I don’t really like Christmas music.
So I said.
It’s great to hear singing in church on your big day, and I have absolutely nothing against hearing singing at Christmas events. not.
That feeling is only exacerbated by the fact that we start hearing Christmas music around Halloween.
I also spend December working in retail. Trust me, you will understand where I come from.
My wife always calls me Scrooge because she generally hates Christmas music. I understand I may be in the minority here, but it doesn’t help that she wants to play the Carpenters’ “Christmas Portraits of Her” album on repeat.
That said, I’m not a total hater of Christmas music—there are only a handful of songs I’d argue are downright crazy that I wouldn’t mind hearing a million times in December.
So here are some Christmas tunes that won’t make me say “Idiot, shit.”
- “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
I would argue this is the ultimate Christmas song. It has appeared in millions of different Christmas movies and can be heard in nearly every store you step into in December, but it’s the song that simply works. This is for
Nat King Cole is classically cool and has the perfect voice and demeanor for this kind of music.
- “Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
I’m not a big fan of Tom Petty’s music, but I remember this song just because it’s fun. Christmas should be fun.
It’s fun even if it’s not goofy or kid friendly. Also, many rock and roll Christmases feel like her music tends to sound awkward and gimmicky, but this song avoids that altogether.
- “White Christmas” by Otis Redding
There are a lot of decent versions of this song — the classic Bing Crosby version comes to mind — but I love Otis Redding and the 60’s/70’s R&B style.
It may not be the first genre you think of when talking about Christmas music, but it works surprisingly well.
- Alabama’s “Tennessee Christmas”
I grew up with this Christmas album (thanks mom!). Holiday loves to annoy her wife by playing “Christmas Her Bear’s Thistle Hair” in Alabama during her season. Because it’s a really cheesy Christmas tune.
But “Tennessee Christmas” is a nice, soothing tune, perfect for sitting on the couch after a big Christmas feast. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to check. Amy Grant also sings a version.
So what Christmas songs do you enjoy? Am I crazy about my feelings for music?
Anyway, I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year.
Sports Writer/Staff Writer Dan Determan at 218-855-5879 or
dan.determan@pineandlakes.com
Follow him on Facebook and Twitter (www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Dan).