U2’s Christmas songs

So, the most wonderful time of the year has arrived. I know that a lot of people don’t like it, or feel sad because they miss family and friends who are not here anymore. Obviously, I do feel something different as an adult. I admit it was much better when we were kids, but I still love Christmas. I love to decorate the tree, to see the lights of the city and to find the Christmas spirit all over the place. I can also say I LOVE Christmas movies! Are they an escape from reality? Yes, and that’s what we need at this time of the year. I know it’s hard, but we need a break from our problems and watch beautiful stories with a happy end to comfort us.

I could say the same about Christmas songs. Every time we listen they take us to a good place. My favorite U2 Christmas song is “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” from the album A Very Special Christmas. It was a compilation produced to benefit the Special Olympics.

Last week, the band played this song at the Sphere, in Las Vegas. It was a huge surprise, since they had only performed it in one concert in 1987!

Darlene Love said recently that U2’s rendition of her hit Christmas song is the best cover. “I have a connection with U2 and the song, because U2 wanted me to do all the background parts — not me and some people. I did all the background parts. We went in and we did the song. It has a special meaning to me because it’s totally different from what everybody else did. It was a U2 Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). That’s what made it so great.”

Another Christmas song cover, Greg Lake’s “I Belive in Father Christmas”, was recorded in 2008 as part of the RED Wire Magazine. In 2021, the band released it as a digital single.

U2 has another special cover. It’s “Happy Xmas (Was is Over)” live at the Late Late Show in 1988. This song by John Lennon is so relevant for these years, right? Unfortunately, peace is something we are still looking for.

What’s your favorite?

Anyway, let’s spread more kindness and empathy in this world! Don’t forget of U2’s music meaning: Bono ’s charity work, biblical messages… We live in society, and we’ll only create a better world carrying each other, got it? I hope the magic of this time of the year reach all of us.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

By Fernanda Bottini

Communication: Journalist/PR

Massive U2 fan who writes about the Irish group for 20 years

Email: febottini@gmail.com