Christmas Favorites

Well, it’s that time of the year again, but before we begin let me state I do not -- repeat, do NOT – like “The Little Drummer Boy.”

See fictoid above for the reasons why.

Here’s my list, kept short by putting only my top picks in four categories:

Christmas Carol

“Adeste Fideles” -- Luciano Pavarotti
My all time favorite Christmas song.  I prefer it in Latin as opposed to the English translation, “Oh, Come All ye Faithful.”  Something about the Latin version sounds more…well…sacred that the English version. Here Pavarotti knocks it out of the park, or Notre Dame in this case.

Christmas Traditional

“White Christmas” -- Bing Crosby
Oh, yeah, like this one wasn’t going to make it.  This clip is from the movie White Christmas, as schmaltzy and as kitschy and as corny as you can imagine and who gives a rat’s patootie because it’s Christmas, Mr. Scrooge, and this scene from the beginning of the picture sums up the heartbreaking loneliness and nostalgic longing so many people -- especially those in service -- experience at this time of the year.  One of my favorite musicals.
Period.
Full stop.

Christmas Alternative

“Merry Christmas from the Family” -- Robert Earl Keene
Why do I love this song?  It’s about a family Christmas celebration with all the ingredients for an epic dysfunctional meltdown…and it doesn’t happen because everybody decides to be filled with good will.  It’s hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. 
Bonus:  Jill Sobule did a great cover. 
Double Bonus:  If it’s an epic dysfunctional family Christmas you’re pining for, here’s the Dropkick Murphys with "The Season's Upon Us"

Christmas Blues

“All I Got For Christmas Was Drunk” -- Better Off Dead
This is the one I’ve been championing as the new Christmas standard.  Funny but heartbreaking but funny because it is heartbreaking.
Bonus:  Better Off Dead…live

© Buzz Dixon