Christmas arrives earlier and earlier each year, but the stores, radio stations, and websites never beat my dad to Christmas. My dad breaks out Christmas music as early as September, a tradition that doubles as a reminder to celebrate God's gifts and blessings year round. Christmas music has a special place in my heart; here are the top twelve songs from my childhood that get me every time.

12. Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys - Nothing beats that falsetto of the Beach Boys...no matter how hard we try!

11. Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney - I first heard this song when it was used in the animated Rudolph movie, and I instantly fell in love with the synthesizers and bells that make this song such a classic.

10. Sleigh Ride - Any well-played instrumental version of this song reminds me of playing the third trumpet part in my high school band, getting showered with fake snow on stage, and sporting the Santa hats during our formal Christmas Collage concert.

9. When Christmas Comes to Town - Matthew Hall & Meagan Moore - My mom used to read The Polar Express to me as a child, so when the film came out, it instantly joined the family Christmas video collection. A good reminder that Christmas "doesn't work out" for some, this song captures the feelings of anxiety mixed with anticipation of the Christmas season.

8. Can't Believe It's Christmas - Veggietales - "Billy has more toys than me!" "Who's Billy?" "I wanna Buzz-Saw Louie!" "And that's the true meaning of Christmas." "Waaaaaa!!"

7. Christmas Eve / Sarajevo - Trans Siberian Orchestra - I grew up to the music of TSO, an orchestral rock group that writes Christmas stories with their original versions of classic Christmas music. One of the best seasonal music artists, and one of the major reasons I love film scores today.

6. (It Must've Been Ol') Santa Clause - Harry Connick Jr. - My brothers and I never believed in Santa, but if we had, it would have occurred something like this song.

5. You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Brian Setzer - How the Grinch Stole Christmas remains one of my favorite Christmas classics. Brian Setzer's voice works perfectly with the low tones and the jazzy, brassy tune about the vileness of the Grinch.

4. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Holms - When my younger brother was 3 or 4, he had this memorized and sang it all the time. This song will forever remind me of my baby brother singing this song before opening gifts at my grandparents' house.

3. Little Drummer Boy - White Heart - This version of Little Drummer Boy is the best version (other than the original) that I have heard. Something about the rock genre adds to the passion behind the boy as he gives the only thing he has to the newborn King.

2. White Christmas - Bing Crosby - I am thankful that I live in a place that actually (usually) is white for Christmas, which carries the magic of Bing's voice throughout the holiday season.

1. Christmastime is Here - Vince Guaraldi - Every year, we watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Guaraldi's jazz behind the children's voices creates the perfectly nostalgic Christmas song, bringing to mind chilly nights, hot chocolate with candy canes, and "what Christmas is all about."