Favorite Holiday Songs
Staff Reporter Emily Sharrer

“Happy Xmas [War is Over]” by John Lennon
Though many bands and artists including The Polyphonic Spree, The Fray and Shinedown have sung newer versions of this 1971 classic written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, none of them seem to do justice to the song which was written in protest of the Vietnam War. Lennon’s voice paired with a Harlem children’s choir singing a message of equality really puts you in the mood for a “very merry Christmas and a happy new year.”

“Donna & Blitzen” by Badly Drawn Boy
You may have heard of Badly Drawn Boy a.k.a. Damon Gough, a British singer/songwriter who performed this song, and the rest of the soundtrack, for the 2002 film “About a Boy.” This song may not be traditional, but this mellow tune definitely radiates Christmas spirit.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra
Nothing against Judy Garland, but Sinatra’s version of this holiday classic is a little more warm, clear and upbeat compared to Garland’s original 1944 version which was recorded for the movie “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Countless other artists from Bing Crosby to Clay Aiken have performed renditions of this classic, but Sinatra’s version definitely tops them all.

“Santa Claus is coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen
It’s no “Born in the USA,” but there’s still something magical about The Boss singing Christmas music that really puts you in the All-American spirit of Christmas.

“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love
Death Cab for Cutie’s version of this song is definitely worth checking out if you’re into more mellow Christmas music or really like lead singer Ben Gibbard’s voice, but it doesn’t do the original song justice. Love’s version from 1963 displays great vocals against a cheery music backdrop including backing vocals echoing the word “Christmas” and Christmas bells.

“The Hanukkah Song” by Adam Sandler
There has to be at least one song on the “best holiday song” list that sings about Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, and to be honest there weren’t many to choose from. But even if there was, Sandler’s listing of Jewish celebs is hilarious and fun. Plus, it’s downright interesting to see how many words Sandler can make rhyme with Hanukkah.
 
“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley
You can go two ways with this Christmas ditty: you either love Elvis’ weepy vocals or you hate it with a passion, but either way there’s no denying it’s a classic. Elvis performed other Christmas songs but none reached the popularity “Blue Christmas” has.

“Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano
If you listen to it too many times, the repeating phrases especially “I wanna wish you a merry Christmas” can get downright annoying, but in moderation “Feliz Navidad” makes you want to tap your toes and get up and wish everyone a merry Christmas from the bottom of your heart.

“The Christmas Song” by The Raveonettes
This song is featured on the “Music from the O.C.: Mix 3 – Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah” but somehow that doesn’t ruin its appeal. Given the chance, the Raveonette’s “The Christmas Song” is a good one to ring in the season.

“Father Christmas” by The Kinks
I’ll admit, not everyone will love this one, but it’s a good old rock and roll song about the merry old Christmas season. Even if you’re not big into The Kinks, the beginning draws you in for three and a half minutes of rock-oriented Christmas cheer.

Honorable Mentions: “Spotlight on Christmas” sung by Rufus Wainwright, “Maybe This Christmas” sung by Ron Sexsmith, “The Holiday Song” sung by The Pixies, “Christmastime” sung by The Smashing Pumpkins and “Jingle Bell Rock” sung by Bobby Helms.