25 festive pop songs perfect for your holiday playlist

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – John Lennon & Yoko Ono

Who doesn’t love when a Christmas song also doubles as a protest song? John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1971 single “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” was not only planned to be a Christmas song, but also a protest anthem against the Vietnam War. They rented out billboards in 12 major cities around the world that simply said “WAR IS OVER! If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko”. Lennon realized how powerful it was when he used his music to send out political messages after the success of “Imagine,”  so he decided to do it again with this holiday track.

The couple wrote the song and performed it with the Harlem Community Choir. They probably never expected it, but their single was a huge hit, and has since been named one of the best Christmas songs of all-time after becoming a holiday standard. It has been covered by Sarah McLachlan, Andy Williams, Neil Diamond, Sarah Brightman, Vanessa Carlton, Bert McCracken (of The Used), Jessica Simpson, and the list goes on.

Christmas is a time of spending time with your loved ones and remembering what’s most important in your life, but it’s also a time to remember that not everyone has it as good as you do. Lennon and Ono released out this song to put good vibes out to the world about the new year that was coming, that it would be a better one for everyone. They wanted everyone to love and respect each other and to spread peace and love.

That’s an important message for everyone, regardless of religious or cultural background. Keep that in mind this holiday season.

What Christmas song is always on your holiday playlist? Let us know in the comments!