What Christmas Means To Me

Album: Someday at Christmas (1967)
Charted: 57
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "What Christmas Means to Me" is a festive and upbeat Christmas tune recorded by Stevie Wonder. Anna Gordy Gaye (the sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy), George Gordy (Berry Gordy's brother) and Allen Story wrote the song.
  • Motown released the track as part of Stevie Wonder's 1967 Christmas album Someday at Christmas.
  • The song captures the teenage Stevie Wonder's joy and excitement of the holiday season. Backed by a smooth Motown groove, he raves about all the Christmas trimmings: tree decorations, caroling, snow, precious moments with loved ones, and grabbing a kiss under the mistletoe.
  • Though "What Christmas Means to Me" failed to chart when it was originally released, it has since become a holiday classic. It reached the Top 50 in Australia for the first time in 2019 and made its UK chart debut in 2022.
  • Over the years, various artists have covered "What Christmas Means to Me," including Cee-Lo Green, who reached #89 in Canada with his 2013 version. Hanson, Pentatonix and John Legend are among the other artists that have recorded the song (Stevie Wonder played harmonica on Legend's version).

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?