Music traditions of the holidays are deeply ingrained in my memory. Growing up with a father who was a Presbyterian minister, Christmas was incredibly meaningful for our family. We spent many hours in church – attending services filled with sermons, candles, readings and beautifully decorated sanctuaries. However, it was always the music that resonated with me the most. The midnight services, caroling and hymns throughout the season created the soundtrack of my earliest holiday memories.
Growing up within Western European musical traditions, the carols I knew were shaped by distinctly classical roots. “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” were either composed by or arranged from classical works. Larger masterpieces – Tchaikovsk’s “Nutcracker Suite” and Handel’s “Messiah” – became seasonal staples across Europe and the United States. Here in Durango, that tradition continues at the Community Concert Hall through our annual “Nutcracker” ballet performances.
But somewhere along the way, Christmas music evolved into something new – more popular, more modern, and woven into American culture. Although “Jingle Bells” dates to the 1850s, its lively, light spirit felt completely different from the solemn tones of the classical carols I grew up with. Nat King Cole’s smooth “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” Bing Crosby’s classic “White Christmas” and Brenda Lee’s lively “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” marked an era when holiday songs became not only seasonal favorites but also chart-topping hits.
The innovation didn’t end there. In 1963, Darlene Love released “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” which she famously performed annually on David Letterman’s late-night shows from 1986 to 2014. Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” released in 1984, continues to captivate listeners – ranking as the third best-selling single of all time in the United Kingdom as of December 2023. Mariah Carey’s 1994 hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has become so common that it almost marks the official start of the season.
My personal “modern” favorites mostly fall into the rock ’n’ roll category. Bruce Springsteen’s rousing version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” Stevie Wonder’s cheerful “What Christmas Means to Me” and John Lennon’s poignant ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” each add something special to the holiday – whether it’s a smile, nostalgia or a message that still hits home today. Many artists have recorded these songs over the years, but the original versions still hold a special place for me.
This season, I’m especially looking forward to the return of a group I’ve enjoyed knowing for more than 17 years. On Dec. 20, the Bar-D Wranglers – truly part of our extended Concert Hall family – will perform once again. Their mix of cowboy harmony, heartfelt stories and friendly camaraderie brings a holiday spirit that feels both familiar and new. Their Christmas Jubilee combines classic carols and modern favorites with the warmth, humor and musical skill that have won audiences over for generations.
Tickets for the Bar-D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee and the Nutcracker with the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara are available at Durangoconcerts.com or by calling 247-7657, Monday through Friday. Please only purchase tickets through these official channels to avoid inflated prices from unauthorized resellers.
Charles Leslie is director of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
