This is a continuation of a previous post.
I noticed, in gathering my favorite Christmas songs, that there were many that were either about memories or just had that traditional feel to them. So here I present to you Disc 2: “Memories”.
1. Once Upon a December: Anastasia
Of course I had to include this song from one of my favorite animated films and Broadway shows! If you haven’t heard it, I also really love the entire Broadway soundtrack (perhaps even more than the film!), though I prefer this version of my favorite song from it due to the dramatic horns section that was cut for the show.
2. The Spirit of Christmas Past: Enya
I mean…it’s Enya. Mixed with Christmas. What’s not to love?
3. Christmas Canon: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
An absolute classic.
4. Christmas Cookies and Holiday Hearts: Ruth Roberts
This one’s for my sister. In kindergarten (I think?), our school did one of those silly little plays they write for school productions, and this song was in it. We used to sing it (mainly mocking the silly little play), and it wasn’t until a few years ago, when I was making this playlist, that I discovered it was a “real” song, so of course I had to throw this into the mix!
5. My Christmas Tree: John Williams
Well, you know. I think I said before that the entire Home Alone soundtrack really needed to be in here.
6. Winter Wonderland: Johnny Mathis
Probably the definitive version of this song for me. This, combined with the one below, are probably my two most favorite Christmas songs.
7. Sleigh Ride: Johnny Mathis
See above.
8. White Christmas: The Drifters
Dub dub.
9. The Christmas Song: Nat King Cole
There can be no other. This belongs to Nat, as far as I’m concerned.
10. Christmas Can’t Be Far Away: Burl Ives
11. Medley of Let It Snow/Count Your Blessings/We Wish You a Merry Christmas: Ray Conniff & the Singers
Mainly for “Count Your Blessings”. This has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs. I just really love the concept. And until last year, I thought this was the only artist who had ever performed it. Last year I watched White Christmas for the first time ever and was shocked and delighted when they suddenly burst into a rendition of this!
12. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Andy Williams
13. The Chipmunk Song: The Chipmunks
14. I’ll Be Home for Christmas: Jo Dee Messina
For my friend Kristen, who burned a copy of this album for me back in high school and taught me that maybe, just maybe, I don’t really hate all country music.
15. Carol of the Bells: John Williams
16. Caroling, Caroling: Nat King Cole
This is one I feel like I don’t hear on the radio very often, but I think it’s lots of fun.
17. Christmas Bride: Ray Conniff & the Singers
I never hear this one! They may be the only artist who’s ever performed it? But of course, I thought the same thing about them above with “Count Your Blessings”, so who knows? But I do feel there’s no more romantic time of year than Christmas, so I find this one to be very sweet.
18. Thankful: Josh Groban
While I love tradition when it comes to Christmas, I’m fond of some of these more unconventional songs, too.
19. My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews
This one is actually in spite of my friend Becky, who I’m sure was furious that I included it. She insists that it is not a Christmas song, it is from a musical that has nothing to do with Christmas, and for many years, I held the same opinion. But I can’t deny that it has such a Christmas-y feel to it, and because I love the song so much, I decided to go for it. And then I learned there may actually be some justification for my decision, since the song’s first appearance was on a TV holiday special, years before it was in the movie.
20. Welcome Christmas: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Of course the Grinch had to be in here somewhere! For some reason, I remember singing this song with my sister all the time when we were little.
21. Somewhere In My Memory: John Williams
I was so excited to hear this one performed live by a choir at the Christmas market in Prague last year.
22. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Emmy Rossum
What collection would be complete without an appearance by my twin?
23. (There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays: Perry Como
In case you missed Part 1, here you go. Or go forward to Part 3.
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