10 Best Christmas Songs (Part 2)

Now that THANKSGIVING has passed in the USA, it's full blown Christmas Time! And that's the best time of the year, in case you didn't know.

Not quite feeling in the Holiday spirit? Head on over to see PART ONE of this epic Christmas music listing.

And now that you've made it through those five great songs, you're probably thinking - "I need more Christmas Songs! Pronto!"

I know how you feel!

So, here are the rest of the 10 Best Christmas Songs. Enjoy!

6. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Originally, this was a poem, written in 1822 by Clement Clarke Moore, under the title "A Visit from St. Nicholas". This is a favorite of mine, and probably of many others, because it details so much of what we believe in Santa and Christmas night.

But, did you know, this isn't just a story about Christmas night, this poem created many of the images we now associate with Santa? Reindeers, sleighs, and the Christmas Eve's visit itself started with this poem.

While it's not the oldest mention of St. Nicholas, it is the most iconic. If you haven't heard this wondrous tale before, please do enjoy!

7. Little Drummer Boy

Simplicity and innocence all in once, that is The Little Drummer Boy. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, so it's such a beautiful depiction that can not only bring that into light, but also bring forth how important giving of yourself is.

Written in 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis (KK Davis), it was first recorded by the Trapp Family Singers, in 1951, of The Sound of Music fame. It tells the story of a young boy, who when told by the Three Kings to join their journey in getting to the new born king. But when he gets there, he feels like he has nothing to offer the child.

This song reminds me of the little moments and the gifts of the heart. When you gift wholeheartedly, it's always a treasured memory and says so much more about a relationship that just heading over to a store. While material things are necessary in life too - after all the Three Kings did offer up quite the gifts - this song reminds me to take an extra moment to go the extra effort.

Enjoy the Pentatonix version, because those guys are amaze-ing!

8. Baby, It's Cold Outside

This is a playful, Oscar-winning song written by Frank Loesser on the movie "Neptune's Daughter", a 1949 musical. Loesser preformed the song for many years with his wife before selling the song, where it would eventually lead him to the coveted Oscar prize.

This song is not without it's controversies. Known as a call-and-response song, where one singer responds to the last line that another singer just sang, the story depicted by the song lyrics can come off a bit leaned towards harassment and entrapment. That said, this song if overall just a playful back and forth between two people that are taken to each other and maybe aren't too certain whether to move things along faster or take things slow.

Not particularly a Christmas song, it is a favorite in my family, especially with all of the delightful covers giving this song great versatility. From the original movie score, to a wonderful Glee cover, and the great Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lady Gaga on the Muppets Holiday special, to this lovely child take - there's just no way not to sing along!

9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Known mostly for her The Wizard of Oz role, another great Judy Garland role was in the 1944 classic, Meet Me in St. Louis, as Esther Smith, where she sang the now famous "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas".

Written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, Esther sang this song to console her youngest sister as the family prepares to leave their beloved St. Louis. The song promises of a better future and enjoying the times that you are in. It's soft melody isn't as jovial as most Christmas songs, but it speaks to the hope of better things that is so much a part of not just the holiday season, but of the upcoming beginning of a new year.

Here is the original performance, but do yourself a favor and watch the film in its entirety when you can. It really is quite a gem.

And Finally...

10. Believe

The Polar Express was written in 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg and it's a personal favorite of mine. I can remember the first time I heard it: 2nd Grade, in the school library, read by the wonderful librarian who let me take it out a few days later. I wasn't quite fluent in English then, and a lot of the words didn't make much sense to me, but the images captivated me.

When the movie came out, I felt like that little kid again, and it was so perfect - from the storyline and images, right down to the end credits and the music. And me in the movie theaters, crying into my coat.

Josh Groban has such a mesmerizing voice! That man can sing my grocery list and make me cry, but when he gave life to the 2004 Grammy award winning tone, written by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri, he pretty much cemented himself into my heart.

Speaking straight to the children, and those still a child at heart, "Believe" is a song that pulls on your heartstrings and promises not to let go.

Well, there they are! The 10 Best Christmas Songs! It was pretty tricky to narrow down the list to just ten, and I didn't even hint at the Spanish songs I love. How about you? What are some of your favorite Christmas tunes? Are you feeling in the Christmas spirit just yet? Looking forward to a few days out of school and work, surrounded by family and friends (and good food too, I hope) ?

Happy Christmas to All!

#Holidays #Christmas #music #10Ways