Short Answer
Overview
What Is Christmas Means To Me is a popular Christmas song written by Stevie Wonder and Anna Gordy Gaye, and first recorded by Stevie Wonder in 1967. It was released as a single and appeared on Wonder’s holiday album Someday at Christmas. The song describes the personal, emotional meaning of Christmas through imagery of family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive traditions. Its upbeat tempo and joyful lyrics have made it a staple of holiday music playlists in the United States and around the world.
History / Background
The song was composed by Stevie Wonder and Anna Gordy Gaye (the sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy and future wife of Marvin Gaye). It was produced by Henry Cosby and recorded at Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit, Michigan. Released in November 1967, the single reached number 19 on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart. The album Someday at Christmas was Wonder’s first full-length Christmas release. Over the decades, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including CeeLo Green, John Legend, and Train, each adding their own interpretation while retaining the original’s celebratory spirit.
Importance and Impact
What Is Christmas Means To Me has become a perennial holiday classic. Its inclusion in radio rotations, holiday compilations, and streaming playlists ensures its continued exposure. The song is often cited as one of Stevie Wonder’s most enduring non-secular holiday songs, alongside his earlier hit “Someday at Christmas.” It has been used in television commercials, film soundtracks, and public holiday events. The song’s emphasis on personal connection and joy has helped it transcend generational and cultural boundaries, making it a recognizable tune for many listeners.
Why It Matters
For contemporary audiences, What Is Christmas Means To Me offers a secular counterpoint to more religious Christmas songs. Its focus on family, love, and simple pleasures resonates with people who celebrate Christmas in a non-religious context. The song also showcases Stevie Wonder’s early songwriting and vocal talent, marking an important moment in his career as a young Motown artist. Its enduring popularity demonstrates how a well-crafted pop song can become a lasting part of holiday tradition.
Common Misconceptions
The song is a religious hymn about the birth of Jesus.
The lyrics do not mention religious figures or events; instead, they celebrate the emotional and social aspects of the holiday, such as being with loved ones and exchanging gifts.
The song was written solely by Stevie Wonder.
It was co-written by Stevie Wonder and Anna Gordy Gaye, though Wonder is often credited as the primary artist and performer.
The title is grammatically incorrect and therefore not the original title.
The song is commonly known as “What Christmas Means to Me”; however, the variant “What Is Christmas Means To Me” appears on some releases and is used here as the article title. The official Motown release uses “What Christmas Means to Me.”
FAQ
Who wrote 'What Is Christmas Means To Me'?
The song was co-written by Stevie Wonder and Anna Gordy Gaye.
When was the song released?
It was released in November 1967 as part of Stevie Wonder's album 'Someday at Christmas'.
Is the song about the religious meaning of Christmas?
No, the lyrics focus on the personal and emotional aspects of Christmas, such as family, love, and festive traditions, rather than religious themes.
Leave a Reply