Don’t you love this time of year? The hustle, the bustle and everything else that comes with it? When I worked in retail we waited all year for the holiday rush. I loved helping the customers that crowded around the perfume counters looking for the perfect gift. Another thing I love about Christmas and this time of year is Christmas music.
Choosing music is like sampling perfume.
I’ve come to realize that music preference is like perfume sampling. You either love it, hate it or tolerate it because it’s all you have. Sometimes it’s hard to listen to something you’re not used to. One version of a song may be amazing but when you hear a new or different version you wanna change the station pronto!
Well I’m here to convince you to check out some of my favorite holiday songs. Not sure if you’re going to like any? How do you know if you’re going to like a perfume unless you try it? The same goes for music. Your favorite new song or song version may be out there but you may not have found it yet.
The best Christmas songs are old, new and everything in between.
I like to think I have eclectic taste when it comes to music. I like everything from AC/DC to Kenny Rogers to Madonna to Eminem. When it comes to Christmas music, I like old, new, young and old. The list I compiled doesn’t have every popular holiday song on it otherwise this post would be a lot longer than it already is, rather, I chose a nice helping of favorites I think are ‘must listen tos’ each year. Some are fun, some are quirky and some will give you all the feels of Christmas. So do me a favor, check out the tunes on my list and let me know what you think.
Christmas Song List
- White Christmas – The Drifters
- Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives
- Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord – Boney M
- May Christmas Bring You Happiness – Luther Vandross*
- Jingle Bells – Yello
- Last Christmas – Wham
- Jingle Baby – Stephanie Mills
- Everyone’s A Kid At Christmastime – Stevie Wonder
- Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons*
- A Hallelujah Christmas – Cloverton
- Oh Come All Ye Faithful – Weezer or Luther Vandross*
- Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano
- What Child Is This? – Chicago*
- Silver Bells – Diana Ross & The Supremes
- Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer – Ray Charles
- A Marshmallow Winter – Dean Martin
- Happy Holiday – Andy Williams
- Kentucky Homemade Christmas – Kenny Rogers*
- Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You – Billy Squier
- Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
- 2000 Miles – Coldplay
- Winter Wonderland – Darlene Love
- Dominick The Donkey – Lou Monte
- You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch – Thurl Ravenscroft
- Shake Up Christmas – Train
- The Chanukah Song– Adam Sandler
- Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
- The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) – Alvin & The Chipmunks
- Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
- Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
- Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes
- Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer – Elmo & Patsy
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon & Yoko Ono
- Someday At Christmas – Stevie Wonder
- It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Andy Williams
- Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays – NSYNC
- Jingle Bells – Frank Sinatra
- When My Heart Finds Christmas – Harry Connick Jr.
- All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey*
- Blue Christmas – Elvis
- The Little Drummer Boy – The Harry Simeone Chorale*
- There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays – Perry Como
- We Wish You A Merry Christmas – The Muppets and John Denver
Some songs have too many beautiful versions to list a favorite.
The following songs have way TOO MANY great renditions so I’ve listed a few of my faves.
O Holy Night – Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Kenny Rogers and Johnny Mathis
Silent Night – Stevie Nicks, Sinaed O’Connor, Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra
*Albums or CDs that are definitely worth a listen.
- Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas
- Kenny Rogers – Christmas Everyday
- Chicago – Christmas – What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?
- Luther Vandross – The Classic Christmas Album
- Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons – The Four Seasons Greetings
This next album has to be mentioned especially if you have small children. The songs are fun and I love it because it brings back memories but anyone can listen to it.
Children’s Christmas Favorites: Frosty The Snowman – The Caroleer Singers and Orchestra
I know you’re probably thinking, “How could she miss my favorite song?!” or “Where’s ____________ on the list?!” Let me know some of your favorite Christmas or holiday songs because I’d love to check them out.
