Is Paul McCartney's 'Wonderful Christmastime' simply horrible?

Published: Monday, December 1, 2025 at 10:00 am

Is Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" a Holiday Hit or a Musical Misstep?

Paul McCartney's 1979 holiday song, "Wonderful Christmastime," has become a seasonal fixture, playing on radio, in stores, and on streaming services. While some find it charming and joyful, others consider it repetitive and hackneyed, often placing it on lists of the worst Christmas songs.

The song's detractors point to its simple lyrics and heavy use of synthesizers, a popular instrument at the time. Critics like Ted Montgomery, author of "The Paul McCartney Catalog," find the instrumentation "amateurish and banal" and the lyrics "embarrassing." Others, like Stephen Thompson, recall the song's constant presence, calling it an "insistent, tinny little synth-pop earworm."

However, the song also has its defenders. Musicologist Nate Sloan suggests that Christmas songs are judged differently, with affection stemming from seasonal associations rather than compositional quality. Annie Zaleski, author of "This Is Christmas, Song by Song," sees the song as a reflection of McCartney's ability to cover a wide spectrum of musical styles. Music journalist Allison Rapp notes McCartney's history of both serious and whimsical songs, pointing out that the artist has always had a silly side.

The song's success is undeniable, and McCartney himself has expressed his enjoyment of Christmas songs, stating he aimed to capture the "party aspect" of the season. Despite the criticism, the song's enduring presence in the holiday canon suggests its place in the festive soundtrack is secure.

BNN's Perspective:

While "Wonderful Christmastime" may not be McCartney's finest work, its enduring popularity highlights the power of nostalgia and the unique role Christmas songs play in our cultural landscape. The debate over its quality underscores the subjective nature of music appreciation, especially when it comes to holiday classics.

Keywords: Paul McCartney, Wonderful Christmastime, Christmas song, holiday music, music criticism, synthesizer, Beatles, holiday season, music, pop music, Christmas, song, criticism, music journalist, Stephen Thompson, Ted Montgomery, Nate Sloan, Annie Zaleski, Allison Rapp

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