These were the No. 1 pop songs on Christmas Day in the 1970s
Top image: Chic "Le Freak," Atlantic Records / Thinkstock{seealso}
Ah, December! Snow is in the air (in most places), lights are on the trees and carols are playing in every retail store. Yet, the season is not all about Christmas songs.
In fact, the tune-topping Billboard's Hot 100 on December 25 is rarely a holiday number.
In the 1970s, it was business as usual at the end of year. Or, well, disco as usual. Let's take a look and listen to the No. 1 hits during the Yuletide seasons of the decade.
1970: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - "The Tears Of A Clown"
With those distinctive calliope and woodwinds, plus a band name like "The Miracles," this is somewhat seasonally appropriate. It gives the same warm and fuzzy feeling as a noel, at least. Plus, clowns were a common Christmas gift back then.
Image: Motown / Discogs
1971: Melanie - "Brand New Key"
Maybe she got that bicycle and those roller skates from Santa?
Image: Buddah Records / Discogs
1972: Billy Paul - "Me And Mrs. Jones"
Perhaps you can imagine this is told from the perspective of Santa Claus? Hey, after all, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" was a hit.
Image: Epic / Discogs
1973: Charlie Rich - "The Most Beautiful Girl"
Nothing like a country Christmas.
Image: Epic / Discogs
1974: Harry Chapin - "Cat's In The Cradle"
Frankly, this is thematically a pretty weird song to sing around Christmas.
Image: Elektra / Discogs
1975: KC And The Sunshine Band - "That's The Way (I Like It)"
Why wasn't there a reindeer named "Boogie"?
Image: RCA / Discogs
1976: Rod Stewart - "Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)"
The video begins with a burning fireplace. Play it on repeat and you have a cheap yule log!
Image: Warner Bros. / Discogs
1977: Bee Gee - "How Deep Is Your Love"
With a love deeper than blizzard snowdrifts, the Gibbs were dreaming of a white Christmas when it came to their jumpsuits.
Image: RSO / Discogs
1978: Chic - "Le Freak"
It's the perfect music for when you finally unwrap that toy you've been aching for. The Millennium Falcon?! Awww… FREAK OUT!
Image: Atlantic / Discogs
1979 Rupert Holmes - "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)"
Who needs eggnog when there are piña coladas?
Image: MCA / Discogs