One of my most favourite things about this most wonderful time of year is the music. Whether singing in the church choir as a child (where I acquired the very valuable life skill of properly pronouncing hosannah in excelsis), or big carol-sings in the school gym, with the lyrics displayed on transparencies placed on the overhead projector (yes, kids...that's what we used before they invented SmartBoards), to quiet(ish) evenings at home with my sisters and parents listening to (and singing along with) our favourite Christmas records and even nights where the three of us sisters curled up together in one big bed and sang carols a cappella with three part harmony (warning: the Dixie Chicks we are not) - the music of Christmas is inextricably interwoven in my warm, fuzzy Christmas memories.
Just like Buddy says in Elf, "the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear". And so it is. In fact, research shows that singing actually does lift your spirits (so the next time you see someone belting out a tune alone in their car, you can tip your hat to them for at least doing something to help prevent road rage!) It's no wonder then that singing these festive holiday songs just helps make me feel so darn good.
So what's on my Christmas playlist this year?
Top Ten Christmas Songs to Listen To:
- Ave Maria - Luciano Pavarotti
- Baby, it's Cold Outside - Rosemary Clooney & Bing Crosby
- Silver Bells - Lady Antebellum
- All I Want for Christmas is You - Michael Bublé
- The Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby & David Bowie
- Do They Know it's Christmas - LiveAid (c'mon, who could resist?)
- The Coventry Carol - Alison Moyet (remember A Very Special Christmas? Yes, I am a child of the 80s)
- Winter Wonderland - Annie Lennox (another winner from A Very Special Christmas)
- The Holly and the Ivy - Roger Whittaker
- Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord - Bony M
Top Ten Christmas Carols to Sing:
- The First Noel (but only if Jen accompanies on piano!)
- Good King Wenceslas
- Oh Holy Night
- O Little Town of Bethlehem
- Deck the Halls
- We Three Kings
- Do You Hear What I Hear
- Angels from the Realms of Glory
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
- I Saw Three Ships
What are you singing and/or listening to this holiday season? Whatever it is, I hope it's as fun as this one:
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stevie wonder and india irie...the christmas song. must listen to it!
Julie, I've actually never been a big fan of The Christmas Song. Dunno why, though. I will give this version a try and let you know if it changes my mind ;)
oh no...you will be pleased :-) you don't even know you're singing it at the top of your lungs!
My favourite is Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas... oh Judy Garland Meet Me in St. Louis - such an awesome movie....
And don't laugh but have you heard this version of BAby It's Cold Outside - two American Idols...and it's AWESOME! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO8vD0ClzbE