From the Great Depression through the privations of the Second World War to the prosperous post-war years, festive music in the United States has reflected the hopes and fears of its audience.

The Christmas song began in 1934. Written by the Jewish composer Felix Bernard, “Winter Wonderland” was an instant success on the charts. That same year, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” was also released. These were songs of the Great Depression. Santa Claus may be coming to town all right, but there’s no indication that he’s actually bringing anything. We know that “he’s making a list, and checking it twice, he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice. Santa Claus is coming to town.” But we never learn why. The reward of toys is implied, if you know something about Santa, but never promised. Five years into the Great Depression, even Santa had to admit that he wasn’t in control of global macroeconomics.

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