Britney Spears • My Only Wish (this year)

Christmas Song of the Day: My Only Wish (this year) by Britney Spears.

Yesterday: The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole

Okay, so this is one of my favorite Christmas songs! Yes, I am well aware that I am not in Britney’s music demographic. And I’m aware that some of my friends may mock me, or even avoid me at social events (though I don’t really have many right now) (friends or social events). But I’m okay with that. I’m secure with who I am. And if it so happens that Britney Spears wrote and recorded one of the catchiest pop Christmas songs ever, I’m going to acknowledge it and give it proper credit. It is really a great song!

20 years old now - released at Christmas time 2000. And while many celebrity Christmas songs over the past 20 years have been long forgotten, this one gets played every year. Not as much as Mariah Carey or Karen Carpenter of course, but it has stood the test of time, and aged well. The reason for that is it is a really good song. Well structured. Great harmonies and backup vocals. And just fun to listen to! So go ahead have your fun. But when you listen to the link below — you’ll know I’m right. And it might even become one of your favorites. Maybe secretly. But that’s okay. Maybe someday you may become less codependent and concerned about what people think of you. Be honest — it’s a really fun song.

Here are a few details. My Only Wish (this year) is a teen pop Christmas song recorded by American singer-songwriter Britney Spears. It was written by Spears, Brian Kierulf and Josh Schwartz. It was released originally in the Christmas compilation Platinum Christmas. In the song, Spears asks Santa Claus to find her a partner during the holidays. The track received mixed to positive reviews from music critics. However, close to a decade after its release, reviewers felt the song was considered a modern holiday classic. My Only Wish (this year) has charted in various countries, mainly on Billboard’s Holiday Songs. On October 22, 2013, an audio-only video of the song was uploaded on Spears' Vevo account.

I couldn’t agree more with the commentary (on My Only Wish this year) by Mike Nied, writing for Idolator, below:

“Released in 2000, the underrated anthem has withstood the test of time. Over a joyful production courtesy of Brian Kierulf, it puts a wistful (but still undeniably optimistic) spin on a letter to Santa. “Last night I took a walk in the snow. Couples holding hands, places to go. Seems like everyone but me is in love. Santa, can you hear me,” the lonely hitmaker coos. She makes her one request on the chorus. “I have been so good this year. And all I want is one thing – tell me my true love is near. He’s all I want, just for me, underneath my Christmas tree. I’ll be waiting here. Santa, that’s my only wish this year.” The Princess Of Pop really gave the bop her all, and it is a shining (but sadly forgotten) gem in her hit-packed discography.

Despite having all the makings for a hit, Brit’s only official Christmas single has never received the recognition it deserves. In part, that may be due to a lack of promo from Team B. Shockingly, we never got a live performance or a video for the single. But there’s still time! Every year “My Only Wish (This Year)” experiences a resurgence on streaming services. And if Britney were to drop a reimagined version, release a belated video, or even sing a snippet for her very iconic Instagram, it could easily crack the Hot 100.”

In the meantime, revisit B’s festive bop below! I won’t tell anyone if you don’t. Merry Christmas.