Funny Christmas songs can be just what you need when holiday stress is getting you down. While traditional carols have their place, something more lighthearted can sometimes be just what you and your family need.
Funny Christmas Songs
While traditional carols and hymns are wonderful for singing at Christmas parties, you may want to spice it up a little bit with some funny tunes to take the edge off. Whether you listen to them alone or share them with friends and neighbors, these tunes will surely brighten your spirits.
I'm Getting Nuttin' For Christmas
This song, originally sung by Shirley Temple, is about a girl who knows very well that she's not getting anything for Christmas because of all the misbehaving she's done all year. As she runs down all of the mischief she gets into, you can't help but chuckle a bit.
"I won't be seeing Santa Clause
Somebody snitched on me
He won't come visit me because
Somebody snitched on me
Next year I'll be going straight
Next year I'll be good, just wait
I'd start now, but it's too late
Somebody snitched on me..."
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
This silly Christmas song, performed by the duo known as Elmo & Patsy, shares the darkly humorous story of poor dear grandma, who was run over by Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve on her way to the family get together.
"Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas eve
You can say there's no such thing as Santa
But as for me and grandpa we believe
She'd been drinking too much eggnog
And we begged her not to go
But she forgot her medication
And she staggered out the door into the snow..."
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
This is a cute song about a kid who is shocked, just beside him or herself, to witness their mother kissing Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Of course, not knowing who Santa actually was leads to plenty of confusion.
"Then I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus (tickle, tickle, Santa Claus)
Underneath his beard so snowy white
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night."
Elf's Lament
This quirky Christmas song, performed by the Barenaked Ladies, shares the thoughts of an elf who would like you to please, consider the elves that are toiling away behind the scenes, underpaid and overworked, while Santa hogs all the glory.
"Never in existence has there been such a resistance
To ideas meant to free us
If you could see us, then you'd listen
Toiling through the ages, making toys on garnished wages
There's no union
We're only through when we outdo the competition.
I make toys, but I've got aspirations."
Something Stuck Up in the Chimney
This song by Bob Rivers is another darkly humorous song about "something" being stuck in the chimney, and how it's not moving, and how the dog keeps barking up there, and how, a week later, it smells... and on top of that, Santa never came at all!
"Well, I waited up for santa all Christmas night
but he never came and it don't seem right.
and there's something in the chimney
and it doesn't make a sound,
but I wish you merry Christmas."
You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
If you've seen the classic holiday cartoon, How the Grinch Stole Chrismas!, then you very likely know this song, sung by Boris Karloff. It recounts all of the ways the grinch is a horrible, nasty person, in pretty colorful detail. Many artists have performed this song, and it's fun seeing how each put their own twist on this classic.
"You have all the tender sweetness
Of a seasick crocodile
Mr. Grinch
You're a foul one
Friends you don't have none
I wouldn't touch you with a 39-and-a-half foot pole!"
All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth
It never fails. Kids lose one front tooth, and then the others follow, making normal things more complicated than they should be! This cute song is about a kid who just wants their front teeth for Christmas so they can whistle again.
"Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth
Then I could wish you, "Merry Christmas"
It seems so long since I could say
'Sister, Susie sitting on a thistle!'
Gosh, oh gee, how happy I'd be, if I could only whistle
All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth..."
The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't be Late)
If you know of Alvin and the Chipmunks, you probably know about this Christmas song. Like so many things during the holiday season, things start off well enough and then just get... off track. Most people can probably relate.
"Want a plane that loops the loop
[Alvin:] Me, I want a Hula-Hoop
[Chipmunks:]
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas don't be late
[Dave:] Ok Fellas, Get ready.
That was very good, Simon.
[Simon:] Naturally!
[Dave:] Very Good Theodore
[Theodore:] He He He He
[Dave:] Uh Alvin, You were a little flat
Watch it, Alvin...Alvin?...ALVIN!!!
[Alvin:] OKAY!!"
The Twelve Pains of Christmas
Christmas can be a challenge at times, and that's putting it mildly. This song by Bob Rivers takes a hilarious twist on these aspects of the holiday season (bills! Christmas cards! The joy of dealing with Christmas lights!) and the singers get more exasperated as the song goes on. Definitely worth a listen and almost guaranteed to make you chuckle.
"The sixth thing at Christmas that's such a pain to me:
Facing my in-laws
Five months of bills!
Oh, I hate those Christmas cards!
Hangovers
Rigging up these lights!
And finding a Christmas tree..."
The Twelve Days of Christmas (Bob and Doug McKenzie Version)
This song, originally performed by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas on Canadian SCTV is a hilarious take on the song. They're giving ideas for what to give to your true love, with a Canadian twist.
"Fifth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Five golden touques!
Four pounds of backbacon
Three French toasts
Two turtlenecks
And a beer, what was it? In a tree!"
Santa's Lament
This song, performed by the fictional character Father Guido Sarducci, is from poor Santa's point of view, about how his whole life is "gimme, gimme, gimme," and he doesn't even like cookies, and Rudolph has a big head after Santa made him famous. Definitely a unique take on Santa, and a fun one.
"You know what nobody ever asks?
'Santa, what do you want?'
[Elves] 'What do you want, Santa?'
I'll tell you what I want, elves.
I want some clothes that aren't red,
I want a car not a sled,
I want some helpers with brains.
I want to lay in the sun,
I want to have some fun...
These elves are driving me insane."
Ringing of the Bells (Muppets Version)
This hilarious take on the Carol of the Bells features Beaker, Animal, and the Swedish Chef making their own unique sounds in place of the lyrics. Of course, anytime Animal is involved in anything, you can expect chaos to ensue, and poor Beaker gets more worried as the song goes on.
Humorous Christmas Songs to Keep You Laughing
Whether you like silly takes on traditional carols, Christmas parody songs, or original songs from professional comedians, there's likely something out there that can keep you laughing throughout the holiday season.
