The simplicity and bilingual nature of "Feliz Navidad" are key to understanding its creation. José Feliciano's background and intentions played a significant role in shaping the song.

Background:

• Bilingual upbringing and identity: Feliciano is a Puerto Rican musician who grew up in a bilingual (Spanish and English) household. This directly informs the song's structure, featuring both Spanish and English. It reflects his personal experience and bridges cultural divides.
• Desire for a universal message: The song isn't about a specific religious or cultural tradition beyond the general Christmas celebration. The repeated wish for a "Merry Christmas" and "Feliz Navidad" aims for a broad, inclusive message of peace and goodwill. The simplicity of the lyrics allows for easy translation and understanding across different languages and cultures.
• Musical simplicity and accessibility: The melody is catchy and easy to sing along to, contributing to its wide appeal. The repetitive nature of the verses and chorus enhances its memorability and singability. This simplicity wasn't a limitation but rather a deliberate choice to maximize its accessibility.

Thoughts behind the Creation:

• A personal Christmas greeting: It's likely that the song started as a personal expression of his Christmas wishes. The heartfelt repetition of "from the bottom of my heart" emphasizes the sincerity of the message.
• Bridging cultures: Feliciano, being a prominent Latino artist, wanted to create a Christmas song that resonated with both English and Spanish speaking audiences. The bilingual format helped bridge these cultures, creating a song that felt inclusive and welcoming to a wider audience.
• Universality of goodwill: The simple message of peace and happiness transcends specific cultural or religious contexts. This is a universal message that resonates with anyone celebrating Christmas, regardless of their background.

In short, "Feliz Navidad" wasn't born from a complex artistic vision, but rather from a simple, heartfelt desire to share the spirit of Christmas with the world, in a way that reflects his personal bilingual heritage and seeks to unify rather than divide. Its success lies in its directness, simplicity, and genuine warmth.