David
Republished on (Originally released on )
Modern Christmas Songs for English Learners
Some Christmas songs have become classics that get lots of plays in stores and on the radio. But modern musicians continue to write fresh holiday songs every year.
This time, we'll highlight 10 modern Christmas songs that are great for English learners. We've tried to pick songs in a variety of styles and with a variety of moods. Check them out and you might discover a new favorite!
10 Great Christmas Songs You Might Not Know
Norah Jones - Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones) (2021)
The lyrics to this song express the happy feelings that come from simply spending the holiday with the people you love.
And the friends
Who feel like family
Well, they're secret angles holding me
Straight No Chaser - Text Me Merry Christmas (2014)
We can't always be with the people we love during the holiday season. However, even a small message can make us feel connected and cared for. That's what this song is all about — just make sure that your phone is charged!
You don't have to add much to it
One smiley face will do
Baby, text me Merry Christmas
Cause I'm missing kissing you
Colbie Caillat - Christmas in the Sand (2012)
You might imagine a "winter wonderland" of snow for Christmas, but have you ever celebrated December 25th in a warm place? What would Christmas on the beach be like? Listen to this song to get an idea. 🏄
But I saw Santa in his bathing suit
Trying to catch a wave
But he tried too soon
He laughed so hard
That he could barely breathe
And washed up next to me
Lil Jon - All I Really Want for Christmas (ft. Kool-Aid Man) (2018)
This one is a special collaboration!
Lil Jon is a rapper and producer known for his energetic club music. Kool-Aid Man, however, isn’t a musician at all; he's a mascot for Kool-Aid, a drink popular with kids.
Kool-Aid Man is also famous for shouting his catchphrase (“Oh yeah!”) while smashing through walls, which you can see in the video! 💥
Everybody in here VIP
Old Saint Nick, that's the MC
Gotta see him turnt on some old CDs
Playin' all your favorite songs from A to Z
*"Saint Nick" is one of Santa Claus' popular nicknames, and the slang adjective “turnt" means “wild” or “very excited.”
!!! - And Anyway It's Christmas (2013)
The singer of this song is thinking back to a special girl he met at a holiday party.
I don't wait for signs
But sometimes you just know
When someone like
Someone like you
Is beneath mistletoe
"Mistletoe" is a popular word in Christmas songs. It’s a kind of plant that produces berries in the winter. Some western cultures have a special tradition with mistletoe: When two people stand underneath it together, they must kiss!
Leona Lewis - One More Sleep (2020)
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a famous holiday song that counts the number of unique presents the singer receives from their true love.
One More Sleep also has a countdown, but this time it's the number of days until the singer can see her partner on Christmas Day.
Now I don't think I can remember
A cold and lonelier December
And I find myself staring at the window
Wondering when you're gonna get back home
Do you have a favorite Christmas song?
Book a lesson on Engoo and talk about it!
Engoo tutors are based in countries around the world and are ready to help you 24/7.
Engoo tutors are based in countries around the world and are ready to help you 24/7.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - Ain't No Chimneys in the Projects (2015)
Santa Claus is famous for leaving presents for boys and girls by entering their homes through the chimneys on their roofs. But if your home doesn't have a chimney, how do you get your presents?
When I was a child I used to wonder
How Santa put my toys under the tree
I said, "Momma, can you tell me how this can be?"
When there ain't no chimneys in the projects?
This song's title contains a double negative, which you can read about in this article.
Kelly Clarkson & Brett Eldredge - Under the Mistletoe (2020)
This song is all about the desire to be with a romantic partner during the Christmas season.
Is it too late
Too late
To open up?
I'm dying to say
Oh, how I love you
You can use "open up" to talk about unwrapping a Christmas present, but this phrasal verb can also refer to revealing one's true feelings.
Also, the singer isn't actually dying! Read our post on hyperbole to learn more.
Cam - Believe (2021)
This is an inspirational holiday song about holding onto positive thoughts even in difficult times. The song's simple arrangement makes it easier to understand the lyrics.
So I will open up my heart like a kid on Christmas Eve
When the dreams are as real as the lights up on the tree
And what you choose to look for is what you're gonna see
So if only for tonight, I will believe
Train - Shake Up Christmas (2010)
This song has a bright and cheerful feeling, symbolizing the hope of children. In the lyrics, we hear the different wishes that kids send to Santa Claus in anticipation of Christmas Day.
And maybe every once in a while
You give my grandma a reason to smile
'Tis the season to smile
It's cold, but we'll be freezing in style
Merry, Musical Christmas 🎶
If you're tired of the same old Christmas music, there are many more waiting to be discovered. It doesn't matter what kind of music you like, someone has probably made a holiday song in that style.
Book a lesson on Engoo to chat with a tutor about your favorite holiday tunes!
