Christmas carols are, likely, some of the earliest songs most Americans learn, and at the same time, are probably among the earliest music still performed in popular American culture. Many of the familiar songs of the season date back hundreds of years, and the origins and lyrics of the songs have been lost or changed over time. We sing along every year, tapping into those familiar nostalgic feelings. But do we really know where these festive songs came from, or what they’re actually about? Gather ye kith and kin around the hearth – or the modern equivalent, the Bluetooth speaker – as the Great Pop Culture Debate explores the history of holiday staples and attempts to name the Best Traditional Christmas Carol.

Songs discussed: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “O Tannenbaum/O Christmas Tree,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Away in a Manger,” “Carol of the Bells,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” “Jingle Bells,” “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” “The First Noel,” “Silent Night,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Joy to the World”

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Trey Radu-Blackburn and Zack Derby as they discuss and debate 16 of the most recognizable holiday carols of all time.

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