As we tread closer to the holiday season, something seems to shift in the air. The only music you’ll start to hear everywhere turns into whimsical bells and enchanting melodies that gush about the joys of Christmas. Malls, radios, stores, social media; you name it! Whether you enjoy it or not, Christmas music serves as a warm welcome to the holiday season and the festivities that are yet to come. 

And of course, most people have that one jolly tune in particular that they especially feel embodies the true spirit of “Christmas.” One may enjoy the tranquility of Silent Night while others prefer the upbeat peppiness of All I Want For Christmas Is You. However, out of every song I have listened to over the years, there is only one that has consistently made me look forward to the holiday season: The Carol by LOONA. Although this title may not ring any bells, The Carol has cemented itself as my personal definition of Christmas. Every year as the holidays roll around, my very first thoughts are about the time being right for this song. Honestly, listening to The Carol during the holiday season is my equivalent of Mariah Carey’s defrosting. So here come the real questions: why does this song mean so much to me and why is it simply just good?

For starters, The Carol was released by LOONA on December 15, 2016, sung by members Haseul, Heejin, and Hyunjin. It was their first seasonal song, and they sure did deliver in that regard. I have been following LOONA’s activities since 2020, and so in that time I naturally came across more of their music, introducing me to The Carol. 

From the first listen, I could already tell that this song was going to become a holiday staple for me. It was perfectly Christmas; the slow, melodic intro effectively building up to the first verse accompanied by piano and jingles made me feel as if I was a little kid again, ready for the holidays. The song was also fairly easy to follow despite being in another language, as the main part of the chorus was a pleasant rhythm of the lyrics “is it you hoo (x5), baby.” Throughout the song, the repeating ad-libs of “pa-pa”–sort of mimicking a trumpet, fanfare sound–add to this overall bouncy, floaty feeling that is conveyed, once again simulating the joy in anticipating the holidays. As the song nears its end, a charming bridge filled with chimes, bells, strings come together in harmony, paving the way for the transition to the final chorus in a higher pitch, reaching the height of Christmas feeling. The Carol is a holiday adventure, making you remember what it is like to enter Christmas, anticipating the time you get to spend with those you love most. 

I have treasured this song for a long time, and it truly gives me hints of nostalgia. I do not know whether to attribute that feeling to the song key or the fact that I listen to it every holiday season, but one thing is clear: it has become an integral part of my Christmas and I would not have it any other way. Perhaps my love for The Carol will extend to you, the reader, and I hope you will consider giving it a listen. If anything, take a moment to think about the role music plays in your life and how it may impact the way you interact with certain holidays. The Carol may be important to my Christmas and another song might be important to yours, but in the end, quality music is what ties the bow on a meaningful holiday experience.