This is the fourth year in a row that I’ve written an original holiday song. Previously, the songs were funny or cynical, or took a stab at conventional holiday sentiments like peace and love.

Immediately after finishing last year’s song (perhaps the most scathing holiday song of the three) I decided to write my next holiday song with a more earnest and sweet approach; no satire, no humour, no cynicism. I came up with the metaphor of putting the things I value most in life on top of my Christmas Tree. I made a note for myself, and then didn’t think about it again until December 11, 2018. 

Working the idea

I wrote verses that extended the tree metaphor as ways of describing family, friends, and love. I decided I only needed one line to sum it all up: “That’s a top of my Christmas Tree.” So, the song developed into a verse-refrain structure.

Verse-refrain songs typically have a bridge to break things up and maintain interest. I realized one aspect of life I value that didn’t make it into the song yet: silence, and peace and quiet.

Having completed a draft of the lyrics, I sat at my piano to work out chords and melody. I used a lot of minor seventh and suspended chords in the verses, and opened it up in the refrain with major chords. The chord progression ended up in the Phrygian mode (I think), incorporating a flattened second note by using a C-major chord in the key of B-minor.

I also refined the lyrics, either to work in better melodic phrasing, or find better words to reflect the sentiments (“always” is different than “eternally”). Here’s my worksheet showing some of the changes I made (click for full-size):

Production and feedback

For an arrangement with just piano and vocals, the song worked better with a swing beat. I see-saw’d between creating an “electro-swing” song and a big-band arrangement. My first version included a synth bass, horns, and electronic drums (all virtual instruments).

I shared the song at the Songwriter’s Meetup, and took one suggestion for a lyric change. It’s one of those moments when you realize how obvious the right answer is, and then wonder why you didn’t think of it in the first place.

I re-did the recording with piano, upright bass, horns, and drums. Ironically, this is the first holiday song I’ve done that doesn’t include sleigh bells!

Final recording

Here’s the final song and lyrics:

You gave me roots
To stand up tall
Reaching out and open

So strong and firm
You never leave
Always supporting

That’s a top of my Christmas Tree

You hang on bough
Glittering bright
I see my best reflection

Sustain my gifts
Rejoice and reap
Endless imagination

That’s a top of my Christmas Tree

In the crisp chill of winter
I can see my breath
Sheltered by moonlit firs
Warm up to silence

You shed your green
Out on a limb
Vulnerable beauty

That’s a top of my Christmas Tree
That’s a top of my Christmas Tree