What Christmas Means To Me by Stevie Wonder Lyrics Meaning – Unwrapping the Seasonal Joy and Nostalgia
Lyrics
Candles burning low
Lots of mistletoe
Lots of snow and ice
Everywhere we go
Choir singing carols
Right outside my door
All these things and more
(All these things and more, baby) Oh
That’s what Christmas means to me my love
(That’s what Christmas means to me my love) Whoa yeah
Ha ha, yeah, and you what I mean
I see your smiling face
Like I’ve never seen before
Even though I love you madly
It seems I love you more
The little card you give me
Will touch my heart for sure
All these things and more, darling
(All these things and more, darling) Oh
That’s what Christmas means to me my love
(That’s what Christmas means to me my love) Oh yeah
I, I feel like running wild (running wild)
As anxious as a little child
To greet you ‘neath the mistletoe
Kiss you once and then some more
And wish you merry Christmas baby
(Wish you a merry Christmas, baby) Oh
And such happiness in the coming year
(Happiness in the coming year) Oh baby
Let’s deck the halls with holly
Sing sweet Silent Night
Fill the tree with angel hair
And pretty, pretty lights
Go to sleep and wake up
Just before daylight
And all these things and more, baby
(All these things and more, baby) Oh
That’s what Christmas means to me my love
(That’s what Christmas means to me my love) Oh baby, baby
Yeah
Candles burning low
Lots of ice and snow (alright)
Christmas bells are ringing
Christmas choirs singing (woo)
Christmas mistletoe
As the yuletide glow settles, Stevie Wonder’s festive classic ‘What Christmas Means to Me’ continues to resonate with a blend of warmth, nostalgia, and unadulterated joy. Released in 1967, the song encapsulates an essence that remains timeless among the annual avalanche of holiday tunes. Much like a heartfelt gift, it’s a song that offers layers of sentiment and spiritedness, ready to be unwrapped by each listener.
There’s more to this track than just jingle bells and joy – Stevie Wonder infuses his own brand of soul into the holiday season, creating an evergreen backdrop for celebrations. Below, we delve into the merry depths of ‘What Christmas Means to Me’, exploring its lyrical landscape and the emotional synergy that makes it a perennial favorite.
Illuminating the Fire of Classic Festivity
Wonder’s track is a fireplace around which listeners gather for warmth. The lyrics paint a picture of Christmas not just through the obvious imagery of ‘candles burning low’ and ‘choirs singing carols’, but also through a palpable sense of togetherness and familial intimacy. It’s a reminder of the little things that kindle the holiday spirit – a shared glance, a simple card, an unexpected smile.
‘Lots of mistletoe’ isn’t just a plant; it’s a symbol of romance and tradition that serves to enhance the emotional resonance of the season. Through this, Wonder is not just singing about Christmas, he’s creating an experience that listeners can feel and live, irrespective of geography or circumstance.
The Song’s Hidden Meaning: Love as the Ultimate Gift
Beyond the festivities and gleeful exuberance, Wonder’s lyrics hint at a deeper meaning. ‘I see your smiling face like I’ve never seen before’ signifies a renewal of love and appreciation for the familiar. It’s a love that deepens amidst the seasonal joy, a subtext that the holidays can be a time to rediscover our deepest affections for those closest to us.
The song suggests that Christmas is more than the sum of its parts; it’s a celebration of love – both given and received. As Wonder’s voice cascades over the rhythm, he’s not just sharing his thoughts but offering a window into the soulful core of the holiday spirit.
Unleashing the Inner Child: The Joy of Unabashed Enthusiasm
The metaphor of running wild ‘as anxious as a little child’ stands out as a poignant representation of the sheer excitement that Wonder associates with the holidays. This line evokes the innocence of youth where every moment is amplified, and every tradition feels like an adventure.
Here, Wonder is less about instructing how to celebrate and more about inspiring listeners to relish the festive season with the fresh, eager eyes of childhood. This energetic exuberance, present throughout the song, serves as a universal reminder to embrace joy without restraint.
Stevie’s Signature Sass: A Melody Wrapped in Soulful Elegance
Musically, the upbeat tempo and brassy instrumentation reflect the vibrant energy of Motown’s golden era. Wonder’s vocal prowess is on full display, with his distinctive tone adding a layer of depth to what might otherwise be considered a lighthearted holiday tune. The melodic flair is one that invites clapping hands and tapping feet.
The fusion of gospel, R&B, and pop elements within ‘What Christmas Means to Me’ is a testament to Wonder’s ability to blend genres into a seamless celebration – a sound that echoes through the decades and continues to draw listeners into its rhythmic embrace.
Undying Lines: The Lyrical Stitching of Joyful Memories
The song’s final verses, ‘Let’s deck the halls with holly, Sing sweet Silent Night’, carry the timeless instructions of Christmas cheer. Familiar yet fresh in Wonder’s rendition, these are the lines that countless listeners have hummed along to, finding comfort and community in the shared traditions.
The lasting power of ‘What Christmas Means to Me’ can, in large part, be attributed to lines like ‘Fill the tree with angel hair and pretty, pretty lights’. It encapsulates the essence of the season, wrapping the listener in a blanket of nostalgia and timeless wonder – a true hallmark of Stevie’s festive gift to music.
