Well, Christmas music isn't for everyone. Call me the Grinch if you will, but Christmas music is too happy and cheerful for my taste. The lyrics are probably the worst. They just get stuck in your head all day and it takes far too much effort to put a stop to the endless loop of "Jingle Bells" in your brain. Despite my general aversion to Christmas music, here are a few songs that I've found that are festive enough to get me in the holiday spirit without driving me insane.
August Burns Red -- "Carol of the Bells"
This is an excellent instrumental, and will probably confuse and scare older relatives and small children when it reaches that powerful first crash. But once you're into it, it's hard to keep still when this starts to play. As a drummer, I must point out that the drums are pretty killer. I recommend that you really crank the volume so you can feel the beat of that double bass.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra -- "Wizards in Winter"
This song keeps a balance between classic Christmas orchestra and rock. It has the up beat energy and lighthearted beauty of the winter season. But it also has an edgy rock twist that will sooth those who don't quite appreciate Christmas music.
Nightmare Before Christmas -- "What's This"
Obviously, "Nightmare Before Christmas" is both a Halloween and a Christmas movie. (Unless you're me, then it never goes out of season.) This is probably the most cheery song in my Christmas playlist, but how can you not fall in love with Jack's wonder and bafflement at the unfamiliar beauty of Christmas Town.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas -- "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"
Besides the fact that How the Grinch Stole Christmas is an amazing Christmas movie, and this is a particularly catchy song, I'm sure many of my fellow non-festive comrades have also been referred to as the Grinch. I've accepted it because they aren't entirely wrong because I do have a few things in common with Mr. Grinch. We both hate all of the "noise, noise, noise!"
Demon Hunter -- "The Wind"
The energy of the song is powerful and will really get you in the mood to make some holiday cookies or wrap some last minute presents. Ryan Clark's deep voice in particular makes the song feel a bit less like a Christmas song. But if anyone complains that you're not listening to Christmas music just pull up the whole album because, for the most part, the songs are all fairly good and include some more jolly songs as well
August Burns Red -- "O Come O Come Emanuel"
Well, we're back to August Burns Red, but you really can't beat their killer instrumental Christmas music.
