It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! With Thanksgiving fast approaching, many people have already begun the process of shifting into full-fledged Christmas mode. Christmas is a season that has many defining pieces; the trees, lights, family, hot chocolate, and many other items all are immediately associated with Christmas in our minds. Certainly among these are the beautiful songs that we all can probably sing from memory. So, while it is nearly something impossible to do, I am going to make the valiant attempt to rank my top 5 songs from the Christmas season.
5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
You simply cannot have a list of Christmas songs or jingles and not include the red nosed reindeer! Rudolph is arguably the most iconic Christmas figure, with the exception of Santa Claus of course, and we all grow up learning his song. Though this is not one of the traditional songs that you'll hear in church or from a quartet, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer will forever be a part of Christmas for children everywhere.
4. Christmas in Dixie
This one is a personal favorite of mine. Alabama is one of the most successful country acts of all time and they definitely did not miss when constructing this rural tune. Taking listeners on a visual journey as the music plays, ending back in the band's hometown of Fort Payne, Alabama, this southern classic will remain in the hearts of many for years and years to come.
3. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Arguably the most beautiful Christmas song one can find, this timeless classic is the first on our list that fits within the more traditional mold. Sung at churches around the world during Christmas time, the song holds a special place for those of the Christian faith due to its prophetic lyrics that proclaim the coming of the savior. For those of different religious identities or those who are not religious, however, the song still holds its beauty in its stirring musical arrangement and compelling vocals.
2. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
What a classic. A song that resonates across generations. Anyone who has heard it can recognize it instantly. Its hard to find a song that seems to always bring a smile to people's faces, but this one seems to do the job. We can probably all associate this song with a memory from when we were younger, whether it was going to see lights with our parents or opening presents from Santa on Christmas morning. Though those of us who live in the South aren't blessed with snow as often as others, thanks to this song, we all have an image of what it looks like when it begins to look like Christmas.
1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
The most iconic Christmas song there is. Everyone can probably think of one time or another when they heard the rousing voice of the great Frank Sinatra erupt through their speakers with the first line of "Have yourself a merry little Christmas". A song that touches all the wonderful things that make Christmas what it is, while mainting the solidarity that some feel during the holiday season, this song will maintain its place within Christmas party selections for years and years to come.
