The day after Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start of Christmas: holiday decorations, colder weather, and of course all the Christmas songs on the radio. The multitudes of Christmas songs you hear every day in the car really put you in the Christmas spirit, but these are my top 10.
10. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
A lovable classic that's just as popular now as it was in 1964 when the first movie was released to feature this song.
9. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.
Although her voice might not be the most pleasant sounding, Gayla Peevey's breakthrough at just ten years old is adorable, quirky, and fun, making this song from the 1950's a popular favorite.
8. You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.
I definitely would touch this song with a 39 1/2 foot pole.
7. Mele Kalikimaka.
For when you still want to listen to Christmas music but are so sick of the cold.
6. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.
Even though we might not get much snow in Oklahoma, this song makes it seem like we might.
5. White Christmas by Bing Crosby.
On the same note as number six, the most we do here is dream of a white Christmas, and sometimes we get lucky. Either way, it just flat out wouldn't be Christmas without this song.
4. Most of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
With some exceptions and despite being frequently overplayed, TSO's rock covers and original songs are must-listen-to Christmas staples.
3. The Nutcracker Suite.
The classic Tchaikovsky ballet tells the story of a young girl transported to a magical world on Christmas eve with her toy nutcracker. What makes this suite special is it isn't inherently Christmas and you can listen to it year round. Variations such as
2. Carol of the Bells/Greensleeves.
Any and all covers of this traditional Christmas song make it into the number two spot. The bell chime motif ties the song together with soaring melodies that never get old.
1. Straight No Chaser's Twelve Days of Christmas.
This was my favorite Christmas song in 5th grade when it came out, and not much has changed since then. Their comical and incredibly talented acapella routine keeps us laughing and in the Christmas spirit, putting this song at number one.
