Chapter 1: The Allure of Christmas Tunes

Christmas songs evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia, marking the beginning of the festive season. When you hear Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You," you know the holidays have arrived. Yet, the question remains: why do so many pop stars choose to release Christmas music?

The answer is simple: it often leads to substantial financial gain.

It all began with Elton John, who in 1974, released "Step Into Christmas." This track marked the start of a trend that would see many artists follow suit. Meanwhile, Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," released in 1975, became a holiday staple, receiving heavy radio play each December.

With these two artists paving the way, it wasn’t long before others joined in. David Bowie’s "The Little Drummer Boy" in 1977 and Wham!'s "Last Christmas" in 1986 showcased the growing popularity of festive music. Mariah Carey solidified her place in Christmas music history with her 1994 hit, which remains a holiday favorite to this day.

Now, artists from Justin Bieber to Ariana Grande release Christmas singles, often regardless of their personal feelings about the holiday. Sam Smith, for instance, has been candid about his lack of enthusiasm for Christmas yet still produced a cover of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."

Why this trend? It primarily comes down to financial incentives. A successful Christmas song can generate significant revenue, leveraging the powerful combination of holiday spirit, nostalgia, and marketing strategies.

Christmas is a lucrative season for retailers, and a catchy tune can boost sales dramatically. For instance, Target's sales surged in 2017 after airing Sia’s holiday jingle in commercials, illustrating how well Christmas songs can integrate into marketing campaigns.

But the real magic lies in the repeatability of Christmas music. Unlike most pop songs that fade quickly, holiday tunes can be played year after year, ensuring ongoing revenue for artists.

How lucrative can these songs be? Mariah Carey’s "All I Want For Christmas Is You" has reportedly earned her around $60 million since its release, averaging approximately $2.5 million annually for just over four minutes of music. Similarly, Bruce Springsteen’s "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" remains a valuable asset in his catalog.

Artists who cover existing songs, however, often share royalties with the original creators. Springsteen, for instance, must divide profits with the descendants of the song's writers, J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, who penned it during the Great Depression.

In contrast, Carey retains 100% of her earnings, as she wrote her iconic holiday hit herself. Thus, for musicians, the appeal of Christmas songs is clear: they can yield substantial financial rewards with relatively low expectations for success.

Performing a cover can be just as lucrative, allowing artists to rake in revenue from a single studio session. The next time you hear a beloved Christmas classic, remember that the artist may be dreaming of financial success, just like you.

Merry Christmas to all my dear friends on Medium! Wishing you prosperity, health, and wisdom this festive season and many more to come.

Chapter 2: The Financial Benefits of Christmas Music

This first video discusses the ins and outs of releasing holiday music, highlighting the unique strategies artists can use to maximize their impact during the Christmas season.

The second video tackles a common question: Should you release your music before or after Christmas? It offers valuable insights into the best timing for holiday music releases.