With Christmas coming up, like its this week... really it's this week (mini panic attack!) everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit, or at least they are trying to. For people who love Christmas and all that the season includes, it is not very difficult to be cheery and bright. But for those who can't quite get to that jolly, happy feeling as quickly, then there are a few things that can help you get into that Christmas-y spirit. You can decorate your room, fill it with red and green, or you can bake your heart out and make some spirited cookies, or some fruit cake, or even a ginger bread house if you are really feeling it. But the one thing to really get you into that holiday mood is to listen to the best Christmas songs of all time. Music always makes you feel something inside, but Christmas music is different—with these songs all you do is feel good and excited. Here are the top ten Christmas songs to get you into that happy festive mood.
1. "White Christmas"
"White Christmas" is a song by Irving Berlin and he sang about the old fashioned, traditional Christmas. I love this song because it encompasses the true meaning of what Christmas is and what it should be. My favorite version of this song is the Bing Crosby version; his voice is so unique and he really makes me want to go outside and play in the white snow. There are other singers who perform this song like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
2. "The Christmas Song"
The Christmas Song is an obvious song that you should listen to this Christmas. Just the picture of Nat King Cole makes you want to warm up by the fire and drink hot cocoa while listening to this heart-warming song. With the chestnuts roasting and those yuletide carols being sung, this is one song that you will not forget to listen to. The song was written in 1945 by Bob Wells and Mel Torme. Nat King Cole's version is my favorite, and I think it is one of the most popular versions out there.
3. "Sleigh Ride"
Although no one actually sings this song, it is definitely one to listen to while getting in the yuletide spirit. This song is meant to be played by an orchestra or a band and that is the way to listen to it. The instruments in the song are perfect and I love listening to this song and imagining being on an actual sleigh ride. This song was composed by Leroy Anderson in 1948, and my high school band used this song as their Christmas tradition every year—maybe that is why I like it so much.
4. "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
It is true that Christmas time is the most wonderful time of the year. I don't know why, but for some reason everyone is happy and getting along during this holiday season. This song is the epitome of why Christmas is the best time ever. Andy Williams' version of this song is amazing for a nice day inside, having some hot chocolate, and reading a book. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" was written in 1963 by Edward Pola and George Wyle. Andy Williams recorded the song for his Christmas album (see above photo).
5. "Christmas Eve/ Sarajevo 12/24"
This is another song that has no singers, just a really great orchestra called the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. They are easily my favorite thing to listen to in the Christmas time. I listen to this song in particular everywhere I go. The orchestra side adds with the pop/rock side with the electric guitar and the drums, and I am sold. I get chills every time I listen to it, and it takes Christmas to a whole new level. The song was original produced on the Savatage album "Dead Winter Dead" in 1995, but then it was re-released by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 1996. The song is about a lone cello player playing a forgotten Christmas carol in war-torn Sarajevo.
6. "Carol of the Bells"
"Carol of the Bells" is one of my absolute favorite Christmas songs. I used to sing this in high school each Christmas, and I love it more every time I hear it. The fast-paced song and the catchy chorus makes you want to run around screaming it at the top of your lungs. This song is just one classic song that everyone should know and love. "Carol of the Bells" was composed by Mykola Leontovych and Peter J Wilhousky.
7. "O, Holy Night"
"O, Holy Night" may be a bit religion-based but regardless of what you believe, you should believe that this song is amazing. The slow build up of the tension throughout the song coupled with the soothing tone of the song just makes me want to soak in a warm tub while listening to this song on repeat. The song was composed in 1847 by Adolphe Adam based on a French poem called "Midnight, Christians." I like the Celine Dion version or the Josh Groban version best, but honestly any version is pretty great.
8. "Winter Wonderland"
This song is perfect for that snowy winter day. "Winter Wonderland" is a song that everyone can sing and everyone should know. Every kid wants to go outside and pretend that the snowman they just made will become real and they will go walking in their winter wonderland. Sometimes I think that some adults think the same thing about their winter wonderland. Winter Wonderland was written in 1934 by Felix Bernard and Richard B Smith. It has be recorded by over 200 artists like Michael Buble, Bing Crosby, and Dean Martin. We all should be walking in a winter wonderland this Christmas.
9. "Silver Bells"
Silver Bells is a great song about enjoying a Christmas in the city. It is a nice song to listen to while you are making cookies because it is not too fast or too slow, it is at the right pace to sway to while icing your Christmas cookies. "Silver Bells" was performed first by Bob Hope and Marylin Maxwell in the film "The Lemon Drop Kid" in 1950. Later it was recorded by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards the same year. "Silver Bells" is a heartwarming duet that you should listen to all the time.
10. "12 Days of Christmas"
"The 12 Days of Christmas" is one we all should know. I like to listen to the funnier versions like the Bob and Doug McKenzie version, but I do enjoy the traditional ones as well. This is a great song to put the tree up to or to listen to in the car on the way home. The song is really about the types of presents that one would get, from an old English carol. The song was published in 1780 without any music but as a chant or rhyme. The actual song is said to be of French origin and that is with the music involved. I really like to listen to this song and dance around in my house, it is a classic and yet I still love it.
There you have it, 10 Christmas songs that are so festive that they should have their own holiday—oh wait, they do! Christmas! If these songs don't get you into the festive Christmas mood, then there is nothing that can save you now. Enjoy this holiday while you can and remember to listen to all these songs before Christmas Eve to really be merry and bright this holiday season. Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
