As we all know, 'tis the season for nauseating and/or irritating Christmas music.
I'm the first to admit that both Manheim Steamroller's and Transiberian Orchestra's performances set my nerves on edge, particularly The Carol of the Bells. Oh how I hate that song. If you wanted to drive me insane, perhaps permanently, lock me in a room and pipe in that song. The frenetic shriekiness of it, played over and over, would push me over the edge into the abyss of madness.
But, that said, I'm not a total Grinch at this time of the year. I always get a little misty eyed when I hear a good version of "O Holy Night." And I know all the words to the 12 Days of Christmas and might even perform it if I've had enough adult beverages.
And, there are plenty of Christmas and "seasonal" songs that I love to hear...and also sing along to while I'm cooking and going about my holiday preparation. In no particular order, here they are:
- Baby It's Cold Outside -- Dean Martin
- Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) -- U2
- Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight) -- The Ramones
- (Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man with the Bag -- Kay Starr
- 'Zat You Santa Claus? -- Louis Armstrong
- Silent Night -- Ella Fitzgerald
- Santa Claus is Coming to Town -- Lou Rawls
- Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree -- Brenda Lee
- Jingle Bell Rock -- Jimmy Helms
- I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm -- Dean Martin
- Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You -- Billy Squier
And yes, I'm just enough of a sap that I do enjoy the old standard by Nat King Cole...
"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost, nipping at your nose..."
(You KNOW you'll be singing it for the rest of the day...)