Classic Christmas Songs That Are Actually Depressing AF

Christmas songs have already been taking over the radio airwaves for weeks now. And you may be sick of all the holly and jolly. So if you’re looking for more “bah humbug” than Christmas cheer, give these sad Christmas songs a listen.

Because they’re low-key depressing AF.

“Christmas Shoes” by NewSong

We had to kick things off with the most depressing of the depressing. A little boy tries to buy some shoes for his dying mother in case she “meets Jesus tonight.” Who TF even thought this was OK? Because it’s just not.

(Yep, that’s Rob Lowe and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.)

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland

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If you’ve ever seen Meet Me in St. Louis, you know that this song has nostalgic, touching undertones. Judy Garland’s character is singing to her 5-year-old sister because their family must move to New York City and leave behind their beloved hometown.

“Christmas 1915” Celtic Thunder

This one’s pretty brutal in spite of Celtic Thunder’s angelic voices. Set during World War I, opposing sides of a battle take up a truce on Christmas Day to sing together, share wine and cigarettes and look at photos with each other.

In the morning, they’re back to killing each other.

“Last Christmas” by Wham!

The video is absolutely delightful, full of forlorn former lovers in a snowy cabin with a haze of ’80s magic, but the lyrics are sad, filled with regret and longing. George Michael’s death on Christmas Day 2016 adds an extra layer of poignancy.