Thirteen for Thursday

I don’t know if this meme is for every Thursday, or only for those that fall on the 13th of the month, but either way, I guess today is a great day!

Inspired by Janet, and in the spirit of the season, I’m trying my own hand at my 13 favorite Christmas songs. But first, a little explanation: in general, I am not a fan of holiday music. While this seems grinch-like (see previous post!), it’s just that most of it is either too overtly religious to me, or cloyingly sweet. Or juvenile. However, there are a few exceptions, which I think will turn out to be covers by more modern artists. But since I’ll be writing this on the fly, let’s see what comes up!

In no particular order:

1. Mele Kalikamaka, by Jimmy Buffett. It’s rocky, it’s tropical, it’s fun.

2. Hallelujah He is Born, by Sawyer Brown. This is a notable exception to my general non-preference for religious songs. I just love the tune of this one.

3. Gramma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, by Dr. Elmo. I actually had to look up who sang that one. I can’t help it, it’s funny.

4. Jingle Bell Rock, by anyone. While not technically a Christmas song (it’s more a winter song), it’s rocky and fun (see a pattern here?)

5. Mary’s Boy Child, by Boney M. Another religious song, but I just like it. It’s a unique take on a song with this much biblical reference and for that reason, it makes my list.

6. Do You Hear What I Hear? Just like it

7. When Christmas Comes to Town, by Matthew Hall and Megan Moore. This is on the sound track for “The Polar Express”, which K learned to sing from listening to the CD at age 4. She sings it beautifully, as do Matt and Megan. It’s really a gorgeous song. The CD is worth the price for this song alone.

8. Little Drummer Boy. How can you not love all those “Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum”‘s??

9. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, by Brenda Lee. Another rocky, fun song (the title even gives it away!)

10. Belleau Wood, by Garth Brooks. This is based on an actual event during World War I, and the song just touches me.

11. Santa Baby, Madonna. Not sure why I’m putting this here, since it’s way too s e x y for a holiday song. But I’m starting to scrape the bottom of my favorite barrel here.

12. Silent Night. How can I not include this one? The history alone makes it.

13. Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t be Late), by Alvin and the Chipmunks. This one just has great memories associated with it. When I was in college this would get played at every party our group of friends threw/attended, no matter what time of year, and I just associate it with fun, friends and being a little buzzed. Or sometimes a lot. But definitely always fun!

OK, this list was a little hard to do, but I liked the concept. Maybe I’ll try it again next Thursday with a different theme.