Favorite Christmas Songs

Photo by Cris Dinoto on Unsplash

Christmas comes but once a year. Thank goodness! I know I should love Christmastime, but, honestly, as an adult, I just don’t. Not really. Not like I should. I love Jesus, I love that He was born. I love what Christmas stands for. I even love putting up Christmas decorations. And, I especially love the tastes and smells that go along with Christmastime. (Real Christmas trees smell so good. Sweets and candies and baked goods, taste so yummy!) I don’t like Christmastime for the simple fact that it is stressful. And, I hate anything that is stressful.

Now, that stuff being said, there is another thing that I do LOVE about Christmastime—the music! Oddly enough though, I can’t listen to it nonstop for the whole month of December anymore. I used to be able to do that. Now, I have to enjoy it bits and pieces at a time. I will listen to it for a while, then switch to something else. Then, later, I will switch back to it. I think the main reason is because I hear a lot of the same old Christmas songs over and over and over. And, while I do love what I refer to as the “old classics”, I can’t deal with hearing them over and over and over in the same day. I know, I know, I know…I am turning into a crotchety old lady!

However, there are some great Christmas songs that I adore, that I can’t get enough of. In fact, most of these I only hear because I play them for myself. They don’t get much air play on the radio, or Pandora, or XM. So, I thought I would share them with you. Below, in no particular order, are my favorite Christmas songs of all time that I don’t hear much on the radio. This is my Christmas gift to you. Merry Christmas! You can thank me later!

1)      “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” –  Viva Voce on Happy Christmas Vol.2
Ok, I lied before. (About the “in no particular order” thing. After this song, that applies.) This song is my very favorite Christmas song ever. That is why I have it first. I have always liked the lyrics of this song. But, Viva Voce cranks it and their version ROCKS!!! I can listen to this one song on repeat for hours. (Yes, I know, it’s sad.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsbcm7wvfRE

2)      “Santa’s Beard” – They Might Be Giants
I am a huge TMBG fan. I have been since high school, thanks to my friend Sabrina. Two guys named John make up the band. They are just fun. Most of their songs are completely crazy and/or silly and I love it! I mean, sometimes life just calls for things that put a huge smile on your face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YpYROJNlFo

3)       “Blue Christmas” with Porky Pig
I am also a huge fan of cartoons. I grew up on Bugs Bunny. If you are at least my age or older, I am sure it was a staple for you too. So, I know you love Porky Pig just as much as I do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8YQqK5e5es

4)      “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” – Alvin and the Chipmunks
My mom and dad bought me this album, yes the vinyl kind, when I was a kid. I always thought Theodore was the best. And, their version of this classic, where they talk to Rudolph, is my favorite version of this song. I love to hear Rudolph talk!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_iIfL18RWE

5)      “Christmas in Hollis” – Run-D.M.C.
This song and the video make me laugh. And, if you grew up in the 80’s, Run D.M.C. is a staple.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR07r0ZMFb8

6)      “Father Christmas” – The Kinks
When you grow up in a household where your dad is a musician, you tend to follow his taste in music. The Kinks are one of my dad’s favorite groups and this song has a great beat!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-oVPVsCqs4

7)      “Grown Up Christmas List” – Natalie Cole
Now this song is one of my hubby’s favs. As an adult, I love the lyrics and agree with them completely. Add in Natalie’s spectacular voice and this song brings tears to my eyes every. time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKCxpQjVqiM

8)      “Wonderful Christmastime” – Jars of Clay
No offense to Sir Paul McCartney, but I do NOT like his version of this song. Actually, I have heard other versions of this song and didn’t like those either. I am not sure exactly what it is about this Jars of Clay version, but they not only make this song good, but they make it heart-filling. (And, as a side note, their whole Christmas album, entitled Christmas Songs, is really good.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Fm-uZxMD4

9)      “I’d Like to Hitch a Ride With Santa” – The Andrews Sisters
I am a sucker for the swing and boogie-woogie era. I could watch those movie musicals all day long. Of course, The Andrews Sisters are the epitome of that era. They had the vocal range and harmonies that many people, even today, would kill for. And, this little ditty is just a fun and different Christmas tune!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3OUldDJY0Q

10)   “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” – Aaron Shust
This song they actually do play a good bit on the radio. And, I am sooo glad. It is different in that the music sounds like it is from Israel or something. It is super cool!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-jn-EvHw_4​

11)   “We Three Kings” – Hugh Jackman, David Hobson, and Peter Cousen
This Christmas song is one of my all-time favs. And, you NEVER hear it anywhere. I just don’t understand. I even had a hard time finding a version online to share with you guys. But, I did come across this cheesy version featuring Hugh Jackman. And, I am a fan of both Hugh and cheese!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8XKEvClA-k

12)   “2000 Miles” – The Pretenders
What woman who loves music, doesn’t love Chrissie Hynde? Her voice is so, well, Chrissie. And, this song isn’t strictly a “Christmas” song. It is one of those rare songs that you can play year-round.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SkWIqQ3oLY

13)   “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” – Harry Connick, Jr.
I am a HUGE Harry fan. When his Christmas album “When My Heart Finds Christmas” came out in 1993, I went out and bought it and basically wore it out, I played it so often. The whole album is great, but this song and “(It Must Have Been Ol’) Santa Claus” are my two favorites. “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” is a song from the movie “Babes in Toyland”. This is a fun old Disney movie from 1961. If you get the chance to watch it, you should! But, in my humble opinion, the best “Babes in Toyland” is the 1934 version with Laurel and Hardy. Talk about a fun movie—it is one I try to catch every year at Christmas. It is a classic, and even though it was made 83 years ago, it still holds up well. The simple, silly comedy makes it such a pleasure to watch. Sorry, I digress…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i0f2SY7spM

14)    “Carol of the Bells” – Family Force 5
“Carol of the Bells” is such a popular song, you can find a plethora of different versions of it, and just about all of them are good. While Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s version is probably everyone’s favorite and the most played and well-known, this version by Family Force 5 is cool and kitschy and addicting. (At least, I think so.) Give it a listen and see what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj9UyImE_Vk
​
15)   “Most Beautiful Time of the Year” – Beckah Shae
Never heard of Beckah Shae? I hadn’t either until about a week ago. I am not sure what rock I have been living under, but thankfully I have seen the light! Beckah is a Christian pop artist and her voice is AMAZING. I just had to include it. High energy, it makes you want to get up and dance. And, it is another one that I can listen to over and over and over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTe-ufifl6o

So, what do you guys think? Did I leave your favorite off the list? Have a rare gem you want to share with me? I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment below. And, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!