I know the Christmas music usually hits the radios right around Thanksgiving.
Alas, I won’t lie — I usually like it.
I’m a fan of Christmas music and always have been. But, with how this year has gone, I’ve found I’m not in the most festive mood. I’m sure today and tomorrow will be fine. I’ll have the chance to spend time with family and friends and for that, I’m thankful and happy.
However, being in a bit of a hum-bug mood this year, I’ve not really listened to much when it comes to holiday music. And that’s a bit of a shame because, honestly, it usually helps put me into the holiday mood.
So, while processing photos, I decided to hit up YouTube and find some of my favorites.
I figured I’d also share them with all of you.
In no certain order, here are some of my favorite songs for this time of year.
Mariah Carey — All I want for Christmas is you
One of my all-time favorites. Whenever I hear this, it really does get me into a more festive mood. She’s really an amazing artist and this song is such a big part of our society, it seems, that it’s hard to not have on the list.
Burl Ives — Holly Jolly Christmas
A classic. Probably my all-time favorite. Plus, it’s in the Rudolph special!
If you want to see a really cute video to go with this song, check this one out — it’s Lady Antebellum’s version. The short video is really cool, too.
Jose Feliciano — Feliz Navidad
Come on now … be honest. This song totally has to get you into the festive mood!
Andy Williams — Most wonderful time of the year
It really is, isn’t it?
Fred Astaire — Santa Claus is coming to town
It’s Fred Astaire. And a Christmas song. How isn’t this awesome?
Gene Autry — Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Many have been done, but Autry’s is still the best, I think.
Frank Sinatra — Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Anything with Frank rules. That’s pretty much a solid guarantee.
Jimmy Durante — Frosty the Snowman
Though originally done by Autry — many a generation knows this song as sung by Durante in the popular holiday cartoon.
This is, by far, not a full list of my favorites. But it is a bunch I wanted to share. So what are your favorite holiday tunes?
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If it’s confession time, I guess I’d better admit I’ve been singing Christmas songs since September! Yes – you read that right. As a member of a community choir that performs about a dozen times over the first three weeks of December, I start learning the current year’s Christmas program the first Wednesday after Labour Day! In addition to scheduled rehearsal times, I try my best to find the same songs / same arrangements somewhere in cyberspace and load them onto my iDevice so I can sing along when I’m driving, working or walking. I sometimes find myself on the receiving end of strange looks when I start singing the alto line of something like “Rudolph” while riding transit in October.
You might think I’d be tired of Christmas music by the time December 25th rolls around, but that’s definitely not the case. When we all sit down to turkey dinner on Christmas Eve, the bubbling conversation will be a few decibels louder on account of a steady stream of holiday tunes playing in the background.
As for my personal favourites, here are a few lesser-known pieces from the past few choir Christmas programs:
– I Wish You Christmas
– The Winter’s Night
– Glad Tidings of Joy
– The Holly and the Ivy
– Grown-Up Christmas List
In terms of sing-a-long selections, my perennial favourites include:
– Silent Night
– Silver Bells
– Jingle Bells (all three verses)
– Rudolph (a jazz version)
– Go Tell it on the Mountain
NEVER EVER The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2013.
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There are years when I am the same way. And I’ve been known to allow a Christmas song to keep playing in the middle of the summer if it comes up on my iPod. This year has been tough though, so it was hard to get into the mood. I didn’t even watch all the normal Christmas specials I watch.
I do like your list of songs though!
My favorites are
O Holly Night
Fosty the snowman
The Little Drummer Boy
Santa Clause is coming to town
Rudolph
Ole St Nick
All good ones was well!
I could go on about retail, and how the music is just forced on people in stores to make them want to buy things, but I wont. I do actually like Christmas music, there are some great songs out there. I agree with your list. Being a musician myself, you try to appreciate most everything, but there are some really bad versions. I think you nailed some of the best out there, though. Years ago, when I played with the Binghamton Symphony, I always looked forward to our Christmas concert. A packed arena, ice skaters and dancers, a full choir, televised for everyone to see, it was an incredible fun time for me. Merry Christmas, PJ!
I think the songs in retail places definitely start early. But I like it as well. Sometimes it’s hard to hear them so much. Christmas music is definitely a way to somewhat get into the mood.
Alas, we have another year before worrying about it again!