Essential Xmas Songs

Thanks to zungg I have something to blog about today because in one of the comments he asked about my essential xmas songs. For me it’s all about sentimentality and memories of people and places.

I’d start with Away in a Manger to remind me of all those nativity plays I have sat through over the years, either for work or for family. Many years ago one of my nieces was a shepherd and she stood on the edge of the stage and shouted that she didn’t want to go to Bethlehem, then sat down and refused to move.

Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt. My father-in-law had bought this record as a present for his new wife, my mother-in-law and it was brought out every xmas. Modern life meant that we had it later on CD. After he died we worried about playing it at xmas but it was all fine.

Silent Night/Stille Nacht

Germany does Xmas extremely well and I used to love hearing this being played in the markets every year.

Little Drummer Boy

Particularly because of how it is used in this episode of the West Wing. Gloriously sentimental.

Jona Lewie Stop the Cavalry

This song divides people and I know many people who hate it but I like to hear it and it signifies the start of the Xmas season when I hear it for the first time.

Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes.

jolly and good fun

Once in Royal David’s City

When we’re doing the preparation on Xmas eve we usually have Carols from Kings on the radio and this is the processional hymn (as it is for most CofE carol services) and it starts so gently with one chorister then builds strongly through the verses. It’s the one carol Mr T is happy to sing.

Now all I want for Xmas is for Zungg to start blogging again.