It’s that time of year! Even though my chances of a white Christmas are about one in a million this year, I can still get into the spirit with my favorite holiday tunes. So here they are!
Hark the Herald Angels Sing by Mannheim Steamroller
In my house growing up, th
e Mannheim Steamroller CD was often the first Christmas record busted out after Thanksgiving. For me, there’s just something about those synthesized trumpets that herald the start of the holiday season, even if it does make my house sound like a department store on December 24th.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by N’SYNC
I was introduced to N’SYNC’s Christmas album a few years ago by none other than Sleeping Booty. Ever since then it’s been a holiday season staple. The cooing tenor sounds of a young Justin Timberlake result in a really original version of “O Holy Night” that you just can’t help but “ooooh,” and “ahhhh,” along with. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,” is perhaps the best song on the album, though. It’s upbeat, happy, and guaranteed to be stuck in your head all day. If only the Backstreet Boys had put out a holiday CD of their own…
Peace on Earth by Casting Crowns
Original Christmas songs aren’t always a good idea, even though most artists, especially Christian artists, inevitably try to make it happen. But “Peace on Earth” is an exception. I love the piano part at the beginning, and the lyrics remind you why we celebrate this season and leave you longing for the day when there really will be peace on earth.
The First Noel by Josh Groban
I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for Josh Groban’s enchanting voice and glossy brown curls. “The First Noel” is a duet with Faith Hill. What more could you want in a Christmas song? “O Come All Ye Faithful” with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is pretty bomb, too.
You’re Here by Francesca Battistelli
“You’re Here” is a Christmas song from Mary’s perspective. I like it because it fascinates me to think about what Mary would have been thinking and feeling on that silent night. Plus, it’s pretty, and much less over-dramatic than “Mary, Did You Know?”
All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
Popularized by the film Love, Actually, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” really hits it out of the park. Every Christmas playlist needs a song by a belter like Mariah, something you sing in the shower at the top of your lungs. And this is the one for me.
The Hallelujah Chorus by Handel
It’s not strictly a Christmas song, but in high school my orchestra often performed “The Hallelujah Chorus” at our winter concert. It was always a crowd-pleaser. We pulled out all the stops: full orchestra, horns, winds, and percussion, and the whole school choir standing behind us to handel (ha!) the hallelujahs. I still get chills thinking about it.
Basically I love Christmas and Christmas music, which is why I look forward to my morning commute everyday now, when I can just sit back, relax, and listen to this playlist while the sunny, sandy, un-Christmasy scenery passes by outside.
So in the words of N’SYNC:
It’s a wonderful feeling
Feel the love in the room
From the floor to the ceiling
It’s that time of year
Christmastime is here
And with the blessings from above
God sends you his love
And everything’s okay
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
even that video is outstanding. if i ever meet JT(or jessica Biel) I’m going to break out into that song and thank them for changing my life. Most of these other songs I’m not as familiar with, best I trust your judgment, Hello YouTube!
Update! Just last night I heard “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” while having dinner in a restaurant here. Sometimes it pays to be living in a country that is 10-15 years behind on pop culture…
aww saudi is just like nsync. so past they’re current.
My favorite song from Mary’s point of view is Breath of Heaven. Amy Grant all the way!!