Top 10 Christmas Songs

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Syra Lundergan

Freshman Mason Durham singing into a microphone.

Syra Lundergan, Writer

After 11 extensive months, the day we have been patiently awaiting is here: Dec. 1. You are officially allowed to listen to all of the Christmas tunes your heart desires without being ridiculed and/or shunned. To help kickstart your playlist, I bring forth my top 10 Christmas songs; and yes, Mariah Carey is rightfully placed at number one.

10. “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams
This song was originally written back in 1963 by George Wyle, but recorded and released that same year by pop singer Andy Williams. Williams’ version became the popular melody we all know and love today. Do not misinterpret the low rating, I stand by the fact that we are certainly entering the most wonderful time of the year, as well as the hap-happiest season of all.

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9. “Christmas” by Mariah Carey
The queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, has two appearances on this list. Carey’s song “Christmas” actually entails a romantic plot, ultimately portraying a feeling of heartbreak. The holiday season is not always merry and bright to all of our community, and Carey recognizes that. Whether you relate to the literature within “Christmas” or sing it simply because of its catchy tune, my heart is with you.

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8. “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee
“You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear” this song. Released in 1958, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” still holds the same heartwarming effect over 60 years later. Oddly enough, this holiday classic was written by Jewish songwriter Johnny Marks, who did not celebrate Christmas. As Marks wrote it, “let the Christmas spirit ring;” this song accomplishes just that.

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7. “White Christmas” by Bing Cosby
Considering we are still having days where the temperature hits upwards of 60 degrees, we can only dream of a white Christmas here in Kentucky. Nevertheless, Cosby’s deep, raspy voice will do it for me every time. The presence Cosby fabricates feels like a warm blanket fresh out of the dryer.

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6. “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Frank Sinatra and Dorothy Kirsten
While this song is highly rated regardless, it’s sentimental value moved it up in my ranks. I have vivid memories of my aunts singing the duet with one another, and often correlate this classic with the smell of fresh cookies and hot cocoa wafting throughout the house. Sinatra is another artist who snagged two spots on my list.

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5. “Here Comes Santa Claus” by Elvis Presley
While the lyrical aspects of this song are not my favorite, the fact that Elvis sings it wrapped it into my top five picks. It feels disrespectful to have Elvis rated rather low, but thinking logistically, holiday music was not his main focus. Regardless, I’m impatiently waiting for Santa Claus to make his rounds this year.

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4. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra
We have made headway and climbed the ladder to my “no skip” Christmas songs. Who doesn’t want to hear sweet nothings in the form of Sinatra’s voice? While the song is rather short, quality overtakes quantity time and time again.

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3. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” by Michael Buble
If you have history teacher James Sisk, it began to look a lot like Christmas two weeks ago. I, for one, am not complaining, and am not opposed to any form of Christmas spirit. I could have put Buble’s entire Christmas album on this list, and to be transparent, it took me 20 minutes to choose which of his songs I would include. 10/10; would recommend giving him a listen.

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2. “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber
I would like to preface this with an apology. I know it feels very, very wrong to have Justin Bieber ranked above most holiday classics, but hear me out. You have to admit that every time “Mistletoe” has played, you have subconsciously sung all the words right along with Bieber. “I should be making a list, I know, but I’ma be under the mistletoe…” I rest my case.

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1. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
You probably guessed it. Do I need to further explain? All I want for Christmas is you all to read The Central Times.

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