Sunday, November 30: “What Christmas Means to Me” by Hanson
Alexa, play “What Christmas Means to Me,” by Hanson. Take me back to the year when those three blonde brothers from Oklahoma ruled every Tiger Beat magazine cover, and middle-school girls everywhere were signing “Mrs. Taylor Hanson” in bubble letters. As if that 1997 hit “MMMBop” hadn’t already changed pop forever, that same December, Hanson released Snowed In—and Christmas never sounded quite the same.
When the piano kicks in on “What Christmas Means to Me,” and the sleigh bells start, it’s practically impossible not to grin. Little Zac Hanson’s 11-year-old voice hits that first line, and suddenly I’m dancing in my kitchen, lighting candles, and remembering what it felt like to count down the days ‘till Christmas break.
The song runs through all the classics: candles, mistletoe, choirs outside your door—but somehow still feels new every time. It’s joy in its purest form: loud, messy, full of sugar and hope.
Almost 30 years later, the song serves as a reminder to me of the wonder that used to come so naturally—and an encouragement to remember the part of Christmas that’s not about perfection or presents, but about the feeling that something good and holy is close enough to touch.
In Luke 2:10 an angel tells a crowd of shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” That same joy still echoes in songs like this—simple, happy reminders that love has already come near.
Conversation starter:
“What’s the song that instantly flips the Christmas-spirit switch on for you?”
Thanks for listening to Day 1 of Advent: For the Record! All of our resources are funded by donors like you. We’d love for you to consider becoming a part of our community of givers. Check us out at Axis.org!