Meghan Trainor’s A Very Trainor Christmas: Why This Holiday Album Deserves More Love

Meghan Trainor ‘Holidays’.
Credit :

Meghan Trainor/YouTube

NEED TO KNOW

• Meghan Trainor’s 2020 holiday album, A Very Trainor Christmas, never received the accolades it deserves, according to PEOPLE staffer Rachel McRady.
• In this essay, she explores why Trainor deserves to be in the Holiday Hall of Fame alongside other greats like Kelly Clarkson and Michael Bublé.
• Trainor released a new holiday track, “Gifts for Me,” last month.

In October 2020, the world was grappling with the effects of a global pandemic, marking a bleak transition into what would be the first socially distanced holiday season. As morale dipped, many sought a source of holiday cheer to rekindle the spirit of the season.

Enter: Meghan Trainor.

In 2020, the artist known for hits such as “All About That Bass,” “Made You Look,” and “Better When I’m Dancin’,” released a festive album that provided a much-needed boost of energy. On October 30, 2020, Trainor launched A Very Trainor Christmas, marking a turning point in the holiday music landscape. Despite the challenges that continued to unfold, it became clear over the years that this album merited greater recognition and appreciation.

Trainor’s talents are exemplified in her catchy lyric: “Why you put me on the naughty list? Maybe I was too good for ya.” Such creativity arguably warrants acknowledgment from accolades like a Grammy, recognizing a work that deserves more visibility.

Meghan Trainor and Santa Claus in 2015.

Tommaso Boddi/WireImage

As someone with a background in choir, traditional Christmas carols often feel repetitive. However, Trainor’s approach to holiday music has introduced an invigorating element. The artist’s recent album features a significant number of original songs, which she playfully dubs “Bop-mas.”

Trainor successfully recorded five original Christmas tracks, alongside a variety of covers, capturing the essence of seasonal joy. This innovative sound challenges the monotony of holiday music.

Meghan Trainor wearing a festive sweater in 2023.

Evans Vestal Ward/NBC via Getty

In a time when many bemoan the incessant reboots and sequels in entertainment, it is refreshing to encounter new, original holiday music. Standout tracks like “I Believe in Santa,” “Christmas Party,” “My Kind of Present,” and “Holidays” have garnered attention, with the latter featuring collaboration with iconic band Earth, Wind & Fire, explaining why such established artists would join forces with her.

Despite the presence of numerous contemporary holiday albums, including those from notable names such as Michael Bublé and Kelly Clarkson, Trainor stands out. Her contribution to the festive music scene is a counter to the conventional and invites listeners to embrace fresh sounds.

As we navigate through the holiday season, Trainor’s music has the potential to unite listeners with its uplifting messages. Her recent single, “Gifts for Me,” released last month, captures the spirit of taking care of oneself during the often stressful holiday period. The lyrics resonate with anyone who has felt disappointment during gift-giving seasons, advocating, “this year I’m buying gifts for me.”

Trainor’s music offers an opportunity for collective joy, smoothing over divisions that can arise during the holidays. As her discography continues to grow, her presence in the holiday music landscape deserves recognition and appreciation.