The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 15

 We've listened to thousands of Christmas songs over the years, and when you hear a 24-hour Christmas channel or satellite television channel you know there is much filler that you'd really rather not bother with.  Instead, choose the cream of the crop.  We've done the research so you can listen to only the best.  Choose the ones that you particularly like and they make great background music for Christmas parties or on Christmas Day itself.  Our family likes to sit by the Christmas tree listening to these and talking about the songs and why they are so great, sharing memories, and spending quality time together.

Here are eight more of The Top 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time*.

 "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
by Judy Garland

Judy recorded this version on April 20, 1944 and it reached #2 the following Christmas.  But it first appeared in the 1943 movie Meet Me in St. Louis.  Written during World War II, it had some depressing lyrics as soldiers went another Christmas being away from the ones they loved.  Garland loathed one of the lines, which followed the title with "It may be your last", especially since she was singing it to a little girl in the film.  It was thus changed to "Let your heart be light."  

 "Carol Of The Bells"

by Pentatonix

Here is one of five versions of "Carol Of The Bells" which made our list.  Add in "Ring Christmas Bells" by the Ray Conniff Singers, the more religious version of the two, and that makes six.

 

 "Mele Kalikimaka"

by Bing Crosby

R. Alex Anderson wrote this song after a stenographer in his office wondered why there were no Hawai'ian Christmas songs.  When finished, Anderson played it for Crosby, who was a golf partner.  Bing collaborated with the Andrews Sisters on the song and included it on his famous album Merry Christmas.  Anderson's daughter Pam says the family still receives revenues from all over the world for her father's song.

"The Little Drummer Boy"

by Perry Como

Como, one of the top Christmas singers of all-time already, conveyed the deep meaning of the lyrics by slowing the song down.

"Jolly Old St. Nicholas"

by the Ray Conniff Singers

The song is mentioned in Susan Gregg's Christmas Orphans, published in 1916. It is performed to an up-tempo arrangement of "Canon in D Major" by Johann Pachelbel.

The jolly Ray Conniff Singers fit the song perfectly.

 

 "The Christmas Waltz"
by Frank Sinatra

Sammy Cahn & Jule Styne wrote this song.  This is from the Sinatra Christmas Album from 1954 and is one of four that Sinatra has among The Best 150 for All-Time*.  The song still stands the test of time.

 "Sleigh Ride"

by the Ronettes 

One of the best versions of this song comes from the 1963 release by the Ronettes heard here. The clopping and neighing of horses, the Wall of Sound, it doesn't get much better.

 "Silent Night"

by Josh Groban

Josh Groban has quickly become one of the world's most beloved singers.  When he sings a song, it's usually fabulous and that's the case here.  Groban successfully captures the magical awesomeness of the occasion.  The backing choir is also wisely chosen.

10 days left--with these songs to sing to as you do your shopping!