Muldo

In my 26 years on this planet, I’ve learned there are two types of people:  Those that prefer John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over), and those who prefer Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime.”

Sure, there is a small minority that likes both equally, but most have a strong preference to one or the other.  The two songs are on opposite ends of the holiday music spectrum and have sparked fiery debate over egg nog sippers for decades.

Let’s discuss.

Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Not a traditional holiday song by any means, and it’s by design.  Lennon wanted to project his message of peace into the Christmas season, and no better way to do it than by having children repeatedly chant “war is over, if you want it.”  I get it, John.  Peace is good. War is bad.  You’re in love with Yoko (even if you still nailed all kinds of women on the side).

The song’s message is true, but depressing, and I want to be cheerful during this time of year.  Also, John Lennon seemed to take himself a bit too seriously.  Earnest for earnest’s sake.  That’s annoying.

On the other side of the coin, we have McCartney’s Christmas entry:

Wonderful Christmastime

There’s no arguing that McCartney and Lennon took completely different paths with their post-Beatles careers.  McCartney was more schmaltzy and fun, Lennon had gravitas and the critical acclaim.  That might work against McCartney when taking a look at their complete solo catalogs, but that helps him with light holiday fare.

“Wonderful Christmastime” is a perfect, if simple, seasonal song.  The video features Paul and Linda enjoying the season together.  Paul and Linda actually had  the true, loving relationship that John and Yoko professed to have in public.

The song says “hey, we know there’s shit going down in the world and that people are less fortunate, but for now, let’s appreciate each others  company and have some fun.”  Really, when you set aside religion, that’s what the holidays are all about;  getting reconnected with your loved ones and taking time to appreciate what you have.

McCartney’s song is bubbly, fun, and it has a synthesizer.

“Happy Xmas” has a similar message, just a different path to it, and one that makes me sad.  Sadness is the last emotion I want to feel.

So on this Christmas Eve, I’ll enjoy a wide variety of holiday songs, including “Happy Xmas.” When it comes down to it, though, I’m a “Wonderful Christmastime” kind of guy.