Ten Favorite Christmas Songs

Digging out my screwball version of the “12 days of Christmas” last week has brought many other favorite Christmas songs to mind. So here are ten of my favorite Christmas songs in no particular order. (I won’t say my top ten because I have so many favorites that would be utterly impossible.) Interestingly many of them are story-based—big surprise for a writer, isn’t it?

“I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas.”—The original Gayla Peevey version is best, if you can find it.

“Of the Father’s Love Begotten”—So haunting, both in lyrics and music

“Snoopy’s Christmas”—A light-hearted song that is just a lot of fun.

“Carol of the Bells”—Not only is a great piece with many personal memories attached, it is also part of a favorite musical film transition from the original Home Alone.

“In the Bleak Midwinter”—A beautiful piece, and especially good in combination with “I Wonder as I Wander.”

“Number One Day of Christmas”—“12 Days of Christmas” Hawaiian Style. Never fails to make me smile.

“Little Drummer Boy”—A good reminder on the days when I feel like I don’t have much to give.

“The Christmas Shoes”—I told you I liked songs that tell a story, and this one makes me cry, in a good way.

“March of the Kings”—Also known to classical music lovers as “Farandole” from L’Arlesienne Suite no. 2 by Bizet. I’ve loved the sound of the music for as long as I can remember for reasons completely unknown to me.

“Mary, Did You Know?”—Probably in my top five favorites, it’s a haunting way to tell the whole story of Christ. It sends chills up my spine every time I hear the last verse.