Who Originally Wrote 'This Is Christmas' And When?

I've dug into this kind of question a few times and there's a catch: 'this is christmas' is a title that several different artists have used, and a song's first appearance on radio charts depends on which country and which chart you mean. For example, a holiday single might debut on Billboard's Holiday Airplay in the U.S., the UK Official Singles Chart, or on regional adult contemporary or country radio charts — each has its own timeline. If you want the exact debut date, tell me the artist and the market (US, UK, Canada, etc.). Meanwhile, the quickest way I use is to check Billboard's chart history pages, Mediabase (for radio spins), and archived Billboard issues on Google Books. Wikipedia often lists chart debuts too, but always cross-check with Billboard or OfficialCharts for reliability. I once spent an afternoon tracing a cheesy holiday cover from a local radio playlist back to its first chart week — it turned out to be two weeks after the official release because stations staggered the adds. Give me the artist or a link and I’ll hunt down the exact debut date for you.

The way 'this is christmas' blew up feels like one of those lucky lightning-strike moments you hear about—only I was right there scrolling through late-night feeds when it happened. At first it was a 15-second loop on a creator's TikTok: that sticky, slightly melancholy hook and a beat that made people slow down mid-scroll. People started using it under cozy clips—too-hot cocoa, fuzzy socks, rooftop lights—and then someone turned it into a simple, soulful duet challenge that anyone could try. Covers popped up fast: acoustic piano versions in living rooms, brass band takes at small street performances, even a viral choir clip from a community center that made people tear up. A few remix DJs gave it dancefloor polish and an indie label pushed it to playlists right as holiday mood playlists were being curated. Sync deals helped too; a heartwarming commercial used 'this is christmas' and suddenly grandparents and teens were both hearing it at the same time. What did it for me was how it bridged nostalgia and modern production—familiar enough to feel like a classic, but fresh enough to feel like our song now. I still play it when I want to feel that oddly perfect mix of warmth and melancholy during December nights.

One of my favorite holiday classics is 'A Christmas Carol'—it’s the kind of story that feels like sipping hot cocoa by a fireplace. The mastermind behind this timeless tale is Charles Dickens, who published it in 1843. I love how Dickens wove together themes of redemption and generosity, making it more than just a ghost story. The novella was an instant hit, partly because of its vivid characters like Scrooge and Tiny Tim. It’s wild to think how a story from the 19th century still shapes how we think about Christmas today. Every December, I reread it or watch an adaptation, and it never loses its magic. What’s fascinating is how Dickens wrote it in just six weeks, under financial pressure, yet it became one of his most enduring works. The original illustrations by John Leech add so much charm too. I sometimes wonder if Dickens knew he was creating something that would outlive him by centuries. The way he critiques social inequality through Scrooge’s transformation feels surprisingly modern, which might explain why adaptations keep popping up—from Muppets to moody BBC retellings.

I stumbled upon this question while reminiscing about holiday traditions, and it sent me down a rabbit hole of research! 'Father Christmas' as a literary figure was popularized by the British writer J.R.R. Tolkien—yes, the same genius behind 'The Lord of the Rings'. Between 1920 and 1943, Tolkien wrote a series of charming letters to his children, pretending they were from Father Christmas. These weren’t just quick notes; they were elaborate tales filled with whimsical illustrations and adventures about the North Pole, polar bears, and mischievous goblins. Tolkien’s love for storytelling shone through even in these personal family treasures. What’s fascinating is how Tolkien’s Father Christmas differed from the modern Santa Claus. His version was more of a kindly old man with a long robe, reflecting older British traditions. The 'why' behind it is heartwarming: Tolkien wanted to keep the magic alive for his kids. The letters grew more complex over time, almost like a serialized novel for his family. It’s a beautiful reminder of how creativity can turn something as simple as holiday letters into a legacy. I’d kill to have gotten one of those as a kid!

It's fascinating how songs can bring a joyful spirit, especially around the holidays. 'Christmas Everyday' is a lovely track that resonates with many, and the talented duo behind the lyrics is Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Their collaboration has created some absolutely iconic pieces over the years. The whimsical charm of this particular song, with its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics, just wraps you up in that cozy, festive feeling, doesn’t it? Many might recognize Bernie Taupin not just as a lyricist but as the unsung hero behind Elton John's numerous hits. Their synergy has given us some incredible music, and 'Christmas Everyday' is yet another gem in their extensive catalog. It captures the spirit of the season perfectly, making it clear that the joy of Christmas is not just a one-day affair, but something worth celebrating throughout the year. Honestly, every time I hear it, I can’t help but smile and think of the laughter, warmth, and togetherness that define the holidays. It’s interesting to consider how holiday songs have evolved through the years. Many modern songs have taken a more commercial spin, but when I listen to 'Christmas Everyday', there’s a timeless quality. It feels like you could hear it in any decade and it would still resonate with the same joyous spirit. I often find myself reminiscing about childhood memories when these tunes come on. Singing along, even if I’m croaking out the notes, adds to the excitement of the holiday season, and I think that's something special that only music can capture.

I love chatting about holiday music — it’s the sonic equivalent of draping your house in lights. If you mean the classic 'This Christmas' (the Donny Hathaway tune that shows up on almost every cozy playlist), the most-seen versions people talk about are usually his original, a big modern pop/R&B cover tied to the 2007 holiday film, and the a cappella powerhouse take that flooded streaming playlists in the 2010s. Donny Hathaway’s original is the benchmark: warm, soulful, and the version most jazz or soul fans turn to. The 2007 film 'This Christmas' helped push a contemporary cover (Chris Brown’s version) into mainstream radio and YouTube playlists, so that one racks up a lot of views. Then there’s the Pentatonix-style a cappella/pop arrangement that streaming services love to loop on holiday collections. Beyond those, you’ll find jazzy renditions, lo-fi/indie bedroom covers on YouTube, and orchestral treatments on classical holiday compilations. For a quick deep-dive, check Spotify’s play counts, YouTube views, and curated playlists titled ‘This Christmas’ or ‘Holiday Classics’ — those metrics usually point to the most popular takes. Personally, I throw all three types into a shuffle on Christmas Eve and let the mood pick the winner.

The lyrics to 'Christmas Tree'—that festive earworm we all hum along to during December—were actually penned by the legendary songwriter Vince Guaraldi, alongside Lee Mendelson. Most folks recognize it as the jazzy instrumental from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas', but the version with lyrics came later, adapted by Mendelson to fit the nostalgic vibe of the Peanuts special. Guaraldi’s piano melody is iconic, but the words add this cozy, storytelling layer that makes it feel like hot cocoa in song form. Funny enough, the lyrics aren’t as widely known as the tune itself, which is a shame because they’re simple yet heartfelt, perfectly capturing the warmth of the season. I love how they weave in themes of togetherness and childlike wonder—very on-brand for Charlie Brown’s world. Every time I hear it, I end up digging out my old Peanuts DVDs for a mid-December marathon.

The poem 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day' was penned by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during a particularly dark period in his life. It was written in 1863, amidst the Civil War, and reflects his personal grief after his wife Fanny tragically died in a fire and his son Charles was severely wounded in battle. The poem's despair—'And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said'—mirrors his anguish, yet it ultimately turns toward hope with the bells' message of peace and goodwill. Longfellow's resilience shines through as the poem shifts from sorrow to a quiet, defiant optimism, capturing the bittersweet spirit of Christmas during wartime. What moves me most about this piece is how raw and personal it feels. Longfellow didn't just write about abstract suffering; he channeled his own heartbreak into words that still resonate today. The way the bells' pealing gradually drowns out his despair gets me every time—it's like watching someone choose hope against all odds. That emotional arc makes it more than just a holiday poem; it's a testament to human endurance.