Fri Dec 19 12:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the NPR segment, “Most Unbearable Christmas Songs”.

Headline: NPR Music Expert Unwraps the Most Annoying Christmas Songs

Washington, D.C. – As the holiday season ramps up, so does the ubiquitous presence of Christmas music. But not all holiday tunes are created equal, according to NPR Music’s Stephen Thompson. In a recent segment on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday, Thompson shared his picks for the most cringeworthy Christmas songs, sparking debate and even a playful disagreement with host Michel Martin.

Thompson kicked off the segment with a surprising pick: Bob Dylan’s polka-infused rendition of “Must Be Santa.” While polarizing, Thompson defended the song, citing its strangely heartfelt quality and his own Wisconsin upbringing steeped in polka music.

However, Thompson moved on to less defended ground with Gayla Peevey’s “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas.” A staple for some, like Martin’s children, Thompson found it grating, comparing it to the Chipmunks Christmas album that once drove his own parents to the brink.

But the true villain, according to both Thompson and Martin, is “Santa Baby.” Thompson described it as “cloying” and “cutesy,” while Martin objected to its materialistic message. Martin also expressed her dislike of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” which is “deeply polarizing.” Thompson agreed, noting that it has fallen out of favor in recent years and stated that he has yet to enjoy any rendition of that song.

The segment concluded with a humorous disclaimer from Martin, clarifying that Thompson’s views are his own and may not reflect those of NPR. The conversation underscores the subjective nature of holiday music, proving that one person’s Christmas cheer can be another’s auditory nightmare.

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