My Incredibly Fantastic Favorite Christmas Song List

Two years ago my counterpart on this blog wrote his Christmas Song list.  I didn't want to be redundant that year so I sat and I waited two whole years to unveil my Top 10 Christmas Songs.

10. Christmas Is the Time to Say "I Love You" - Billy Squier
I'm fine with traditional Christmas songs but when I'm driving around looking at Christmas lights or drinking egg nog with family and friends I like my Christmas songs upbeat and fun.  This song is most certainly that.


9. 2000 Miles - Pretenders
Though not intended as a Christmas song, it's only played at Christmas time and I love it. If you are going to have "Christmastime" as a lyric in a song, it's going to become a Christmas song.


8. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
For tonight thank God it's them instead of meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!  Nuff said.


7. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
A classic Christmas party song that no one should ever try to cover.  It's perfect just like this.


6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings - Barenaked Ladies (with Sarah McLachlan) We Three Kings is my favorite traditional Christmas carol.  Barenaked Ladies covered it in a way that you can put it on a Christmas Party mix without bringing down the mood while respecting the integrity of the carol.


5. It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year - Andy Williams
This song immediately makes me want to throw on a Santa hat and skip around my house while whipping strands of garland around like a rhythmic gymnast.  One thing I don't relate to in this song is telling scary ghost stories at Christmas time.  To each their own though.

4. Christmas All Over Again - Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
See my blurb for #10.  Except this song it better.
 

3. Thanks For Christmas - XTC
One of the most underrated Christmas songs out there.  I wish it got more play.  It says everything I feel about Christmas.

2. What Christmas Means to Me - Stevie Wonder
I tend to sing this one louder than any other Christmas song when I'm alone in my car.  I wish it was longer.

1. Father Christmas - The Kinks
This song doesn't conjure up warm and fuzzy Christmas feelings but I only listen to it at Christmas song and it's still amazing.

Its That Time of Year

Its the most wonderful time of year. Why? Not because Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are fast approaching. Not because of the beautiful lights and decorations that make us all feel so warm inside. And no, not because of the excitement in my sons eyes when we talk about Santa Clause coming to visit. Its because its time to start making lists. And lists are mint.

My first list of the season is the essential 12 (one for each day of Christmas?) holiday songs for any great holiday party mix. Enjoy.

1. Mele Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby
Not only does this song conjure up images of Chevy Chase imagining a swimming pool in Christmas Vacation, but it transports you to a relaxed tropical paradise for 2:54.
2. Christmastime is Here (Vocal)- Vince Guaraldi
This is probably my favorite of all time. Beautiful, serene, and hopeful.
3. Last Christmas - Wham!
What can I say? Its a classic.
4. Christmas All Over Again - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Probably the best blend of holiday and rock you can find anywhere.
5. Little Saint Nick - Beach Boys
Everyone loves it. And best of all people know the words and its an original.
6. Merry Christmas Baby - Bruce Springsteen
I wasn't sure about this song. I like it, but not sure if its top 12 material. Ultimately I decided that much like Petty, this song rocks and helps a mix.
7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - Jackson 5
Great song, and even greater lyrics. "Curly haired dolls that tootle and coo?" Really?
8. What Christmas Means to Me - Stevie Wonder
I have had to listen to the Jessica Simpson version of this song so much that I almost forget how awesome the original is.
9. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Mariah Carey
Don't mock me. Its fun.
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Jimmy Sommers featuring Chris Botti
I'm a sucker for Jazz renditions of Christmas songs. This one is perfect.
11. Auld Lang Syne - James Taylor
My wife thought this song was called Old Man Time. And even if it was, it would still be awesome.
12. Christmas Must be Tonight - Hall & Oates
"Son of a carpenter. Mary carried the light." Nuff said.

*The She & Him and My Morning Jacket Holiday CD's are too new to consider for this list.