to the modern rock classic by John Lennon, there are plenty to choose to make a definitive collection of Christmas songs. We in picking up the some of the most popular Christmas carols of all time mainly tried to address the popularity matrix and focused on songs that are relatively easier to access.

Jingle Bells
This is arguably the most repeatedly sung Christmas song till date. The song was written by James Lord Pierpont in the autumn of 1857 under the title 'One Horse Open Sleigh' and the song though was actually written for typically American 'Thanksgiving Day' in the subsequent time it became associated with Christmas celebration and became one of the most popular Christmas carols of all time.
Away in a Manger (1885)
It is one of the most popular Christmas carols in UK and English speaking world. The song was written in the late nineteenth century by some unknown author and as the history revealed it was originally written to celebrate Martin Luther King's 400th anniversary. The song covered by a great array of artists in the past 100 years became a quintessential Christmas themed song.
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole (1961)
A true American never can thought of listing the most popular Christmas carols of all time without this timeless classic that has to be recorded three times in the legendary singer's entire career. For years it has been synonymous for many people across the continent with celebration of Christmas. The song made up to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1974 and till date its tune is regarded as most remade Christmas tunes of all time.
Fairytale of New York by The Pogues (1987)
You heard it so many times and most of the time it probably felt like a little crappy with a missing sense of the original flavor but this widespread remake and covering of the song is just another aspect of its popularity as a timeless classic. This Christmas give the original song by The Pogues a listening and feel how a 4 minute long song can describe human destiny and hope with such outrageous precision and delicate sophistry.
O Little Town of Bethlehem (1890)
Philip Brooks, an Episcopal priest in Philadelphia is behind this marvelous song. He became inspired by visiting the holy city of Bethlehem in 1965 and thereafter penned down the lyric and the music was given by the Church organist Lewis Redner. This tune is one of the most repeated Christmas carol tune in United States.
White Christmas by Bing Crosby and Irving Berlin
All that Christmas is meant for, at least in most part of the traditional Christian world are covered by this great classic and yes, with most touching expressions. The song was penned by Berlin and sung by both the artists and became long synonymous with Christmas nostalgia. Feeling nostalgic about those good old days when you used to be more optimistic about life and its goodness would once again touch your heart of hearts as you listen to this song.
Angels We Have Heard on High
This is rather one of the most holy Christmas carols with the depiction of a gospel in its lyrics. The song was written based on the original French version Les Anges dans nos Campagnes which literally means 'Angels in our Countryside'. The song depicts the biblical story of the birth of Jesus who according to the Gospel of Luke was found in the courtyard surrounded by the angels who continued to sing praising the newborn.
Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon (1971)
If Christmas carols should have a broader thought provoking and social face rather than so called spirit of celebration at its core, then this all time great rock classic has to be referred. At the tumultuous time of Vietnam War when massive war destruction is being protested all over the world this song gave a more humanistic message of solidarity and love for people who suffered the casualties of war. If Christmas means more than just self satisfying celebration with our unquenchable thirst for fun and frolic, then this 1971 John Lennon classic is really a grave work of art to turn our ears to.
Have Yourself a Little Christmas by Judy Garland (1944)
In the 1944 classic musical movie 'Meet Me in St. Louis' Judy Garland introduced this great Christmas hit of all time. The song in its first time recording was rather a depressing one that made the producers to commission a rewrite and what came out can be described as one of the most popular Christmas songs ever.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by Jimmy Boyd (1952)
This was the sensational Billboard No.1 hit by a just 13 year boy singer named Jimmy Boyd. Though the funny association of the song was condemned by the Christian Church it not only became hit but remained one of the most popular Christmas carols of all time. The song once again became a massive hit and for the second time came at No.1 Billboard rank when Jackson 5 covered it with their quintessential pop style of singing.