Top Ten Christmas Songs from the Past 10 Years

On “How I Met Your Mother” this month they mentioned Mannheim Steamroller as the greatest Christmas band ever, and they’re right.  Mannheim Steamroller is definitely the Christmas music of my youth and even still today.  But as an adult I’ve found my interests have expanded and there is so much great music out there.  So, here are a few gems I’ve found in the past few years I hope you’ll try out and enjoy in your Christmas festivities this year!

1. Christmas Waltz (Kristen Chenoweth) – This is such a beautiful song to dance to on a cold, winter night with the Christmas tree lights behind you.  Kristen’s album was good for the most part, but this gem just makes your heart warm.  You can feel her smile through her music, and you can’t help but smile yourself … and get up and do a neat little 3-step dance in “three-quarter time.”
2. O Holy Night (Tipitina’s Foundation) – This song was featured in the Christmas episode of “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and is a beautiful rendition of the song by a small brass group.  What made it more poignant was the Tipitina Foundation helped musicians in New Orleans recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  To hear such beautiful music from musicians who endured so much that year … it brings tears to me eyes each time I hear it.
3. When Love Came Down (Point of Grace) – Chills each and every time I hear it.  Just sums up the season so well and gets your heart pumping and excited from all the joy it can bring.
4. Christmas Wish (She & Him) – A cute little song that reminds me of those cheesy songs from the 70’s.  Even still, a groovy little tune with great lyrics.
5. Spirit of the Season (Alan Silvestri) – This is from “The Polar Express” soundtrack and is a great choir piece that sends chills down your spine each time you hear it.  I hear that song each time I walk into a busy mall and expect everyone to start a synchronized dance number in front of me.
6. Jingle Bells (Brian Setzer Orchestra) – Looking for something to jazz up your evening and get the heart pumping?  This swing-version is just fun from start to finish.  Good luck sitting still.
7. Blue Christmas (Porky Pig) – This little gem was a recording from a radio show or something (and may be older than 10 years, but I only heard it for the first time 10 years ago), and has Porky singing just to a ukulele.  It’s hilarious!  I don’t think it’s Mel Blanc singing it, but it sure sounds like him.  If you’re looking for a fun Mel Blanc song, check out “The Hat I Got for Christmas is Too Beeg” … it’s an annual classic in the office.
8. Baby It’s Cold Outside (Lady Antebellum) – I’m biased since I love this group so much. It’s a fun song between a couple at Christmas time, and this group has always been good at playing off that. What I like most about their version is the ending; the ending that should be in every version out there.
9. All I Want for Christmas is You (Olivia Olsen) – From “Love Actually” I was someone who was convinced the young actor was actually singing the song.  Definitely one of the most lively and fun versions of that song I’ve heard.  If nothing else, cheering loudly when the son was at the drums makes the scene and the song worth listening to every time.
10. I’ll Be Home for Christmas (Michael Buble) – Fight it as much as I can, the guy’s Christmas music is really starting to grow on me.  While he loves to pause in his singing for what are often too long of times, he’s got that great crooner voice that just makes this song sparkle.  You can imagine someone sitting at the window, far from home, thinking of the joys of family and home at Christmas time.  I know I did.

I hope you’ll take some time and listen to these songs and enjoy.  If nothing else, Merry Christmas to you and thanks for reading!