Although there are certain things that terrify me about Christmas (mall madness, increased spending, overeating, over-drinking… well, maybe not over-drinking), I can safely say that I am a fan. I love the lights, the trees, the decorating; I can’t get enough of the general warmth and fuzziness of it all. In fact, I am perfectly in my element. Cooking a hearty winter meal in my kitchen with the Christmas tree all lit up, Christmas candles burning, sipping on Bailey’s and singing along to my favourite holiday tunes. Ah yes, music is important all year long. But at this particular time of year it really does help feed the festive spirit.
There are many options when it comes to getting your yuletide yodelling on. Of course, there’s my most vital Smartphone app, Songza. Just pick your favourite theme whether it’s classic Christmas, romantic Christmas, ’80s Christmas or Country Cowboy Christmas. Press play and you’ve got holiday melodies to last you all the way to Boxing Day. But as much as I love that option, there are drawbacks. You can’t love all Christmas songs… oh wait, you do? Cool for you, but most of us are kinda picky with our jolly jingles. Of course, you can’t skip through the bad ones on the radio. Plus, Songza limits you to 7 fast-forwards and you’ll be surprised how fast you hit your limit. So the obvious solution is to make your own playlist. Gather all your favourite tunes from when you were a kid and the odd one or two you like today and compile them all together. You will have no need to step away from the merriment to skip a track. Music is of course a very personal thing. We all have different tastes and opinions but should you need some inspiration, I have compiled some of my absolute favourite Christmas tunes that make me jolly. Happy holidays, music lovers!
All I Want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey
This is one of the few more modern, original Christmas hits that is sure to be a staple on playlists everywhere. Poppy and upbeat and a perfect challenge for those who love to sing along because Mariah’s vocal chops are not an easy feat to match.
Fairytale of New York – The Pogues
A Celtic punk group seem an unlikely addition to a Christmas song lineup, but this song is believed by many to be the best Christmas song ever and deservedly so.
Merry Christmas Baby – Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Originally recorded and released by Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers all the way back in 1947, The Boss gave it is raw edge when him and the band performed it live at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
Baby Please Come Home – U2
This song was originally sung by Darlene Love back in the swinging sixties and was ranked No. 1 on Rolling Stone’s list of The Greatest Rock and Roll Christmas Songs in 2010. It has been covered numerous times but U2 nail it for me.
Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea
My all-time favourite and the perfect ditty to song along to for that all too familiar drive home.
Baby It’s Cold Outside – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan
This classic has been covered to death and although this isn’t the original you can’t beat the raspy talent of Ella and Louis – just perfect.
Last Christmas – Wham!
Georgie yet again proved his enormous talent when he penned and performed this catchy Christmas pop song. And of course the video is always worth a watch, pure ’80s cheese!
Do They Know It’s Christmas – Band Aid
British music legend Bob Geldof spearheaded the production and release of this song to raise aid money for the famine that had hit the people of Ethiopia. He recruited the leading British and Irish musicians at the time and it became the biggest selling single in UK chart history selling 1 million copies in a week – awesome history and meaning behind a great song encompassing the true meaning of the holiday.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra
The original version sung by Judy Garland for the classic film Meet Me in St. Louis is no doubt beautiful and worthy of any Christmas playlist, but I’m a sucker the more popular version performed by Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.
Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
Singing the thoughts of many a woman at this time of year, this fun pop song is all too relatable! But of course as with any Christmas story, there is a happy ending and we’re reminded of why not to miss this one this year!
