At work the past three days we’ve decided to listen to Christmas music. Today we have started listening to a Country Christmas station Amazon has provided. I immediately recognize Johnny Cash’s voice as Little Drummer Boy comes on and realize he is leaves out the pa rum pum pum pum’s. So now I imagine him in the studio yelling out at someone that he doesn’t gotta pa rum pum pum pum if he doesn’t want to. Granted I don’t know what Johnny Cash was like in the studio and cannot speak on his character, but it made me wonder what are some of my Christmas song staples. There are so many versions of each Christmas song this makes choosing which version of the songs I like best rather difficult. Somehow I have managed to compile a list of my ten favorite Christmas songs, which I’d like to think is a mixture of new and old alike. Without hearing these songs once my Christmas spirit lacks something fierce.
A couple of years ago there were people telling me they had never heard this song. I could not fathom such! It is not Christmas until I hear this song and once I hear it I want to hear it at least five more times.
Until a couple of years ago, I had no idea this song existed. Until last night I did not know this video existed. I’m far too pleased with my find. Just sit back and enjoy.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
This will always be my favorite version of Rudolph because…wait for it….IT INCLUDES RUDOLPH!!! I mean what version of Rudolph can top this one you ask? None. It’s okay, no one has to rack their brains to figure it out.
When I was younger and my dad and I were watching a VHS of various Ray Stevens videos I remember tilting my head when we reached this video. Namely because I was shocked that Ray Stevens had a Christmas song. I know for sure he has a whole album of them now, namely because I tend to listen to it around Christmas time as well, but this one remains my favorite after all these years. The video only adds to my joy of the song. Granted, considering the contents of the video this probably should not be the case, but that is neither here nor there. Just remember when in doubt, Santa is watching you so you should be good even as an adult.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Even seeing this typed out has me automatically singing this *NSYNC classic. I love the whole CD if I’m being honest, but this is one of my must hear Christmas songs. I cannot imagine going through the holidays without listening to them at one point or another. That just shouldn’t be allowed.
All I Want for Christmas is You
Every time I hear this song I have the urge to watch Love Actually without fail. And then I fall in love with Liam Neeson and Colin Firth all over again. Such a joyous moment! This is one of those Christmas songs that never gets old to me. No matter how many times I hear it, I never want to change the station, or the playlist for that matter, when I hear for the fifteenth time the month of December.
This is another song that to me there are no other versions. There is Wham!’s version and that’s it. Period. Done. Though now I’m missing George Michael all over again.
Wrapped in Red is by far one of my Christmas albums ever. I have a Kelly Clarkson bias like there is nobody’s business though! With that said, I don’t think that takes away from that CD or this song. This song immediately hit a homerun for me upon the initial listening. Plus, watching her sing a rendition of it on her holiday special back when the CD was released sealed the deal for the love of this song.
Ah Burl Ives. To be honest I enjoy all of his music, but again there is no other version of this song that even compares to Burl Ives! Plus, every time I listen to it I can see Rudolph playing in my head. Who doesn’t want to have Rudolph playing in their head during the holidays? Don’t answer that if you don’t. Just don’t.
I know this song was featured in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, but the meanings behind the song have always struck a chord within me. This is especially the case on Christmases I cannot always afford what I want to give those around me. In my mind, I am a lottery winner and all of you get AMAZING presents. In reality most of you receive Christmas cards, which I take pride in filling out every year. I absolutely love sending them, but I do wish I could include something in them other than letting those know I love and adore them. Plus, this is just one of those songs that reminds me no matter what everything will be okay. Fine and dandy as a matter of fact. And sometimes that message is far more important to hear than we’re willing to admit.
Honorable Mentions go to: Mele Kalikimaka, Rockin Around the Christmas Tree, Santa Baby, Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy, and Penguin, James Penguin. Oh and You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch. Namely because my dad informed me that by not putting that one on the list I was a Grinch. Not cool, dad. Not cool
With all this said, I raise a question to the readers. What are your favorite Christmas songs? Do you have a favorite version of the same song listed above? I would love to know so please sure in the comments below. Until then I will wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
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