We all have fond memories of a holiday song that instantly brings back the sounds and smells from their youth. I grew up in a small town in northwestern Pennsylvania and experienced the seasonal winter wonderland from Thanksgiving through New Year. There are many fond and special memories that I reflect on all year long.
Besides the traditional baking, decorating, movies, or television shows, I have a special list of holiday songs that put me in the mood when this time of year becomes overwhelming. This is a short playlist, and I've added or replaced a few of the songs over the years, but I always seem to go back to them for comfort.
Growing up in the heart of the snow belt, we always had a white Christmas, and many years a white Thanksgiving too. That is why "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby is on my list. Besides loving the two movies he and the song are featured. "White Christmas" brings to mind the nostalgic imagery whether you grew up around snow or not. Crosby, of course, is a true crooner and his jazzy voice adds a sweet and sad sound to bring out the inner child longing to be back in that time of wonder.
Two of my favorite Beatles recorded holiday songs that, in my opinion, will forever be timeless. "So This Is Christmas" by John Lennon, was recorded in 1972. Lennon's continued protest on war is written in the lyrics and even though it was a different era, we are still hoping the fighting will stop and "Let's hope it's a good one without any fear." Paul McCartney recorded "Wonderful Christmas Time" in 1979 along with his wife Linda. Paul is my favorite Beatle and there is not a song that he sings that I do not like, and this one has Paul written all over it. The upbeat happy rhythm of the song and the verses are simple yet portray holiday cheer. The reviews of this song written by a Beatle are for the most part negative, but in the holiday spirit it's a very big step above "Gramma Got Run Over By A Reindeer." It is truly one of those songs like most Beatle songs, you either love it or you hate it.
In 1984, Wham recorded a song that has been rerecorded by almost every pop artist for their holiday albums, "Last Christmas." Some facts behind this timeless treasure, Wham donate their royalties from this song to the Ethiopian famine. Also, George Michael wrote, performed, produced, and played every instrument on this song. There are not very many holiday love songs and the only version I prefer is this one sung by George Michael.
In 1977 Bing Crosby and David Bowie sang a duet that is by far the best bridge of generational musical genre of all time. "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" is a song not for singing along, but for reflecting on the beauty of the holiday season. The classic crooner Crosby and the ever-evolving Bowie together has been described as a "surreal event." "Little Drummer Boy" was written in 1941, while the "Peace on Earth" tune and lyrics, written by Ian Fraser, Larry Grossman, and Alan Kohan, were added to the song, especially for Bowie and Crosby's recording.
These last two songs hold a special place in my heart. They are songs my mother sang during the holidays. "That's What I Want for Christmas" by Nancy Wilson is a beautiful melody and Wilson's bluesy voice is relaxing and the romantic lyrics are what I love the most about this song. My mother sang this song to me any time I would ask her what she wanted for Christmas. Last, is the timeless treasure "The Christmas Song." It was written in 1945 and Nat King Cole was the first to record the song in 1946. He was my mother's favorite crooner and she sang this song to us every Christmas and I am lucky enough to have a recording of it. Hearing her voice is one the best Christmas presents I receive every year.
Wishing everyone a very festive and musical holiday season.
