Christmas- It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I love Christmas. Everyone that knows me groans when we near Christmas because they know that it will not be long before Christmas songs are blasted from my room, whilst I walk around decorating my tree with a variety of tinsel scarves. I am borderline obsessive. I start to get excited around October, and this is just increased by my having to wait out of respect to Halloween before I can decorate. I have been to see Santa every year I have been alive and have over twenty pictures with him. A year doesn’t go by where I haven’t been on the train journey at my garden centre to get to Santa’s grotto. I am more excited than the younger children. I love it. The spirit is so friendly and cheerful that nothing can destroy it. I have been told by many that I am too fanatical about Christmas, but they do not kill my Christmas spirit. Nothing can. I stay up on Christmas Eve watching Santa on NORAD loving the little videos as he passes each country delivering presents to the nice children of the world. Anyone that tries to dampen the mood is on the naughty list.

The one thing that always makes it feel more Christmassy and gets me motivated is Christmas songs. As soon as it hits the first of November, the tree and the decorations are out, with me sorting out my playlist on iTunes. I even walk to university blasting the playlist through my headphones. The songs that you can only play from November until the end of December. If I had it my way I would play them all year round. As soon as Christmas is over, just get excited for the next one. It would be a never-ending cycle of Christmas!

There is always debate over what songs are officially the greatest Christmas songs. Some songs considered by some are not Christmas songs according to others. So, I have decided to share my Top 50 songs with you. If you have any others you think should have appeared on the list, it will be interesting to see!

 

Songs not technically Christmas songs so not on listen but deserve to get a mention:

• There are some songs that, although they are used in films or are sometimes used in countdowns, are not seen by some as true Christmas songs.

1. What If by Kate Winslet
   • Such a brilliant song that appears in a Christmas carol but is not actually considered a Christmas song, because it does not refer to the holiday.
2. Put a Little Love in Your Heart by Annie Lennox and Al Green
   • An incredibly cheesy song that appears on the ‘Scrooged’ soundtrack, a feel-good Christmas movie.
3. Something Stupid by Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman
   • Even though some people do not like this song, and some people suggested that it should not appear on the list, I thought it should get a mention because of its popularity on Christmas countdowns on music channels.

 

My Top 50 List of Christmas Songs:

50. Dominic the Donkey by Lou Monte

• This is more of a spoof song, a funny song that you can’t help but laugh at even though it is not something you could continue to listen to on repeat as it can get a bit annoying. That is why this song places in the last spot on the list.

49. Christmas in Heaven by Monty Python

• My love of Monty Python means this song had to appear somewhere! A bit of a joke song but Christmas is a time for love and laughter.

48. A Spaceman Came Travelling by Chris de Burgh

• Not an initial success, this song imagines the story of the birth of Christ with a more ethereal and extra-terrestrial feel.

47. Underneath the Tree Kelly Clarkson

• A modern pop song celebrating love and the excitement of Christmas. The beloved is referred to as the only present needed by Clarkson, with the bells and chimes creating a holiday atmosphere.

46. Stop the Cavalry by Jona Lewie

• It wasn’t intended as a Christmas hit, as it was a protest song, however its brass band arrangement and line referring to Christmas made it an appropriate song to play during the Christmas season and is another firm favourite requested by many.

45. Here Comes Santa Claus by Doris Day

• A nice up tempo song that references to Santa and his reindeer, making me impatient for him to leave presents for all those who believe in his magic and joy.

44. Mistletoe and Wine by Cliff Richard

• This song was altered by Richard lyrically to give the song a more religious message before its release, although not everybody’s favourite, Christmas isn’t the same without a bit of Sir Cliff Richard.

43. O Come all ye Faithful by Pentatonix

• This a cappella version of this hymn deserves a spot because of the impressive harmonies sung by the five members.

42. O Holy Night by Il Divo

• I love Il Divo and their use of Italian in their songs, making this song sound so beautiful and a necessary slot filler on this list.

41. Walking in the Air by Aled Jones

• The snowman is one of my favourite Christmas films, and the song fills me with memories of my grandad taking me to see it in theatre, loving the snowman flying across the stage to this song.

40. Frosty the Snowman by The Ronettes

• A favourite of all, not just children, the song recounts the tale of Frosty the Snowman, who plays with the children who made him and eventually leaves town promising to return in the future.

39. Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano

• A Spanish Christmas song that, with its simple Spanish chorus and English verse, it has become a prevalent Christmas pop song throughout the Spanish-speaking world and internationally.

38. Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms

• A holiday classic that is as synonymous with the holiday as tinsel and baubles, made more popular with younger generations with its use in ‘Mean Girls’.

37. I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by Jackson 5

• A song about a child who sees his mum kiss Santa, not knowing that it his dad, a song that is made more adorable sung by a 10 year old Michael Jackson, who hits those high notes so well.

36. Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry be Happy by Pentatonix feat. Tori Kelly

• A mash up of two well-known songs; making us wish for snow to fall and to be happy for Christmas day. The acapella arrangement adds strips both songs down to what they are all about.

35. Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes

• Although composed during July, this songs arrangement is full of bells, clip-clopping hooves and the ‘ring-a-ling-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding’ of the Ronettes accompanying the warmth of the melody gets everyone in the Christmas spirit.

34. Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Michael Buble

• The saxophone and trumpets used in this version adds a touch of jazz to an already great song. It’s about awaiting the arrival of Santa and being good because he is all seeing; a little warning to all of the young children desperate for presents.

33. Holly Jolly Christmas by Lady Antebellum

• I love country music, with Lady Antebellum being my favourite country group. Their cover of this song is a cheery salute to Christmas.

32. Somewhere Only we Know by Sacre and Charlotte (John Lewis advert)

• A cover of the original, this song had to appear on the list as it accompanies what I believe is one of the best John Lewis adverts; with the bear and the bunny, the latter giving the best present to the former, who never before had been a part of the festivities because of hibernation.

31. One More Sleep by Leona Lewis

• A Motown inspired song expressing the excitement of Christmas and waiting for a loved one to come home; with the countdown to Christmas day getting me more excited for the day.

30. The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole Trio

• A classic that had to be on the list; conjuring up memories of home and loved ones during the winter period.

29. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams

• Used in the title of this post, it had to appear in the list! For me, and I know many others, Christmas truly is the best time of the year, revering togetherness and love between family and friends.

28. What Christmas Means to Me by Stevie Wonder

• This Motown classic with a harmonica solo is different take on classic Christmas songs; mentioning all that we associate with the festive period in a joyful and spirited celebration.

27. Christmas is a Comin’ by Bing Crosby

• After singing this in a Christmas concert this song has been constantly stuck in my head and therefore has to appear on the list. It expresses the need to give at Christmas time and how the more you give the more you get.

26. Let it Snow by Dean Martin

• Referring to the cold of the snow but how they are happy at home with the fire and popcorn until he has to brave the storm at the end of the night; about love at Christmas. A lovely and easy listen which is perfect for the season.

25. Last Christmas by Wham!

• This song had to appear on the list for obvious reasons. It has stood the test of time, and is fondly remembered for its video with Michael and Ridgeley wearing knitwear in the snowy wonderland.

24. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by Destiny’s child

• Rudolph is a family favourite at this time of year, with everybody learning how the reindeer was different but Santa’s love and need for him allowed him to make friends. This catchy version adds a bit of r and b and pop to the already well-known song.

23. The Power of Love by Frankie Goes to Hollywood

• It has been adopted for this season because of its haunting tune and its reference to love, an important theme at this time of year. Even though it does not contain a reference to Christmas within the song, the accompanying video features the nativity, and its use (a cover of the song) in the John Lewis advert, where it was sung by Gabrielle Aplin has continued to link this song to the season.

22. Lonely This Christmas by Mud

• A more downbeat and melancholic song about a lost love and grief at Christmas, how heartbroken and lonely they will be without their love, who they do not believe they will get back in time for Christmas. At such an important time for love and family, this song hits all of us.

21. The Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby

• The rhythm of the drums that makes the tune so special was unlike any other Christmas music at the time it was first released. Crosby’s regal quality he has about his voice does justice to this already popular song.

20. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Michael Buble

• Buble’s voice is filled with the emotion of one who is missing their loved one and how it doesn’t feel like Christmas. The emotion and vocal power in this song is why it appears on this list.

19. Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono

• Aside from its political agenda, protesting against the Vietnam War, this festive peace-on-earth song has rightfully earned a place on this list

18. Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley

• About unrequited love during the holidays. This is one of the most famous cover, it is a longstanding staple of Christmas music, cemented by Presley as a rock and roll classic.

17. Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea

• Again, not one of my favourites, but this song has to have a spot because of its popularity year after year. A lot of people know the struggle and the need to get home in time for Christmas, with the enthusiasm for seeing loved ones something all those who spend time away from family and friends will know and understand.

16. 2000 Miles by The Pretenders

• Whilst most believe the song is about two lovers separated by distance over the holidays, it was actually written for the band’s guitarist James Honeyman-Scott as a tribute. This song deserves a spot on the list for its hauntingly beautiful melody and vocal tones of Chrissie Hynde.

15. White Christmas by Frank Sinatra

• This song expresses all of our dreams; dreams of a white Christmas, reminding me of sledding in the snow on Christmas day with family when I was younger. This song then fits, as I do dream of a white Christmas, like the ones I used to know.

14. Carol of the Bells by Lindsey Stirling

• This song deserves it spot on the list for Stirling’s remarkable violin playing and her wonderfully composed new take on this old holiday classic. It is slightly haunting, with each note sounding like falling snowflakes.

13. Marys Boy Child/Oh my Lord by Boney M

• A cover of harry Belafonte’s 1956 hit with the new song ‘oh my lord’, which is a disco version of the song, adding something to the traditional version of Belafonte. This song has a religious connection, retelling the nativity story and thanking the Lord for sending his son to save us all.

12. Step Into Christmas by Elton John

• An upbeat and energetic look into celebrating Christmas and the year that has gone past. Creative, meaningful and a little corny; what else could you expect from Sir Elton John!

11. Rocking Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda lee

• Recording this when she was 13 years old, Lee’s uses the rock and roll sound to create a fun and festive version of this song. The song mentions different things associated with Christmas, including pumpkin pie, carolling and mistletoe; really giving a feel of the season.

10. Baby its Cold Outside by Michael Buble and Idina Menzel

• About a man who wants his girl to stay and tries to persuade her to despite her needing to go; this song has been covered by everyone from Dean Martin to Tom Jones, but this version is more kid-friendly with two children dressed in jazzy clothing lip-syncing to the sweet Christmas duet.

9. Merry Xmas Everybody by Slade

• This song is on the list because of its simplicity in expressing the Christmas spirit and it injects a sense of joy and love into the festive season. It is all about the anticipation and then arrival of Christmas.

8. Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt

• A tongue-in-cheek look at a Christmas list addressed to Father Christmas by a woman wanting extravagant gifts such as yachts, a ring and a 54 light blue convertible has us wishing for all she wants.

7. I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday by Wizzard

• This 70s rock and roll inspired song with the children’s choir, bells and vibrantly dressed band members deserves a spot on the list, with Roy Wood’s snowy glitter covered face. A bit of a weird one!

6. Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney

• Even though it is considered one of McCartney’s more mediocre compositions, no one can deny its substantial annual festive airtime.

5. Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande

• In this song, Grande is asking Santa whether her new beau ‘really cares’ and if he will leave like the others. Even though this is not a traditional, this upbeat pop song with R & B influences is a firm favourite of mine.

4. Fairytale of New York by The Pogues

• This song follows an Irish immigrants Christmas Eve reverie about past holidays whilst in a drunk tank. His other cell member sings a passage from an Irish ballad and the narrator begins to dream about the songs female character. The rest of the song is a call and response between the couple, their hopes and how these are crushed by addiction. This is seen with the bittersweet lyrics. Although not one of my personal favourites, this song places high on the list because of its sheer popularity around this time of year.

3. Do They Know it’s Christmas by Band Aid

• Bob Geldof and Midge Ure’s 1984 reaction to the Ethiopian famine was a massive publicity instrument, raising awareness through its lyrics. It is designed to make us all aware of those who will not receive as much at Christmas and will suffer instead of celebrating. Put this all aside, it is also an unconventional yet amazing pop song.

2. Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin’ Stevens

• A very close second place, Shakin’ Stevens gives us a song that is catchy, upbeat and encompasses all that is Christmas.

1. All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

• Although Christmas is seen as a time for material excess, this song focuses on being with a specific loved one. One of the most catchy songs, this is top of my list because it gets me in the mood for the Christmas season and I can’t help but sing along. Although some believe it does not deserve top spot, it will always be my number one.