7 Best Original Songs In Christmas Specials

Everyone who celebrates Christmas probably has a favourite Christmas movie or Special. Most of these specials make use of the many beloved Christmas songs and carols that already exist, but sometimes, the creator will want an original song.

Not all of these will be classics, but sometimes, we get an original song that deserves a permanent spot on the Christmas playlist.

1. 'I Don't Know What Christmas Is (But Christmas Time Is Here)' (The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special)

One of the most unexpected, yet highly anticipated, and ultimately best received projects of the MCU's Phase 4 was The Guardians of The Galaxy Holiday Special. Mostly focusing on Mantis and Drax as they attempt to bring Christmas to Knowhere via a special gift for a depressed Star-Lord, the special opens with Star-Lord serenaded by an alien band (Played by real-life band The Old '97s) with a song about their understanding of Christmas. Unfortunately, from the very first line claiming 'Santa is a furry freak with epic Super Powers..', it becomes immediately clear that the band have completely and hilariously misunderstood the assignment.

The special, and the song, 'I Don't Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here)' both became instant classics, with the special now a must watch for fans during the festive season.

2. 'Hope Is Like A Christmas Tree' (Hanna-Barbera)

Over the course of the 70s and 80s, Hanna-Barbera produced a number of Christmas Specials starring their most popular characters, including The Flintstones, Smurfs, and Yogi Bear among others. Many of these specials are still considered classics even today.

Often, the Hanna-Barbera specials included original songs. One song, 'Hope Is Like A Christmas Tree', proved to be so emotionally resonant that it was used in three separate specials: A Christmas Story, A Flintstones Christmas, and Yogi's First Christmas. All three uses of the song coincide with a moment the characters need a boost.

3. You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Even before the character was adapted to screen, the Christmas-hating Grinch was known to parents and children everywhere thanks to Dr. Seuss's 1957 book, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. When the book was adapted into an animated television special in 1966, Dr. Seuss, real name Theodor Geisel, wrote a new original song 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch', to accompany the narration, which had been lifted from the book.

The song became so iconic that it has been re-used in both subsequent film adaptations of the story in 2000's How The Grinch Stole Christmas, covered by Grinch actor Jim Carrey, and a modern day update by Tyler, the Creator for 2018's The Grinch.

The song has also been covered by Cee-Lo Green and Sabrina Caepenter.

4. 'Where Are You Christmas?' (How The Grinch Stole Christmas)

A Grinch related tune makes the list again with 'Where Are You Christmas?', written for the 2000 live-action How The Grinch Stole Christmas film. It is sung during the film by Taylor Momsen as Cindy-Lou Who, as the youngster struggles with rediscovering the true meaning of Christmas.

Mariah Carey originally recorded a power ballad version of the song intended for the film's credits, but the release of Carey's recording was blocked due to an ongoing legal dispute with her ex-Husband Tommy Mottola, so the credits version was re-recorded by country star Faith Hill, who also released it as a single. The song has also been covered by the acappella group Pentatonix.

5. 'As Long As There's Christmas' (Beauty and the Beast: TheEnchanted Christmas)

In 1997, Disney released Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas, a direct-to-video Christmas-themed sequel/midquel to the original animated classic, following Belle's efforts to bring Christmas to the Enchanted Castle, opposed by an initially reluctant Beast. Among a number of original songs written by Rachel Porman for the film is 'As Long As There's Christmas', mostly about Belle's belief that the hope and magic of the Christmas season will evetually shine through.

A duet between Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack was recorded for the film's credits, and later covered by girl-group Play for the film's special edition DVD release.

6. 'The Best Christmas of All' (Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed In At The House of Mouse)

In the early 2000s, House of Mouse, a series in which Mickey and friends run a dinner-theatre restaurant frequented by Disney's stable of beloved film characters, was a hit with audiences, so much so that 2001 saw the release of Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse. The direct-to-video Christmas special has Mickey throw an impromptu Christmas party to raise spirits after he and a who's who of Disney stars become trapped in the House of Mouse due to a Christmas Eve blizzard.

The special was heavily advertised as including a new original song, 'The Best Christmas of All'. The song, which closes the special, is a group sing-along featuring all the characters present. It is commonly used in video edits from Disney fans on Youtube.

6. 'Don't Be a Jerk.. It's Christmas (It's a Spongebob Christmas!)

Hoping to play on the nostalgia of classic stop-motion Christmas specials, Nickelodeon commissioned one of their own, It's a Spongebob Christmas!, in 2012. When the people of Bikini Bottom become jerks after eating Plankton's Jerktonium laced fruitcake, Spongebob, immune due to his pure heart, saves them all by reigniting their Christmas spirit via sing-along with a4Qthis inspirational message: 'Don't Be a Jerk.. It's Christmas!'.

It's a Spongebob Christmas! now airs yearly on Nickelodeon, while the song gets additional airings during ad breaks during the Christmas season.

7. 'That Time of Year' (Olaf's Frozen Adventure)

While the original Frozen has already become traditional festive season viewing for some families, the franchise received an official Christmas special, Olaf's Frozen Adventure, in 2017. When Anna and Elsa become upset over their lack of family Christmas traditions, Olaf takes it upon himself to save the holiday by collecting traditions from the people of Arendelle.

Most of Olaf's quest takes place through a musical sequence, 'That Time of Year'. While not as ear-wormy as other songs in the franchise, the song's genuinely Christmassy feel and Olaf's infectious joy make it a worthy addition.

Have any of these songs made it onto your Christmas playlist? Drop an answer in the comments!