Cost of Living

Is Christmas music actual holiday magic or just a cash grab?

A look at the business of Christmas music, and why we keep reminding ourselves that all we, and Mariah Carey, want for Christmas is "you."

A look at the business of holiday albums and their merit versus their money

Mariah Carey is pictured performing in November 2016 in Toronto (left), Hawksley Workman performing at the CBC's Toronto studios in 2019 (right). (CBC News, Vivian Rashotte/CBC)

Christmas music is ubiquitous once December rolls around.

Artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Snoop Dogg to yes, Mariah Carey have Christmas or holiday albums. 

But is it the music industry making a cash grab? Or is there holiday magic — and artistic merit — behind the songs that power the holiday season across the country each year.

Paul Haavardsrud speaks with Canadian recording artist — and Christmas song alumnus — Hawksley Workman, and interviews Hit Parade podcast host Chris Molanphy on just why we keep reminding ourselves that all we, and Mariah Carey, want for Christmas is "you."


Click 'Listen' above to hear the segment or download to CBC Listen app.