I look forward to this time of year more than anything, especially the sounds of this season. My love for Christmas music might be stronger than my love for Taylor Swift, and that is really saying something. After much deliberation, I have compiled a list of my personal favorite Christmas tunes, carols and songs.
- “Carol Of The Bells”
This Ukrainian Christmas song is often overlooked, but I had to include it in my top five. What was originally not supposed to be a Christmas song tells the story of a swallow enlightening a family on the delightful year ahead of them. There are endless versions of this song since it is over 100 years old, but my ultimate favorite is any choir performance of it. Hearing the poetry echo in four-part unison, especially live, is simply jaw-dropping. Many people recognize the song from the 1990 version of “Home Alone” or the numerous covers, from Beyoncé to Pentatonix. I could hear this song over and over again and find something new in it every time. Best lyric: “Christmas is here / Bringing good cheer / To young and old / Meek and the bold.”
- “Christmas Time Is Here” – Vince Guaraldi Trio
Truthfully, the entire “A Charlie Brown Christmas” album would be listed here. However, I settled for the most recognizable song. According to Billboard, Trio’s tune is listed as the 11th-best Christmas song of all time. Generally speaking, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts characters hold such a special place for so many people, especially around the holidays. Something about a group of naive, playful kids has captured the hearts of millions for decades. Few cartoons have such distinct instrumentals that can be recognized so universally. Honorable mentions on the Charlie Brown Christmas album include “Skating” and “My Little Drum.” Best lyric: “Oh, that we could always see / Such spirit through the years.”
- “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – Judy Garland
You simply cannot talk about Christmas music without mentioning this classic. My personal favorites are Garland’s from the 1944 film “Meet Me in St. Louis.” The song casts a dreamlike quality about them that makes me oddly nostalgic. According to NPR, the original draft of the song written for “Meet Me in St. Louis” was too sad, and Garland refused to sing it until it was revised. While the song still depicts a gloomy mood, it is the hope and optimism of gathering with family and friends around the holidays that keeps the song warmly balanced. For me, I will always be grateful that Garland recorded the song that would go on to become a holiday staple for myself and many others. Best lyric: “Someday soon we all will be together / If the fates allow / Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow / So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.”
- “River” – Joni Mitchell
There is something so breathtaking and heartwrenching about Mitchell’s 1971 winter-blue ballad. From the opening notes reminiscent of the classic carol “Jingle Bells,” Mitchell tells the painful story of losing a lover during what is supposed to be the happiest season. Appearing on potentially one of the best albums of all time, “Blue,” the song now has a life of its own through various covers and renditions and is synonymous with Christmastime. My favorite rendition of it is handed to Sarah Mclachlan, whose performance is almost as heartbreaking, but not nearly as raw, as Mitchell’s. Best lyric: “I wish I had a river so long / I would teach my feet to fly.”
- “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole
This is arguably one of my favorite songs of all time. From the opening string arrangement, I am transported to a beautifully decorated Christmas tree next to a crackling fireplace in the middle of a snowstorm. I am suddenly eight years old on the verge of sleep in the backseat of the car after visiting Santa Claus with Cole’s voice singing quietly in the background. It is the perfect Christmas song, hence the title. The lyrics and overall whimsical picture the song creates evoke the true spirit and magic of the Christmas season. Best lyric: “Although it’s been said many times, many ways Merry Christmas to you.”
