Embrace the festive spirit by playing the Christmas Name That Tune game this year. Get 15 songs (instrumental only), 5 pages of questions, answers, who wrote it, who has sung it, and some fun facts to encourage discussions.
Picture this: you're gathered around a crackling fire, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, and your loved ones eagerly awaiting their turn to guess the catchy Christmas tunes. It’s right on the tip of your tongue but...
It's all about the yuletide merriment, and in this musical adventure, we're going to unbox the mysteries behind those jingling melodies.
Get ready to groove, laugh, and sing along as we uncover the original artists behind these timeless holiday classics. Oh! There's a free sample so you can play right now.
15 SONGS | Q&A FORMAT | FUN FACTS | 14 PAGES | EASY
Before we delve into the world of holiday melodies, let's kick off with a quick rundown of the rules for the Christmas Name That Tune Game:
Now that you've got the rules down pat, it's time to set the stage for your Christmas Name That Tune extravaganza. Here's what you'll need:
As the familiar tune fills the room, toes start tapping, and you find yourself humming along. But wait, who's the original artist behind this festive favorite?
As you gather your troops for this festive showdown, it's crucial to curate a playlist that's equal parts jolly and challenging. Here are some key tunes to include:
Don't forget to sprinkle in some lesser-known gems to keep everyone on their toes. Remember, it's not just about naming the song but also identifying the artist behind the magic.
Now, it's time to unwrap the melodies and discover the original artists.
Let's start with a classic that'll have you dancing around your Christmas tree:
Released by Decca Records in October 1965, "A Holly Jolly Christmas" was written by Johnny Marks in 1962. It featured in The Quinto Sisters' debut album, "Holly Jolly Christmas," recorded for Columbia Records in June 1964, with Al Caiola on guitar and arrangements by Frank Hunter and Marty Manning.
The song gained fame through Burl Ives, becoming one of the top 25 most-performed holiday songs to date, being in and out of the charts over the years. Burl Ives holds the record for the longest hiatus between Hot 100 Top Tens, returning after 56 years, surpassing Louis Armstrong's record as the oldest artist, living or deceased, to have a Top 40 hit at 109 years old. As of December 2019, Burl Ives' recording sold 664,000 copies in the digital era. [wiki]
I wonder what it's up to now?
Main chorus to help you sing it in your head or out loud!
"Have a holly, jolly Christmas
It's the best time of the year.
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet."
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," a jolly Christmas tune also written by Johnny Marks, gained popularity with Brenda Lee's 1958 spirited rendition.
But here's the fun part: this song has spread like wildfire in the music world. By its 50th birthday bash in 2008, Brenda Lee's version had sashayed its way into the hearts of millions, selling over 25 million copies worldwide and securing the fourth spot for the most digital downloads of any Christmas single. Talk about a timeless holiday hit! [wiki]
Main chorus:
"Rockin' around the Christmas tree,
Have a happy holiday,
Everyone dancin' merrily,
In the new old-fashioned way."
Next up, we have the catchy and bittersweet "Last Christmas." This one's a fan favorite, but can you guess the original artist?
That's right, it's none other than the dynamic duo, Wham! George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley gifted us this holiday anthem in 1984. It's been tugging at our heartstrings ever since.
Main chorus:
"Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special."
Now, let's dive into the diva's domain, Mariah Carey, and her iconic hit, "All I Want for Christmas Is You." This song has become synonymous with the holiday season, but do you know who sang it first?
Mariah Carey herself, of course! Her powerhouse vocals and infectious enthusiasm shine through in this 1994 classic. You can't help but feel the holiday spirit when those notes hit your ears.
Main Chorus:
"I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You, baby."
Moving on to a bilingual beauty, "Feliz Navidad" brings a touch of Latin flair to your Christmas festivities. Can you name the original artist?
Give it up for Jose Feliciano! This Puerto Rican sensation blessed us with "Feliz Navidad" in 1970, infusing our holiday celebrations with a festive fusion of cultures.
Main Chorus:
"Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Próspero año y felicidad
I wanna wish you a merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart."
As you jingle all the way through your Christmas Name That Tune Game, you might stumble upon "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." It's a classic, but whose rendition are you listening to?
Get ready to be blown away, because it's Bruce Springsteen who delivers this rendition with a rock 'n' roll twist! The Boss himself belts out the lyrics and brings a whole new level of energy to this holiday favorite.
Main Chorus:
"Oh, you better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town."
15 SONGS | AUDIO | Q&A FORMAT | FUN FACTS | 14 PAGES | EASY
How can I make my Christmas Name That Tune Game even more festive?
To make your game extra festive, consider the following tips:
Can I include modern Christmas songs in the game?
Absolutely! While the classics are timeless, don't hesitate to add modern Christmas songs to your playlist. It'll keep things fresh and introduce your guests to new holiday favorites.
How can I ensure everyone has a fair chance at guessing the songs?
To ensure fairness, you can:
Can I make my own Christmas Name That Tune playlist?
Certainly! Crafting your playlist allows you to personalize the game to your taste. Just remember to include a mix of easy and challenging songs to keep the excitement alive.
In the merry world of the Christmas Name That Tune Game, we've unwrapped the mysteries behind some beloved holiday classics. From Brenda Lee's lively "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" to Mariah Carey's soulful "All I Want for Christmas Is You," each song brings its unique charm to the festive season.
So, gather your loved ones, set the stage, and let the jingles and jangles fill the air. The Christmas Name That Tune Game is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays, and now, armed with knowledge about the original artists, you can take your festivities to the next level. Happy guessing, and may your holiday season be filled with music, laughter, and joyful memories!
And that, my friends, is how you turn a simple guessing game into a heartwarming holiday tradition. Now, go spread the yuletide cheer and let the music guide you through this festive season.
Merry Christmas, and may your days be filled with harmonious joy!