One of the things I love about Christmastime are the Christmas songs. It’s the one time in the year I can listen to old favorites and some new ones with nostalgia and warm familiarity. There’s no other time to listen to these holiday specific songs without people thinking you’re weird for blasting them in the middle of July. But when December 1st hits, my whole apartment is filled with the catchy tunes most people would naturally know by heart.
As a companion piece to last year’s Top 5 Christmas songs of the present day, I list my favorite classic holiday songs:
1. White Christmas by Bing Crosby
The smooth rich voice of Crosby’s White Christmas instantly conjures images of Christmas trees, white lights, and snow falling outside my window. While having white Christmases aren’t always guaranteed every once a year on Christmas Day, this is one of many songs that gets me into that holiday mood.
2. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
This Brenda Lee classic has a special place in my heart. Not only is this song great for dancing and shaking your money maker around your tree, but it always brings me back to a time when I was a young girl in a kindergarten class singing this as part of my elementary school’s Christmas pageant. My class sat on the stage with red Santa hats on as we swayed from side to side in time with Lee’s super fun song. There are fond memories attached to this oldie but goodie, and one that will forever be part of my childhood. And as an added bonus, Lee’s holiday favorite will always be synonymous with the first Home Alone film!
3. Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms
Another spirited and upbeat Christmas song, Jingle Bell Rock is just one of those tunes that’s easy to get stuck in your head, not to mention another song to feature the idea of rocking out during the holidays. And why not? The Christmas season is about joy, happiness, and fun. With this song playing, it’s going to be incredibly difficult to not want to tap your foot and snap your fingers with the jingle bell beat.
4. Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley
Blue Christmas may actually be one of the sadder songs to listen to around the holidays, right along with WHAM’s Last Christmas. However, there’s no denying the power of Elvis’s voice. His rockabilly country style is hard to mistake and it’s one of the more unique Christmas songs that expresses a sense of longing and heartbreak. I know it’s a weird choice to list as a favorite, but sometimes I like listening to some of the more slow and pensive songs in between the happier and lighter fare you would expect during the season. And it’s Elvis! You can’t go wrong having the King on rotation on your music playlist.
5. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year by Andy Williams
What I believe to be the pinnacle of Christmas songs, next to Crosby’s White Christmas, is It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year sung by Andy Williams. What I enjoy most about Christmas songs like this one is it embodies everything you know and love about Christmas. “There will be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow” is one example of how the words will build up your excitement for Christmas Day and inspire you to get out and plan fun holiday themed activities with your friends and family. It is definitely the most wonderful time of the year!
What are some of your favorite Christmas oldies? Share them with me in the comments!
simpleek 
Haha you blast Christmas songs in July too? My friends really find it weird but everything about Christmas makes me feel so happy and glad to be alive. I love the snow (if and when my state is lucky to get some lol), all of the little activities you can do with friends and family, and the knowledge that a new chapter in life is awaiting us all. I really like the Carol of the Bells and I agree with your list ^^
Thanks for reading! Carol of the Bells is a good one too. There are so many different versions of that song too, but there are some that are better than others. 😀
Great list! Nat King Cole’s rendition of “The Christmas Song” is probably my top favorite — I look forward to hearing it every year. I also have a soft spot for “Up on the Housetop.” Like you with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” I remember singing this song in my elementary school choir at a Christmas concert. We even had hand motions to go with the “click-click-click” part. I’m sure we were adorable. 😅
Yes! How could I forget the great Nat King Cole and his “The Christmas Song”?! One of my favorites to hear on the radio too. Haha, I guess “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” is the go-to elementary song for all tykes to sing at holiday pageants, huh? 😉 It’s such a fun song and how can you hate this one? There’s just a lot to love in my opinion. 😀