Observe and report

I start listening to Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. It’s all I listen to the whole month. I’m not ashamed.

Some songs I like much better than others.

Here are my Top 10 “classics” (30+ years old):

1. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” Andy Williams. When I hear this, I know we are in my favorite season.
2. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” Bing Crosby. A true classic.
3. “Do They Know It’s Christmas,” Band Aid. Nothing says Christmas like the “clanging chimes of doom.” Don’t listen to the lyrics. Just enjoy Boy George, Bono, George Michael, Sting and Simon Le Bon, among other ‘80s faves.
4. “Winter Wonderland,” Eurythmics. I’m a child of the ‘80s. “A Very Special Christmas Album” is canon.
5. “Sleigh Ride,” Ronettes. It’s so peppy.
6. “Christmas Wrapping,” The Waitresses. It’s the bass line for me.
7. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” by Brenda Lee. Try not to dance to it. I dare you.
8. “You’re a Mean One,” Thurl Ravenscroft. The Grinch is the OG of holiday crankiness. I love him, but I don’t identify with him until his heart grows three sizes.
9. “Merry Christmas Darling,” The Carpenters. Karen had some pipes.
10. “All Alone on Christmas,” Darlene Love. I can’t explain why I like this one. I just do.

I also like “new” stuff. These are my favorites:

1. “Underneath the Tree,” Kelly Clarkson. Love her in general. She seems normal.
2. “Mistletoe,” Justin Bieber. Don’t say a word to me. I have no shame.
3. “Like It’s Christmas,” Jonas Brothers. Again, no shame.
4. “You Make It Feel Like Christmas,” Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton. It feels so HAPPY!
5. “Merry Christmas,” Ed Sheeran and Elton John. I like Ed in general. Can do without Elton. But I like this song.

I just heard another contender today: “Fancy Like Christmas” by Walker Hayes. I love the original song (“Fancy Like”). This is a fun take.

Of course there are songs I hate too. I’m not even going to link them. I love you all too much to torture you.

1. “Blue Christmas,” Elvis. Just the WORST. Draggy and thoroughly unenjoyable. The song itself isn’t bad. This rendition is dreadful.
2. “Feliz Navidad,” José Feliciano. I just hate it. Only a few words over and over.
3. “Little Saint Nick,” The Beach Boys. It feels like it’s stuck in first gear. Never gets going.
4. “Winter Wonderland,” Katy Perry. I love her. I don’t love this. It’s not her best work.
5. “Santa Baby,” Eartha Kitt. Yes, she’s a legend. But this song is lifeless. I prefer Madonna’s version. See No. 4 in the top 10.

Please tell me your favorite and least favorite in the comments.

Happy holidays!
Beth