One of my favorite things about Christmas is the music. I grew up singing Christmas carols at church (and at school back then) and they have stuck with me. I even learned on in Spanish – O Pueblecito de Belen (O Little Town of Bethlehem).

Here are some of my favorite Christmas songs:

– White Christmas by Bing Crosby (1943)

This is a classic World War II vintage song that is terribly sentimental. At one time, it was the most popular song of any genre in the United States.

– Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (1944) by Judy Garland

She sang this in Meet Me in St. Louis. It is a melancholy song with an emphasis on family holidays and spending time together.

– The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole (1946)

The name is not as familiar as the first line, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”

– It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams (1963)

I saw Andy Williams’ Christmas Show twice in Branson before he passed and this was a classic tune.

– Winter Wonderland by Dean Martin (1966)

Dino made this fun song a classic.

– We Need a Little Christmas by Percy Faith (1966 Broadway Musical Mame).

This is a delightful tune attached to a questionable play/movie.

– Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Dean Martin (1953)

This is a duet and the song is a bit controversial but it’s catchy.

– Celebrate Me Home by Kenny Loggins

I can’t really make out some of the lyrics but this is a somewhat modern meloncholic classic.

– I Need a Silent Night by Amy Grant

This is the modern story of someone who is overwhelmed by all the activity and just needs to have a quiet evening of rest.

– I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Amy Grant

Anyone who has served in the military overseas could relate to this wonderful tune.

– It Must Have Been Old Santa by Harry Connick, Jr.

This is a lively song about a little boy who believes in Santa Claus after he picks him up for a sleigh ride on Christmas night.

– It Must Have Been the Mistletoe by Barbara Mandrell

This is a love song about a man and a woman whose romance was sparked by a kiss under the mistletoe on Christmas.

– Let There Be Peace on Earth by Vince Gill and Jinny Gill

This duet is a wonderful sentiment to celebrate the Prince of Peace.

– Mary, Did You Know? By Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd

I like this version of a song of questions to Mary, mother of Jesus, and how much she knew of His diety. This was written by Christian singer Mark Lowry in 1984.

– Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters

The title is Hawaiian for “Merry Christmas.”

– Sending You a Little Christmas by Jim Brickman

Vocalist Kristy Starling from Oklahoma City and pianist Jim Brickman perform this beautiful song about a wife yearning for the return of her soldier husband from overseas.

– Hard Candy Christmas by Dolly Parton

This is another melancholic tune that was attached to a questionable movie.

– Grown-Up Christmas List by Amy Grant

This is a fun song with a serious list, including peace on Earth.

– Count Your Blessings by Bing Crosby

Part of the movie White Christmas, this song reminds us that we should be grateful for God, who blesses us.

– The Christmas Shoes by Newsong

This song is a real tear jerker. A poor little boy is short on funds for Christmas shoes for his dying mother and a complete stranger steps up to the plate in a true spirit of Christmas.

– Blue Christmas by Porky Pig

This is a hilarious rendition of an Elvis song by Mel Blanc, the voice of Porky Pig.

– God Bless the Children by B.J. Thomas (1979)

B.J. Thomas sings about the value of Christmas in the lives of little children. It’s very touching.

This list doesn’t include my favorite Christmas hymns but I have to add Handel’s Messiah, Joy to the World, The First Noel, O Come All Ye Faithful, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Silent Night, O Holy Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Angels from the Realms of Glory, Deck the Halls, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, O Come O Come Emmanuel, O Little Town of Bethlehem and We Three Kings of Orient Are.

I know I have left some out.

And let me say there are some modern Christmas tunes that are special. It’s just that these songs are imbedded in my Christmas memories – some more than six decades. Some local radio stations play only Christmas music from Thanksgiving until Christmas.

I think they are worth a listen.