Growing up, my Mom started playing her Christmas music sometime around late September. Before we'd even decided what our Halloween costumes would be, we'd wake up to the sounds of Jingle Bells and Rudolph wafting through the house. Yes, I am the daughter of a total Christmas fanatic. And here's the thing: It's hereditary. I have inherited my Mom's Christmas fever, right down to the sound of holiday music waking my kids from their slumber mid-October. The songs I play are not all the same as the ones from my childhood, but, many are. They are a link to my earliest memories of the joy and magic of the Christmas season. They remind me that it's never too early to rejoice over the birth of a King. And they ensure that I never forget to finish my children's Halloween costumes. Read on for a list of this Christmas Nut's most favorite holiday songs.
10) Joy to The World
The best line of this song is right after the title phrase. Every time I sing the words…”The Lord has come!".. I feel the joy of which the songwriter spoke. Because He did come, and we do have a King, and the entire message just overwhelms me with its truth.
9) Jesus, What A Beautiful Name
This was a recent addition to my lineup of favorites. I was struck by the melody and the simplicity of the lyrics, and of course the beautiful vocals. When I heard it, I could not believe that I'd managed to make it to adulthood without this song in my lineup of classics.
8) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
This song just makes it feel like Christmas to me. Whether sang by a choir, or my daughter while hanging lights on our tree, something about the lyric, "Peace on Earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled", leaves me filled with such hope.
7) It Must Have Been the Mistletoe
This song is neither religious, nor inspirational, but I'll tell you what it is: Fun. As a kid, during the Christmas season, I would in bed at night playing this song on repeat until I fell asleep. This may be the only top ten list ever to feature the Barbara Mandrell ditty, but I promise if you give it a chance, it may just become your favorite. Then there will be two of us.
6) I'll Be Home for Christmas
The anthem for anyone who'd ever had to spend the holidays far away from those they love the most, this song perfectly captures the ache that we all feel to make it home. Even if, this year, it's only in our dreams.
5) Have Yourself a Merry, Little Christmas
This song sums up what we all want for Christmas. Faithful friends gathered around, far away troubles, and the promise of years more together with the ones we love. Beautiful, simple, and a total classic.
4) O Holy Night
Though originally written as a poem, the beauty of this song is in hearing the words put to music, and a crisp, clear voice urging us to "fall on our knees" and worship because, Christ was born.
3) All I Want For Christmas Is You
It's easy to think that all of the great Christmas songs are season veterans. While it's true that great, modern, Christmas songs are sometimes few and far between, this Mariah Carey hit is the exception. It's not all about presents that you can unwrap come Christmas morning. For some, the best gift is the gift of love. That is what I am reminded of every time I press play on this song.
2) Silent Night
I don't know that there is a more beautiful song, of any musical genre, than this one. I have heard it sung by a chorus and I have heard it acapella. I have heard it sung by a thousand different voices since I was a child, and it has remained an absolute favorite. When all the hustle and bustle of the season becomes too much, this is the song I listen to to remind me of the true reason for celebration- because "Christ our Savior is born."
1) The Little Drummer Boy
The first song I play at the beginning of the holidays. I love the story, the words between the boy and the baby King, and the crazy awesome drum beats. It all makes me teary and joyful at the same time, when I imagine our God in a manger, being serenaded by a young believer offering his only gift. To me, this is, and will always be, the greatest of Christmas songs.
Final Thoughts
I'm sure you have your own list of Christmas favorites. A tried and true group of holiday songs that get you into the spirit. If so, I urge you to put them on and allow yourself to feel all of the joy and hope that comes with this time of year. We serve a God who loved us enough to celebrate his first birthday far from his Heavenly home. Knowledge of that gift makes all other seem small, and most definitely makes me want to sing along.
