A Holiday Hater's Guide: Top 10 Holiday Songs
I sometimes say that I like December because it is the only socially acceptable time to listen to accapella music. And I stand by that. For this list I have tried to limit myself in terms of accapella, and think back to what I enjoyed as a child, or on the radio as a teen because overall, I don't really care for Christmas Music. Please enjoy my top 10 holiday songs (in no particular order):
"The 12 Days of Christmas" - Straight No Chaser is a classic Christmas song for me. We always listen to this album while we put up our tree, and my family has gone multiple years to see Straight No Chaser around the holidays. Live, this song is even more enjoyable than the recorded version.
"A Sailor's Christmas" - Jimmy Buffet is included because my father is a huge Jimmy Buffet fan. "Christmas Island," Jimmy Buffet's Christmas album, is my father's favorite Christmas album, and a staple for any long car ride around Christmas time.
"Mary, Did You Know?" - Pentatonix had to make the list. Since the first time I heard this song, I loved in. Although Straight No Chaser has an arrangement, I do prefer this version by Pentatonix. The harmonies really itch my brain just right, and I really enjoy it.
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman/We Three Kings" - Barenaked Ladies & Sarah McLachlen; both of whom I grew up listening to make some great music together. I knew I wanted to include a Barenaked Ladies song on this list, and when I realized they teamed up with McLachlen on this song, I knew it was the one. I love the barenaked Ladies tight harmonies throughout the song.
"Santa Clause is Comin' to Town" - Bruce Springsteen is probably my all time favorite Christmas song. My mom loved Springsteen, which I'm sure affects my opinion on this, but it really is just a fun song to listen to. I love the emotion in his voice, and love singing along anytime I hear it.
"The Christmas Can-Can" - Straight No Chaser is another classic for me. (Not sure if you are sensing a theme, but Straight No Chaser is my favorite accapella group) I love this original by them. It's super fun, and I really appreciate them making fun of the craziness of the Holidays in this song.
"Little Saint Nick" - The Beach Boys is one that I heard all the time on the radio growing up this time of year. I don't have much to say, other than it's just a vibey song. The bells bring a smile to my face, and I can't help but bop along.
"Do They Know it's Christmas Time" - Band Aid is one I had forgotten about, until I started working on this list. I was ready to skip it until about 1:30, which is when I realized what song it was. This song is super 80s, but nonetheless, I enjoy it. I also appreciate that this song has a message. Fun Fact: growing up I did not realize it said "feed the world' and instead thought they were saying 'sneadville'(idk why).
"Wonderful Christmastime" - Paul McCartney is another Christmas radio classic that I don't hate. He keeps it moving, and I enjoy the synth. This is another one that I can't help but sing along to when I hear it.
"Carol of the Bells" - Straight No Chaser is the final song on my list. As a choir student through middle and high school, I sang this song almost every year. Despite this, I still really love accapella versions of this song, especially this arrangement. I actually tried to find a different arrangement I liked to include on this list, BUT none compared to this one for me. I really enjoy how the different parts weave in and out of each other.
Hope you all enjoyed a holiday hater's, top 10 Christmas songs!
