Favorite Christmas Carol or Song

I've been listening to a lot of Christmas music this season, and began wondering what carol or song is your favorite. While my tastes have changed a little over the years, my favorite carol has not:

O Holy Night.

'Silent Night' and 'Have yourself a merry little christmas'

Nice thread Kly

1. O Holy Night
2. Christmas Shoes
3. The Twelve Days of a Redneck Christmas
4. The Little Drummer Boy
5. All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth
6. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
7. Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

That's all I can think of now

Good King Wenceslas gets my nod.

"Have Yourself a Merry Christmas". I love that line about "if the fates allow". The song was released as part of a Judy Garland movie made during WWII. It talks about the possibility of being together for the holiday, a subject (especially then) that is particularly poignant.

Also, just about ANYTHING by Bing Crosby. His voice was just made for Christmas carols.

Silent Night and Drummer Boy

I like it when I hear White Christmas by Bing Crosby on the radio

I am told that when I was 5 and younger, The Little Drummer Boy, sung by the Vienna Boy's Choir, would make me cry. My cousin at that age would always weep to Arrivederce Roma.

Does anyone here remember The King Family?? They were this HUGE family that sang, and they used to have different holiday specials on TV in the 1960's. They would just rerun them year after year.

Well, one of the women in the family had a son serving in Vietnam. She sang "I'll Be Home For Christmas" to his photo. While she was singing, they snuck him onstage. The reunion was very touching. Every year, my best friend Kathleen and I would watch the special and say, "I wonder if he'll come home this year?" (being six or so, we had not caught on to the concept of reruns) To this day, every time I hear that song on the radio, I start to cry and think of Mrs. King.

Some of us are too young to remember them.

Actually I do remember them.

My 2 favorite Christmas songs are "Silent Night" and "The First NOEL."


Don Cardi

yo Yo YO .... Big Daddy is in Da House and giving a shout out and a Merry Christmas to all my peeps .....

SC, I laughed when I saw your comment, not only because Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas was listed and is one of my favorites but because of the reason - the verse "if the fates allow" is the exact reason I tell people who ask.

I have known that song all while growing up - there was always Christmas music in my house as a kid, and although I was familiar with that song, I never really paid much attention to it, nor to the words. Kind of a simple song, didn't razz me much. Anyway over 10 years ago, I started teaching myself the piano, took some lessons as a kid never followed up so started teaching myself. Anyway the one song I was learning was this song and in doing so I became a bit more aware of the lyrics and this one in particular hit home. It was only about a week before that my niece than 11 years old was admitted to the hospital with leukemia, and to be honest things did not look good and it was probably just about this time, a few weeks before Christmas. When I was reading the verse, through the years we all will be together, if the fates allowed - it really hit home, and ever since than has remained one of my favorites. And fyi, a happy ending to the story is my niece is doing fine today - she actually died twice in the hospital but they got her back, more heart issues due to the chemo and medicines so she still takes medicines today for her heart but other than that she is A OK.

If anyone ever needs to have perspective put in their lives - visit a children's hosptial cancer floor. It is something you do not, nor can forget.

Wow. May she continue to do well and enjoy many Christmases with her family.

Big Daddy -

Thanks for sharing that story with us. To echo Klydon1's words, I too hope that she continues to do well. May God bless her!

And yes, I agree that a visit to a childrens hospital really does make you put life in perspective. You are so right about that.





Don Cardi

A Marshmallow World, performed by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra during the Dean Martin Variety Show broadcasted in 1967. Good song and they just make it excellent! (search youtube for "Dean Martin Marshmellow World" and you'll find the recording). It's also available on their album "Christmas with the Rat Pack".

Me and a friend performed this song at our last Winter Concert for school, it was a good time.

My personal favorite Christmas tune that's also a prime candidate of hate from the censors:

"Christmas at Ground Zero"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_CP3OKWGYE

NOTE - "Ground Zero" refers to the core target zone of a nuclear bomb explosion. The connotation with the phrase is perhaps why some folks are squemish to play it on the radio anymore.

"Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses.

"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

tony b.

Springsteen has another good one called Merry Christmas, Baby.

-Happy XMas (War is Over) by John Lennon
-Wonderful Christmas Time by Paul McCartney
-Let It Snow by Dean Martin

Happy XMas (War is Over) by John Lennon
Power Of Love-Frankie Goes To Hollyood
Merry Xmas Everyone-Shakin Stevans

I have many, many favorites - probably too many to be listed here.

But, I will name a few.

Often times, I will think of a song or carol because it is forever linked with a particular image, film, television show or play.

Examples: Even though I was quite familiar with Judy Garland singing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, part of me will now always associate it with The Godfather.

Whenever I hear Vince Guaraldi's score for A Charlie Brown Christmas - particularly the opening song - I can't help but get a bit weepy.

Many years ago, there were two brief "spots" that used to air during the Christmas season on our local CBS television station (particularly in the middle of the night). One was animated, done in a very minimalist style - it reminded me a little of the comic strip "Ziggy". Against a pure white snowy background, we saw a large tree, devoid of leaves, with many birds perched it in, chirping away. Into the scene walks a man. He stops by the tree, looks at it for a moment, then takes out a saw. The birds see him and become suddenly quiet. Instead of cutting down the tree, the man begins to play the saw like a violin (or viola), and plays several bars of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. When he finishes, there is a moment of silence, then, one by one, the birds start singing again.

The other spot that I remember was live-action, and very brief (probably no more than 15 seconds). It showed different scenes of little children playing in the snow: running, rolling, on sleds, etc., while on the soundtrack we heard The Little Drummer Boy sung - it sounded like, to me - by a choir. The only word on the screen was Joy.

They aired those for years in this area. I think I remember seeing them from the late 1960s until the early 1980s. I don't know if they aired anywhere else. Wish I had them on tape. I wonder if anyone else remembers them?

Those were the first things that popped into my head. When my head starts popping again, I may post more.

Signor V.

My all-time favorite is "Baby, It's Cold Outside". It's so cute. Dean Martin's is good, and Bette Midler and James Caan have a great one too. (From the movie "For The Boys".)

My other favorites--

"White Christmas", because I've never had one, and the feeling of the song is just so nice. And Dean Martin's version is just gorgeous.

"A Marshmallow World", again because it's so cute. I like cute Christmas songs.

I also like Lou Rawls' "Merry Christmas, Baby".

"Oh Holy Night" is also beautiful, probably my favorite from the more traditional ones.

Jingle Bell Rock and Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree have been two of my favorites for many years.

I especially enjoy Boogie Woogie Santa Claus by Brian Setzer.

I've been listening to I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas by the Drifters (as heard in Home Alone) all day long, thanks to this cute video that my mom sent me.


TL, I have and love "Christmas with the Rat Pack"!

Besides Marshmallow World, I especially like The Christmas Waltz and I Believe.

Oh I know, they're so great! I love when they start twirling and dancing in the middle of that song. I didn't find it on YouTube... maybe someone spelled something wrong or something? I'll try different spellings later. But yeah, it's fantastic, they're so funny.

Gi, I have that album too, and like you said, I love "I Believe". Also a cute song. What is it with me and cute?

I think I'd have to go with Blue Christmas, as performed my Elvis Presley.

Then again...I'm pretty partial towards The King.

Here's a great video from YouTube of Elvis playing the song live. Man I would have loved to see him live.

And of course, let us not forget:

Leroy the Redneck Reindeer

Signor V.

"O Come All Ye Faithful" ("Adeste Fideles") is probably my favorite. There's also "Do You Hear What I Hear" which I've loved since childhood, and also I think "O Holy Night" is probably one of the most beautiful songs ever written (even rivaling Ave Maria)...

I just picked up "Christmas With The Rat Pack" last week. Love it. I played it so much this week that my kids threatened to hide it until next Christmas unless I gave it a break.



Don Cardi

I have a few favorites. The older traditional:

White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and probably one of the prettiest carols, "Oh, Holy Night." Every year at work someone brings in a cd player the week before break and we all bring Christmas music. One girl has a Sinatra Christmas album she always brings. I love it.

I also like: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Blue Christmas, I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (John Mellenkamp), Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Springsteen), oh and one of my very favorites, Happy Christmas, War Is Over (John Lennon).

There are many more but that's all I can think of right now.

TIS

I remember that as a kid and had you not mentioned it, I don't think it would have ever surfaced in my memory. That was a pleasant spot.

I posted the spelling in my original post, here's what to search when you get on youtube, "Dean Martin Marshmellow World". You put an E in mellow instead of an A in mallow.

It's a great Christmas album. I also like the Christmas Waltz, I Believe, Christmas Time All Over the World, Baby it's Cold Outside, and I've Got my Love to Keep me Warm. The whole album's a good one, but those songs are my favorites.

I love this song. It must be at least 25 years old. "A Soldier's Silent Night".

http://www.tankmastergunner.com/silent%20night.htm

ICE: You understand everything.

JG: Bene

[They shake hands, Ice turns to leave]


I had those two in my head last night and could not remember the precise titles. In my top five for sure.

Another goodie..."The 12 pains of Christmas".

http://www.nearlygood.com/audio/12painsofxmas.html

A funny little story about that song. Earlier this evening my family and I were driving home from a friends house. I had the radio on and Winter Wonderland came on. In one part of the song is says :

"In a meadow we can build a snowman, and pretend his name is Parson Brown,..."

and my daughter yells out "Who the heck is Parson Brown?" and we all burst out laughing because of the way that she said it.


I looked it up and found out the answer, but I was wondering how many people really know who or what Parson Brown is or means in that song? I know that I didn't before this evening. Pretty interesting as to what it means.

Does anyone know who Parson Brown is when referenced in that song?


Don Cardi

I was always under the impression that the reference to Parson Brown was that a parson is a reverend or minister and they must be referring to the local head of their church.

Yes SB. It is a reference to a minister or pastor of a church. I never knew that until this evening.


Don Cardi

Although I don't know that the word "Parson" is used much these days, I too always understood Parson Brown to be the minister who would perform a wedding ceremony too.

However, when I was very young I wondered if "parson" brown was a shade of brown. Funny color for a snowman!

TIS

I never knew until this evening that it was Reverend all along.

This song always brings a smile to my face: someone in a comedy club singing "Blue Christmas" in Porky Pig's voice.

Not only is the impression dead on, the person laughing in the background makes it all the more funnier.

Porky Pig

Ok I read everyone's favorite Christmas songs, but I don't think I saw anyone mention "Dominick The Italian Christmas Donkey song" which I'm surprised especially on this forum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQrdxtWgHbE

I mentioned it recently in another thread with the Hippopotamos song.

At the minute im obssesed with Mariah careys all i want for christmas i have it on repeat for hours

My favorite is "O Holy Night" - many people do it really well but I am partial to the Perry Como version. I like "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams and Dean Martin singing "Let it Snow".

I have to admit that I get a little choked up when I hear "the Christmas Shoes".

That is cute. I'll have to download that one.

Speaking of Hippopotamus:
I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

Me too DM. Very touching.

YOU CAN LISTEN TO IT HERE

and here are the lyrics :

The Christmas Shoes

It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood

Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing round like little boys do, and in his hands he held a pair of shoes

His clothes were worn and old
He was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy said there's not much time
You see, she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight

He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically, then he turned and he looked at me

He said, "Mama made Christmas good at our house,
Through most years she did without
Tell me, sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow, I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes."
So I laid the money down
I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face
When he turned to me and said, "Mama's gonna look so great."

I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love as he thanked me and ran out

I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me what Christmas is all about

Have you seen the tv movie DC?

What a way to start the day with a good cry.

Oh yes. A heartbreaker. But very touching.

It's good for ya MIG. It cleanses the soul.

Christmas Serenade

By Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge

It's not a fav but I like it none the less.

Jingle Bell Dogs

And it still does.....

We play Christmas music the couple weeks before Christmas break and one song I've grown to really like is "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt. You guys know it? It's just cool.

TIS

I went to a Christmas show last night and boy, let me tell you, it was just outstanding.

The kids that performed in it did such a wonderful job!

There was a couple who did Bocelli / Dion's "The Prayer" and they rocked the house. If you closed your eyes you would have sworn that Bocelli and Dion were singing it.

And this other guy did one of the best renditions of one of my favorite songs, "Oh Holy Night."

But the act that brought silence, tears and then a standing ovation was performed by a little boy and a man...."The Christmas Shoes."

Such an outstanding Christmas show!

"Sleigh Ride" by The Ronettes.
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Bing Crosby.
"Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland.

Turn up the volume and enjoy Garland's singing (link below):

JUDY GARLAND SINGS "HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS"

I too love "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," also "O Holy Night" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear."

My gift to all of you is Enya's Oche Chin (Silent Night).

Thank you SC and afsaneh. I enjoyed both.

O Holy Night
Do You Hear What I Hear
Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)

I'm telling you. Had you heard the rendition that I heard the other night at the show, it would have left some impression on you. I loved it so much that I've asked the people that I knew who performed in the show if they could at least get me an audio copy of the show.

One of the highlights of Christmas mass is when O Holy Night is sung -- the woman who's been singing there has been doing it since I was a kid, and has an incredible voice. Almost always ends in applause--in church!

That song is playing towards the end of 29TH STREET, while Frank (Anthony LaPaglia) is running in the snow, after he gives away the Lotto ticket to save his father. Powerful song. Great movie, too!

I just love this song. Everytime I hear it I get goosebumps. Thanks for posting the link Geoffy. I like Josh Groban's version.

Yes, Groban's rendition is definitely one of the best.

I also enjoy CELINE DION'S rendition as well as MARIAH CAREY'S rendition.

It's just a very touching and moving song.

Would you happen to know if Bocelli sings this song in english?

Perry Como was one of my favorite singers of all-time. As good as his rendition of this song was, Bing Crosby's was better. I don't know if I associate Crosby with singing "God's music" because of his Father O'Malley roles, but he was MEANT to sing "religious" songs. Listen to his version (link below):

BING CROSBY SINGS "DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?"

I agree all around SC. Outstanding!

I never owned this song until recently, but it always has been on the top of my favorite Christmas songs. I play it a lot this time of year. Still seems to fit in with today's world.

TIS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb2YSAVHmIE

That must have been quite a show, DC. What were the ages of the kids?

Here is a link to download the Three Tenors Christmas collection:

http://www.4shared.com/dir/4567302/46408d4f/The_Three_Tenors_-_Christmas.html

Enjoy!

I love to hear the kids singing their carols!
It was my daughters last week but my 2 oldest boys have theirs tomorrow night,a special candlelit service(followed by mince pies and sherry for the parents :))

This is one of my favorite versions of "We wish you a Merry Christmas"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h2rjvdLgJc&feature=related

They ranged from 4 years old into adulthood.

This is especially for SC:

Frank Sinatra - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Thank you afs! One of my favorite Christmas songs by my favorite artist.

Judging by his voice, that particular recording came from the late 1950's or early 60's. Its far from the best rendition of that song but its great to hear Ol' Blue Eyes again.

You're welcome, I figured you particularly would enjoy this.

It is from this album: Christmas with the Rat Pack. But I've no idea when it was actually recorded for the first time. I trust your expertise on that.

I suspect we all associate the songs with our childhood. The ONE song that always meant Christmas to me as a kid was Bing Crosby's "White Christmas".

I believe it was one of the most popular recordings of all time. Check out the link below to hear Bing's magic:

BING CROSBY'S "WHITE CHRISTMAS"