From Wham! to Mariah Carey: How to win Christmas number one race

Every holiday season brings with it a dash of musical competition, as artists old and new vie for the coveted title of Christmas number one. From the timeless hits of Wham! to the perennial favorite "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey, achieving this status is a testament to an artist's place in holiday history. But what does it take for a newcomer, such as Tom Grennan, to outpace these established titans of the festive season? The race to Christmas number one is as much about timing as it is about the song itself. For starters, releasing a holiday track at the right moment is crucial. Too early, and it risks being forgotten amidst the festive buildup; too late, and it may not gather enough momentum. Tracks released in early December tend to have the best shot at climbing the charts in time for Christmas. Next, there's the undeniable power of nostalgia. For many, the holiday season is a time of fond memories and traditions, and this sentimentality extends to music. Songs like "Last Christmas" by Wham! and Mariah Carey's iconic track tap into collective memories, making them almost unbeatable contenders year after year. For newcomers to stand a chance, their music needs to either capture this nostalgic essence or offer something refreshingly different that still resonates with the holiday spirit. A successful Christmas number one often relies on widespread support and a robust promotional campaign. Artists and their labels must mobilize fans across social media and streaming platforms, encouraging