Holiday Music Sets the Mood and Lifts Spirits
Whether you're having a gathering or simply want a soundtrack for your family's celebrations, Christmas carols and holiday songs help take the edge off winter's chill and remind people that holidays are for celebrating your beliefs and each other rather than getting "stuff". I've compiled a list of fabulous Christmas and holiday songs, and have even gone so far as to recommend a particular performer for some of them.
Create your own play list as the background for your holiday celebrations, whether from your computer or on a modern "mix tape" on your stereo. You'll find much of this music readily available on-line for very little. It'll be an instant tradition, and one that you can pass along to your loved ones as simply as burning them a CD of the songs.
Each song is linked to its lyrics, so if you've always wondered about the second verse for Jingle Bells, you can find the words here. You will also be able to understand what the angels we have heard on high were saying, sing O Tannanbaum and Adeste Fidelis, and learn a little history for some of these Christmas carols.
Create your own play list as the background for your holiday celebrations, whether from your computer or on a modern "mix tape" on your stereo. You'll find much of this music readily available on-line for very little. It'll be an instant tradition, and one that you can pass along to your loved ones as simply as burning them a CD of the songs.
Each song is linked to its lyrics, so if you've always wondered about the second verse for Jingle Bells, you can find the words here. You will also be able to understand what the angels we have heard on high were saying, sing O Tannanbaum and Adeste Fidelis, and learn a little history for some of these Christmas carols.
Christmas Song Categories and Sources for Holiday Music
How to Find Songs on This Lens
- What Sorts of Songs Are Listed?
- Get Started with Christmas Music Compilations
- The Quintessential Christmas Music Album
- Weather-Related Christmas Songs
- Sample Christmas Carols and Holiday Songs
- Christmas Carols Rooted in Religion
- Aretha Franklin's "This Christmas"
- Holiday Fun Songs
- Other Holiday Songs: Nature and People
- Another Fantastic, Ready-Made Christmas Play List
- Vote for Your Favorite Holiday Song
- Ask Elvis about Christmas Music
- What Other Holiday Songs Are on Your Christmas Play List?
What Sorts of Songs Are Listed?
Because everyone has different family traditions and backgrounds, no two people will have the same favorites. The songs listed here are classics and, for various reasons, are special to me. You may have other Christmas carols or holiday songs that you hold dear. If you do, I invite you to add them to the guest book below. I'd love to expand the list, especially for a particularly great song. I also fear that I've forgotten a few, and so this list remains a work in progress.I've grouped the songs by loose category, but I'd recommend mixing and matching from all of them for your play list, unless you're going for a theme. Some folks prefer more religious songs for Christmas celebrations and some like festive winter music for a holiday party. I like a little of both. I like a lot of both, actually. Your Christmas play list should reflect your feelings about the holiday season.
You'll also find my favorite album of Christmas songs (from the ever-loved Bing Crosby), samples of Elvis Presley singing a hunka-hunka holiday music, and clips from Aretha Franklin's new album, "This Christmas". I've also recommended some other Christmas compilations of holiday songs, to get your play list started.
Get Started with Christmas Music Compilations
Check Out These Fabulous Holiday Song Albums!
You can save time and money on your Christmas play list by starting with a compilation of holiday songs that includes most of your favorites. Choosing a compilation rather than an album with songs from one artist means that you'll get a lot more variety in the sound on your play list.
50 Greatest Songs of Christmas
Amazon Price: $11.98 (as of 12/21/2009) 
Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/21/2009)
The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 12/21/2009)
Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas Song
Amazon Price: $10.97 (as of 12/21/2009)
101 Christmas Songs
Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)
The Quintessential Christmas Music Album
From Bing Crosby, of course.
White Christmas
Amazon Price: $6.98 (as of 12/21/2009)
It just isn't Christmas without Bing Crosby. His smooth, mellow voice and fabulous back-up musicians make every song on this album a delight. He's a tradition, from when Hollywood went holiday in style.
Weather-Related Christmas Songs
Love the Snow, and Sing About It
- White Christmas, of course. That's a given on any list of holiday music, whether you live in the tropics or on the Alps.
- Winter Wonderland, for reminding you why you wanted a white Christmas in the first place.
- Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, because you're snug and warm inside, and happy to be there with your family, friends, or just your other half.
- Frosty the Snowman, for an idea of what you can do, if you decide to go out in all that snow.
- Jingle Bells, to remind you that, while you're outside, you should enjoy the scenery--carefully.
- Sleigh Ride, to explain to what those jingle bells are attached.
- Over the River and Through the Wood, in case you aren't sure where to take that sleigh and its bells
- Baby It's Cold Outside, for when you're trying to convince your guests to stay for just one more hot toddy.
- I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, for when people are trying to convince you that it's cold outside and you should stay.
Sample Christmas Carols and Holiday Songs
From the Traditional to the Modern
If you've a hankering for some Christmas music, here is a holiday-themed pile of songs to get you started.
Christmas Carols Rooted in Religion
There's a reason for the season, after all, and it isn't just Santa Claus and jingle bells. Here are some of the best religious songs for Christmas, selected for their beauty and their meaning. I know that I've left off dozens, if not hundreds, but these are my personal favorites. Customize your Christmas carol play list with the ones that hold the most meaning to you.Aretha Franklin's "This Christmas"
Her new album of holiday songs.
This Christmas, Aretha
Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)
Aretha Franklin has released a beautiful new album that combines traditional Christmas carols with modern holiday songs. Silent Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Angels We Have Heard on High nestle beside new tunes like My Grown-Up Christmas List and the title track. For fans of the Queen of Soul, this is a must-have for your Christmas play list.
Holiday Fun Songs
Some silly and happy songs to enjoy this holiday season
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
- Mele Kalikimaka
- Feliz Navidad
- Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
- Jingle Bell Rock
- Holly Jolly Christmas
- The Twelve Days of Christmas
- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
- (All I Want for Christmas Is) My Two Front Teeth
- Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
- Up on the Housetop
- Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Other Holiday Songs: Nature and People
- The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)
- The Holly and the Ivy
- O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum)
- Blue Christmas
- I'll Be Home for Christmas
- Deck the Halls (with boughs of holly - see? Nature.)
- I Saw Three Ships
- Good King Wenceslas
- (There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays
Another Fantastic, Ready-Made Christmas Play List
A Holiday Compiltation the Swings!
In the Christmas Mood
Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)
Three discs, including eight dances from the Nutcracker Suite, traditional carols, modern holiday songs, and generally celebrating Christmas, Big Band swing music, and Glenn Miller. The songs were recorded using Mr. Miller's arrangements and musicians and vocalists that worked with him.
You'll find songs on "In the Christmas Mood" from all of the lists here, and much more. If you're a fan of Big Band, Glenn Miller, or holiday songs, this album will complement nearly any gathering. It's fun without being obtrusive, danceable without being bass-heavy, and most people will instantly recognize just about every one of the 39 tracks (some three- or four-song medleys) on the discs.
Vote for Your Favorite Holiday Song
If you choose "I Love Another", please add your favorite in my guest book. I'm a curious sort!
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Ask Elvis about Christmas Music
He'd tell you that there are songs enough, both modern and traditional, to make a play list as long as any holiday party, with more to spare.
What Other Holiday Songs Are on Your Christmas Play List?
Let me know if I've overlooked a Christmas gem or completely ignored your favorite holiday song. If you found the songs you love, drop me a note about that, too!
submit
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- NanLT NanLT Oct 19, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
- I've linked you to my top 10 favourite Christmas songs lens.
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- WeddingZazzle WeddingZazzle Oct 5, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
- Great idea for a lens. Job well done!
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- The_Party_Animal The_Party_Animal Jan 1, 2009 @ 10:25 am
- Yahoo you are a winner in The Squidoo Home for The Holidays Lens Contest So Go Grab your badge.
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- Mortira Mortira Nov 27, 2008 @ 1:23 am
- My favorite Christmas album is Boney-M Christmas. It recently made a comeback, which is great because my old CD is ready for the bin! Thanks for sharing this great selection!
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- Webcodes Webcodes Nov 5, 2008 @ 12:05 am
- Great lens, wow.. christmas is almost coming. 5*.
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- Not-Pop Not-Pop Nov 4, 2008 @ 8:07 am
- I'm going to have to look into that - the idea of Bing and Bowie singing "White Christmas" intrigues me! [in reply to kiwisoutback]
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- paperfacets paperfacets Nov 3, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
- This is attractive. Good idea and lots of sources.
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- kiwisoutback kiwisoutback Nov 3, 2008 @ 7:51 pm
- My wife is in love with the Mariah Carey Christmas CD, not sure what the name is. Not my favorite, but it came to mind. Also, I think there's a Bing Crosby/David Bowie collaboration that's pretty popular (I'm pretty sure it was Bing Crosby anyway). Nice work!
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- Not-Pop Not-Pop Oct 28, 2008 @ 1:11 pm | in reply to drenee
- Ooh, that would be a fabulous addition - I love her voice. Thanks for letting me know.
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- drenee drenee Oct 28, 2008 @ 9:23 am
- I like it, I'm new to squidoo too so if you have a chance stop by and rate my articles. I especially like the album choices. Aretha Franklin is promoting her new Christmas album, I just saw it on Oprah. That CD will be a hot seller............
by Not-Pop
It's all about music - lyrics, my song recommendations blog, cover songs, and artist profiles. Please take a look around and let me know if there's so... (more)
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