Christmas Songs People Wanted To Cancel

“Baby It’s Cold Outside” has sparked plenty of controversy in recent years. In 2018, several radio stations pulled the song after its lyrics were called out as problematic. While some may see this as an example of cancel culture, I think it’s a necessary step toward a more inclusive society. The song’s outdated messaging about consent shouldn’t have a place in modern, family-friendly music.

That said, this move doesn’t go far enough. There are still many Christmas songs that feature themes that don’t belong in today’s world. To make the holidays more inclusive, it’s time to say goodbye to some of the most offensive tracks. After all, the best way to spread holiday cheer is by letting go of the outdated stuff.

1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
On the surface, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” seems like a charming Christmas tune, but a deeper examination shows several significant issues. Children are misinformed by the lyrics, which describe the other reindeer harassing Rudolph and keeping him out of games. To make matters worse, Rudolph is only valuable to Santa and the reindeer after they utilize him as a tool to assist them with his deliveries. The very notion of Santa enslaving reindeer is unsettling. Taking everything into account, it’s time to reconsider this beloved holiday dish.

2. Frosty the Snowman
Although “Frosty the Snowman” seems like a cheerful holiday song, it contains many antiquated concepts. The song utterly ignores people who give birth to snow and uses the pronouns “he/his” to infer Frosty is male. A broader problem of patriarchal mentality is reflected in this. The song’s lyrics also refer to Frosty having “two eyes made out of coal,” which appears tone-deaf in light of the current global catastrophe. Perhaps it’s time to update this timeless work to reflect a more diverse and ecologically sensitive society.

3. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Once a charming holiday classic, this song has not aged well in the wake of the MeToo movement. The lyrics describe Santa kissing Mommy under the mistletoe, but there’s no mention of consent. Did Santa get permission before the child came downstairs? Until both parties confirm an agreement, it’s probably best to retire this song for good. Consent should always be the focus, especially in holiday tunes, so let’s keep it respectful and move forward with a more responsible holiday playlist. #SantaToo

4. White Christmas
While the song talks about dreaming of a “white Christmas,” people are dreaming of a world where this kind of message isn’t a holiday classic. Not all Christmases have to be white, and it’s time for society to stop pushing this kind of narrow view. Some might argue it’s about wishing for snow, but where’s the representation of snow-of-color? If we’re going that route, the writers should’ve at least acknowledged the possibility of yellow snow. It’s about time we expand the holiday spirit to be more inclusive.

5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Despite being a classic, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” falls far short in terms of diversity. As though their festivities aren’t significant, the song ignores the hardships faced by many communities. The authors obviously missed the memo that contemporary holiday music needs to incorporate a variety of customs. This song ought to be thrown into the fireplace unless it is updated to incorporate holidays like Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. The holiday season is about everyone, not just one particular interpretation of it, after all.

6. Little Drummer Boy
The problems with “Little Drummer Boy” lie in its historical setting rather than the words, in contrast to several of the other songs on this list. During the Civil War, drummer boys played a crucial role by marching with Confederate soldiers and communicating commands with their drums. Even though that wasn’t the song’s original intent, the connections it makes are too important to overlook. This song ought to be retired and put in the past, much like the Confederate statues that we have worked to get taken down. We need to reconsider our celebrations.

7. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Running over grandmothers with sleighs is never okay, no matter how you look at it. It’s hard to believe we even need to say that, but the song’s writers thought it was funny enough to make into a Christmas tune. The blatant disrespect for grandmothers and older folks is so strong, that it almost feels like the writers would be the type to ignore COVID health guidelines just to make a point. In a world where we should be showing more care, this song really misses the mark.

8. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas, Don’t Be Late)
Like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” this song emphasizes how many animals are mistreated. Nothing the Chipmunks do ever lives up to Dave’s unattainable expectations, even with their charming voices and flawless pitch. It’s difficult to listen to his constant ranting at Alvin, which demonstrates the destructive nature of perfectionism. In addition to serving as a stark reminder of the harsh realities that animals frequently encounter, Dave’s annoyance also serves as a reflection of the unequal power structures in our society. It’s a festive song that makes you pause and consider the messages it conveys.

9. Deck the Halls
If you believed “Deck the Halls” to be innocent, you should reconsider. Particularly in 2021, the sentence “Don we know our gay apparel” is difficult. The song feels tone-deaf and out of date because of its careless usage of the word “gay” in this context, which misrepresents LGBT culture. The fact that such lyrics have remained unheard for so long is frustrating because it shows how pervasive homophobia is in popular culture. It serves as a reminder that even traditional holiday customs require examination to make sure they are inclusive and courteous.

10. Last Christmas
“Last Christmas” is a perfect reflection of our greedy, capitalist society. Lines like “Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, but the very next day, you gave it away” highlight how quickly people take advantage of genuine kindness for personal gain. The recipient, instead of valuing the gift, just tosses it aside for profit. Teaching kids these ideas through holiday music only reinforces the harmful values of capitalism. That’s why this song, with its message of selfishness and materialism, needs to be left behind.