Craig D. Barton is a creative consultant, editor, and writer, having written for and consulted on multiple Disney Editions books and various other projects. Besides being a self-described "DisNerd," Craig is an advocate for all arts, loves travel, movies, making his own eclectic music playlists, and, most of all, spending time with his family. Craig currently resides in Avondale, AZ with his lovely wife, quirky daughter, newly rescued dog, and just plain weird cat.
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Craig D Barton • Dec 08, 2020
A Nerd at Christmas - Christmas Music to Love, Part 2: The Singles
by Craig D. Barton
In my previous post on some of my Christmas music recommendations, I made sure to note I realized not all Christmas music was for everyone. I will be the first to acknowledge there is some less-than stellar stuff out there. Perhaps the saddest part of this is that some of these songs are played ad-nauseum on radio stations and stores throughout the holiday season, and are, sadly, what many people think of when they think of Christmas music. And it all starts to blur together. One can never be sure whether someone is wanting shoes for their grandma who got run over by a red-nose reindeer, or for their hippopotamus, or if it’s just cold outside.
Note - For your listening pleasure, I have added either Spotify links or YouTube videos with each song. Hope you all enjoy!
Sleigh Ride – Leroy Anderson
Though there are so many versions of this song that can be listed, nothing comes close to the original instrumental performed as it was written. From the clip clop of the horses to the whinnying horse at the end, this piece of music encapsulates an incredibly joyful sleigh ride – one that brings a smile to my face every time it plays. I hope it does for you as well.
Though there are so many versions of this song that can be listed, nothing comes close to the original instrumental performed as it was written. From the clip clop of the horses to the whinnying horse at the end, this piece of music encapsulates an incredibly joyful sleigh ride – one that brings a smile to my face every time it plays. I hope it does for you as well.
This song has long been a favorite of mine, and it holds a very special place in my heart. This is the song I would sing to my newborn daughter at bedtime: “Little girl, don’t you think it’s time you were in bed?” The peaceful, simple, and soothing melody had always been a favorite, and I know it always will be. Roger Miller’s distinctive voice lends itself to this lullaby, making for a peaceful song about the joys of Santa and Christmastime. And to this day, when I hear my now 13 year-old sing along, my heart melts.
Rich Mullins – You Gotta Get Up (Christmas Song)
Singer/songwriter Mullins has always been one of my absolute favorite artists, his songs dealing in honest truths about faith and life. This song perfectly captures the overwhelming joy from a child’s point of view on Christmas morning. “I thought Christmas Day would never come, but it's here at last, so mom and dad, the waiting's finally done. And you gotta get up, you gotta get up, you gotta get up… It's Christmas morning.” The simplicity in lyrics and piano accompaniment make for a perfect Christmas song for me.
Perhaps one of the best covers out there, Groves takes one of my personal favorite traditional hymns of Christmas and truly makes it her own with a new and beautiful melody. Her soft voice works well in this new version – something she does so well with many other traditional tunes in her “Joy of Every Longing Heart” Christmas album (“O Holy Night is from her “O Holy Night” album).
Wonderful Christmastime – The Shins
This is a song I never knew I could love, mainly because Paul McCartney’s version is not a song I love. No offense to Sir Paul, who I view as a great songwriter and singer – the original does nothing for me. So imagine my surprise when I discovered this cover by The Shins, who discard the original tune and turn it into something more reminiscent of a Beach Boys tune. I know a Beach Boys sound comparing to a song from a former Beatle seems like sacrilege to some, but it is an instance where new life is breathed into an older song, making for a much better listening experience. At least for me, and hopefully for anyone else who discovers this one!
Don’t Be a Jerk (It’s Christmas) – Spongebob Sqarepants
Christmas is also about fun, and this fun speaks truth. “Bring joy to the world, it’s the thing to do. But the world does not revolve around you. Don’t be a jerk – It’s Christmas!” It’s good advice from anybody, let alone a guy who lives in a pineapple under the sea. And it’s a great sing along song that gets played frequently in our household!
Christmas In Kilarney – Rend Collective
Maybe it’s the Irish in me (translation: there is none), but this song has stood the test of time as a tribute to a festive Christmas across the sea. From Bing Crosby’s crooning to the Irish Rovers’ jolly cover, it’s always a welcome and fun sing-along. Rend Collective, a Christian band from, you guessed it, Ireland, includes this number on their “A Jolly Irish Christmas” CD, and injects new life into this classic. Lively and upbeat, I envision a jam session in Ireland at Christmastime, and what can be more festive than that?
Hanukkah Blessings – Barenaked Ladies
I know. This doesn’t sound like a Christmas song, and it definitely isn’t. However, it serves as a reminder that other holidays ARE celebrated during the holiday season, and are worth celebrating for those who hold them dear. As Steven Page sings, “With the jingle bells and the toys, and the TV shows and noise, it's easy to forget…” as he leads into a blessing for Hanukkah. It’s a beautiful tribute to a holiday that goes beyond a song about a dreidel, and teaches a lesson on what Hanukkah is and means for so many.
Someday at Christmas – Stevie Wonder
This song has always been a wonderful Christmas anthem of peace and understanding, but this year it seems to stand out in a sea of turmoil even more. As Stevie Wonder sings as only he can, he reminds us all of a call to peace that we could all dearly use at these times:
“Someday all our dreams will come to be,
Someday in a world where men are free.
Maybe not in time for you and me,
But someday at Christmastime.
Someday at Christmas we'll see a land
With no hungry children, no empty hand.
One happy morning people will share
Our world where people care.”
Let It Be Christmas – Alan Jackson
I was raised on country music. Every Christmas Eve I would wait patiently (Or not-so-patiently) for the local station to switch over to Christmas programming for the evening. To this day, country Christmas music holds a special place in my heart. This song by Alan Jackson captures all the feeling and beauty of the season for me, and hearkens back to those nights I’d go to bed listening to songs like this. It’s close to Christmas perfection in my book, and may be my favorite Christmas song, period.
As I wrote this list, many more songs came to me, but decided to leave it with these songs and ask others what their favorite holiday songs may be. We all have the music we gravitate for, and I’m always on the lookout for new pieces to add to my list as well!
Whatever and however you choose to spend the holiday, may it be filled with love and joy, and, hopefully, really good music.
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