Harvard Houses as Iconic Christmas Songs

On the 12th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me… 12 Harvard Houses!

It’s officially that time of year when we’re all collectively trenched, freezing, and waking up only to see the sun set shortly after, with only small doses of serotonin provided by Christmas music breaks in between loops of instrumental, lo-fi beats. Looking for a song to break up the monotony? See which song your house embodies and get into the spirit of holiday cheer (or try your best to; it’s rough out here)!

Adams: “Silent Night” by Frank Sinatra

If you are planning on pulling a dhall all-nighter, the Inn is not the place to be, that is unless you are looking for a Widener Loker Room, can’t cough out loud, silent night kind of vibe. Adams is out there doing their own thing, but maybe check in on your Adams friends since I haven’t heard from mine in a while. Hope all is calm and all is bright!

Pforzheimer: “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Dean Martin

Pfoho — home to polar bears and the Igloo. It sure is chilly over there, as is the journey over. The duet aspect of this song is what I imagine a conversation involving someone just trying to go back home to the River and being convinced to stay a little longer would sound like.

Lowell: “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych

An obvious choice. What Lowell lacks in house community, they make up for with their infamous bell tower. A timeless song with many renovated renditions. Can I put in a request for Lowell to play Carol of the Bells on the bells? So meta.

Currier: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee

Another obvious choice. The spirit and cheer of this song emulate the spirit and cheer carried by the Tree community. With the many drop-ins from people coming from Harvard Dance Center right nearby, everyone sure is dancing merrily.

Cabot: “Snowman” by Sia

Have you ever seen the TikTok trend where you try to sing the whole chorus in one breath? Now try this: walking from the Yard to the Quad in one breath. Cabot residents seem to save the trip and stay home, so maybe the lyric “I want you to know that I’m never leaving” is actually biographical.

Quincy: “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

THE song of Christmas and THE people’s house? The pairing is undoubtedly a match made in holiday heaven. Mariah Carey, the queen of Christmas. You know her, and you love her just like you know and love Quincy for all the charm, community, and hot breakfast that we have to offer (totally unbiased opinion as a Quincy resident myself).

Mather: “Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer” by Elmo & Patsy

If Grandma had to make the trek from Northwest back to Mather, I fear she would not live long enough to arrive at her destination. An unfortunate run-in with a reindeer or a crash into concrete? Both seem to be on the same level #staysafeoutthere.

Winthrop: “Do You Hear What I Hear” by Whitney Houston

Winthrop is in the optimal position to listen in on the bustling noises of campus. Stationed right along Memorial Drive and next to the Lowell Bell Tower, they definitely have a prime location to listen to the night winds and Sunday bells that the rest of us don’t.

Kirkland: “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey

Kirkland community is loud and proud, and I have no doubt that they would rally behind getting something as unique as a hippopotamus for Christmas. Perhaps they have a new theme to consider for their next Choosening!

Dunster: “Run, Rudolph, Run” by Chuck Berry

While the house with the most athletes seems to be a debate, it’s worth mentioning that Dunster has extended dining hall hours to accommodate athletes, closing an hour later than the rest of the houses. Whether they are running to make the end of dinner or running during conditioning, this song seems appropriate, not to mention their mascot being a moose (moose, reindeer, close enough). The Cambridge half-marathon route also runs right by Dunster, so it only seemed fitting.

Leverett: “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by The Jackson 5

Never underestimate the power of Lev towers. With a bird’s-eye view that extends quite far, one look out the window opens up all of Cambridge. Once, I saw one of my TFs on a run from that height, so yeah, the possibilities are endless. If you can spot that one kid you had section with freshman year from the window, I’m sure you can catch Santa Claus being a lover boy.

Eliot: “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by NYSYNC

Tucked in a little cul-de-sac of the River Houses, Eliot and this song feel like a good way to round off the playlist. With the domus community as the life of the party, I believe they’d wish us all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

All songs have their own vibe and spirit, but all contribute to the greater holiday joy that brings us together, just like all 12 houses of the student community. Happy holidays!