It’s no secret, the most wonderful time of the year is my absolute favorite time of the year! Just like my love for festive films, I enjoy all of the sounds of the season. Here are a few of my favorite classics and a couple contemporary hits.
The Classics:
Some tough decisions had to be made, but these songs made the cut. So sit back, relax and put these classic tunes on repeat.
1. The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole
This smooth song means it’s officially the holiday season. Growing up, we even used this as our answering machine recording. If you don’t know what that is, please don’t tell me. I’m still young! I’ll be a kid even at age 92. Although it’s been said, many times, many ways. Merry Christmas to you!
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Frank Sinatra
I love Michael Bublé, but old blue eyes is the original Christmas crooner for me. This is my favorite version of a song that seems to be especially poignant in the year 2020. Someday soon we all will be together. If the fates allow. Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow.
3. White Christmas, Bing Crosby
We have the composer Irving Berlin to thank (or blame) for dreaming of a White Christmas. I am from upstate New York so yes, snow is what I used to know. As an adult, I feel the only acceptable day to have to deal with snow is on Christmas.
4. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee’s version is the best and I definitely get a sentimental feeling when I hear it! This short tune makes me want to dance around merrily in a new old fashioned way.
5. Jingle Bell Rock, Bobby Helms
Giddy up, this bushel of fun was a favorite of mine long before the plastics in Mean Girls danced on stage at the high school talent show. It’s always the bright time and right time to rock to this song.
6. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams
I couldn’t be of good cheer without this holiday classic. It’s truly the hap, happiest season of all when I listen to this tune.
7. Blue Christmas, Elvis
There’s a reason they call him the king. I’m definitely not blue once I listen to this song.
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Temptations
A classic from one of my favorite music groups of all-time. When it’s safe, I would absolutely love to see the musical Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway. To me, the harmonies make this the best version of the song. Hey Rudolph!
9. Merry Christmas Darling, The Carpenters
Selfishly, I love this tune because it falls perfectly in my ideal singing octave. When the greeting cards have all been sent and the Christmas rush is through, this song relaxes me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year too!
10. Sleigh Ride, Leroy Anderson (orchestra)
The instruments perfectly capture a winter sleigh ride and the song has the perfect ending. I always find myself clapping along. Also, if I close my eyes, I feel like I’m in a Thomas Kinkade painting.
11. Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy, Bing Crosby and David Bowie
The names Bing Crosby and David Bowie alone should convince you to listen to this song. It is truly beautiful. I hope we will see the day when men on earth will live in peace.
12. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, Elmo & Patsy
Just in case you thought my classic list was too “classy.” This song will always be one of my favorites, you will never convince me otherwise. As a child, I would always sing this at the top of my lungs. As an adult, I do the same thing every time it comes on. Better watch out for yourselves! They should never have given a license to Santa.
Contemporary Carols:
Warning, our definition of “contemporary” may differ. To me, a modern holiday hit is anything that is not considered traditional or it was released (or re-released) in my lifetime.
1. All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey
My list would not be complete without the reigning queen of Christmas. As soon as November 1 hits each year (and sometimes before), I’m ready to blast this song!
2. Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Carol of the Bells
I’ve had the opportunity to see this show a couple times in person and they truly rock! This song always gets me pumped up, but seeing it live is so intense. Warning, this song is not the best to play while driving. I find it gets me a little too fired up!
3. Last Christmas, Wham!
This song has my heart and I’ll never give it away. When I said I loved you, I meant it. Happy Christmas!
4. The Christmas Shoes, NewSong
Go ahead, judge me, I do not care. This song is so pure and it’s not Christmas until this makes me cry at least once. I’m a super fan, I even own the book (which made me cry even more). This song reminds us to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas and to live each day to its fullest.
5. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, *NSYNC
This joyful song is pure 90s nostalgia. No matter what your holiday, remember it’s a time to celebrate!
6. This Christmas, Chris Brown
Please don’t get mad at me about this one, this is my favorite version of this song. Also, the movie has a star-studded cast that includes the amazing Regina King and Idris Elba. Fun fact, this was also my ringtone for quite a few years.
7. Linus & Lucy, Vince Guaraldi Trio
This isn’t new and it’s not technically a Christmas song, but it is from one of the best Christmas specials of all-time. It’s not the holiday season until I see the Peanuts gang dancing to this jazz piece. Some of them have some really great moves!
8. Little Drummer Boy, Pentatonix
I love every single song from Pentatonix and their renditions of Christmas carols are instant classics. I’ve even seen them live in concert! This video in particular was one of their earlier holiday hits. I highly recommend listening to their entire YouTube channel.
9. It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, Michael Bublé
Mariah is the queen, but Bublé is the king of modern Christmas music. This song is perfect to start the season. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in concert and his jokes are almost as good as his singing.
10. Bruce Springsteen, Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The Boss, enough said. Rest in peace Clarence Clemons.
11. My Grown Up Christmas List, Kelly Clarkson
This is not the original version of this song, but she is the original American Idol. I encourage you to listen to the lyrics. No more lives torn apart, wars would never start. Time would heal all hearts. Everyone would have a friend. Right would always win and love would never end. That would truly be the ultimate gift.
12. Believe, Josh Groban
You probably recognize this song from The Polar Express. I don’t know why, but there is something so satisfying about singing “if you just believe” in my best Josh Groban voice. I hope we find the magic again on Christmas Day. There’s no time to waste, there’s so much to celebrate.
Bonus: My two picks for 2020 are December Baby by JoJo and Oh Santa! by the amazingly talented divas Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson.