The song begins with a Christmas-y chime. It's the sound of a celesta — an instrument featured in Tchaikovsky's Christmas classic “The Nutcracker.” Carey’s hit also uses the sleigh bell, which became ...

Holiday tunes have been merrily sung by carolers, crooners and shoppers rushing out for last-minute gifts. But have you ever paused while singing a line to your favorite jingle and thought, “Wait, ...