Back in early November I turned on the car radio to the oldies station and started hearing nothing but Christmas songs. Not being even close to Christmas, I decided to change the station. What did I hear? More Christmas music! It seems that at least two stations in Boston start their full time parade of Christmas / holiday music in the first week of November. This is just way too early for me. I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that the media is also filled with ads for the holidays beginning in early November. No more waiting until Thanksgiving for the ads to start.
For me the spirit of Christmas starts to sink in about mid December. I want to keep the holiday special and if I start listening to Christmas music any earlier my Christmas spirit is going to burn out. I am also picky about what I like to hear around Christmas. I mostly like the classics – those songs that have been around for a couple of generations and are performed by artists that are considered legends. When I hear these songs I’m immediately taken back to my childhood when Christmas was an exciting and magical time.
Here are ten of my favorites along with some comments on why I like them:
- The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole. Written in 1944 by Mel Torme, this song is widely recognized as one of the most loved seasonal songs ever recorded. I know it’s loved by me!
- White Christmas – Bing Crosby. I think of scenes from “It’s a Wonderful Life” when I hear this Irving Berlin classic.
- It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! – Andy Williams. Andy was a mega recording star when I was a kid and my dad loved him.
- Sleigh Ride – Boston Pops. This is a classical holiday instrumental song.
- Do You Hear What I Hear? – Bing Crosby. Bing just sings these classics better than anyone else.
- A Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives. Burl Ives has a whimsical style that makes this song especially uplifting.
- Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee. Brenda’s bubbly style makes it easy to visualize people dancing around a Christmas tree.
- Merry Christmas Darling – The Carpenters. Karen Carpenter’s silky voice is just so soothing and beautiful to listen to.
- It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas – Johnny Mathis. Another legend singing a Christmas classic.
- Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano. I like this song because it’s bouncy rhythm and melody always puts me in a good mood.
There are many more songs I could add to this list. What Christmas songs would be on your top ten list? I’d love to hear what they are!
Photo courtesey of Creative Commons / Flickr
