This song was released in 1994 and, since then, it has become one of the most played songs during the holidays. I do like this song. It helps that it is used in the movie Love Actually, which is one of our family favorites. In Love Actually, it is sung by a young actor, Olivia Olson. She’s pretty fantastic here.
Side note: the boy who is in love with her, in the movie, is now in Game of Thrones. Awesome.
I am not sure that I really wanted to place this one so high on the list but, there was just no denying the fact that it is a catchy song that people love. If I hadn’t put this in the top 5 there would be hell to pay at home. In fact, it felt like I was held hostage over it a little bit. Anyway, have a listen.
My parents are big country music fans and the Charlie Pride Christmas album, Christmas in My Home Town, was played constantly during the holidays. The album was released in 1970 and I have listened to it over and over again every year since I was born. Most people may not know any of this record but, for me it always brings back a ton of memories. That’s why this sentimental favorite is at number 2. I could have put any of the songs off of this record on this list but, I decided to go with the title track.
I will for sure be listening to this a lot over the next couple of days. You should give it a chance. It may grow on you.
The Christmas Song was written in 1944 by Mel Torme and Bob Wells. While completing this list I have noticed that, a lot of the Christmas songs we think of as favorites were actually written in the 40s. Apparently, this one was written during a very hot summer day while Torme and Wells were trying to think of things that would keep them cool.
I love the Nat King Cole version of this song. In my mind it’s the best. Cole has the perfect soulful sound for it. The recording he made in 1961 was the first recorded in stereo and is widely regarded as the definitive version.
Smith and Burrows are an English duo that consists of Tom Smith, lead singer of Editors, and Andy Burrows, of Razorlight and We Are Scientists. I like all of these bands so it would stand to reason that I am a fan of this pairing.
When the Thames Froze was released on the Smith and Burrows CD Funny Looking Angels in 2011.
Since then, it has been a regular in my holiday rotation. In fact, I listen to this song throughout the year because I like it that much and it is just a solid song. When the Thames Froze is a slow jam about feeling melancholic at the end of the year, while still holding out hope for the year yet to come.
Just a note, after looking at a bunch of different sites, I have gathered that the Thames freezing in London is a very rare occurrence. It appears as though it has only happened about 30 times since the 1400s. Enjoy this number.
Baby It’s Cold is a classic! A song with 2 parts: the wolf and the mouse. The mouse is playing coy and wants to leave but, the wolf wants her (in most cases) to stay. This song is another that has been covered by a ton of acts.
It’s a fantastic tune and when you are giving it a listen, the imagery of a cold snowy night gets into your head. Baby it’s Cold is a super playful tune but, it was written in 1944. Today, some may find it a tad bit rapey. It’s basically an older, jazzier, more festive Blurred Lines.
I like this version because Dean Martin has the perfect balance of smarminess and likability. He was after all, the king of cool!
On a cold December night, you can curl up on the couch and get nice and toasty by starting up the fireplace, if you have one, and taking a swig from your flask. Preferably one as festive as this.
Scottish indie rock band Frightened Rabbit serve up this seemingly melancholic number that actually has a very positive message of just being better to one another.
“Cause the wine on our breath puts the love in our tongues,” is just one line that talks of the season making us brighter. Scott Hutchison has a pretty hefty accent so if you can’t catch all the lyrics then I encourage you to click this link (It’s Christmas so we’ll stop). I had a really tough time placing some of the songs on this list and this one was one of the hardest. I could have put it anywhere and been happy as Frightened Rabbit is one of my favorite bands. If you haven’t listened to them before then check them out. I mean, their whole library. Until then, you can treat your ears to this sexy little number.
Seeing as they are Scottish, it would seem appropriate to me that you would enjoy a whiskey to make your cheeks ruddy. I happen to love the peat so, I would typically select something nice and smoky from Islay. My friend Chris introduced me to Ardbeg. He knew exactly what he was talking about when he said I would love it. I should have known seeing as how Chris has a little whiskey place in Edmonton called The Bothy Wine and Whisky Bar. I mean, shit man, it’s in the title!
This post has developed into a 3 parter as now I find it necessary to tell you about The Bothy. They have 2 locations in Edmonton. One at 5482 Calgary trail and one at 10124 124st that opened in 2012 after the success of the first.
I have to start off by saying that, these people know how to treat their customers. I have had nothing but excellent service from every person that I have dealt with inside their walls. I have also observed their interactions with the many regulars that sit at the bar while partaking in fantastic drink and even better food. They are always friendly and treat you like they are glad you came.
The atmosphere at The Bothy is very inviting and warm. It is the type of place that you would feel completely at home in. Whether you are all decked out for the night or just popping in for a casual pint with a friend. The chefs take care in what they prepare and, you can tell because the food is awesome. I have enjoyed every course I have had at the Bothy.
The last thing I want to mention about is that, The Bothy often has distributors and reps stopping by for various distillers, or brewers, or wineries… (you get the point) to talk about their product. When they do this, the staff puts together a package that includes a number of courses paired with the beverage they recommend to complement each dish. If you get a chance, you need to go to one of these! They often announce them on their twitter account at
@BothyWineWhisky
So stop by and see Chris. He is the loveable chap with the accent behind the bar. He will treat you right!
It’s Christmas was initially released in 1963 by Darlene Love but, I have chosen the U2 version for my list. U2 did their version during a sound check and Darlene Love actually sang backing vocals on it. I had this song on the compilation record “A Very Special Christmas.” This song requires a lot of emotion and there aren’t too many singers that like to emote like Bono likes to emote. Plus, it’s in black and white. The only thing more emotional is a group of trapped miners.
Put your feet up with a tall glass of Father John’s Winter Ale by Vancouver brewery Howe Sound. This treat is filled with winter spices and the sweet, nutty, caramel flavor shines through. I could use a bit more spice but, I think you can tell that I really like this beer. I also love that Howe Sound uses the litre bottle with the stopper. It is super handy and it makes me feel like they take my needs in to consideration.
Released in 1987 by masters of rap Run DMC, Christmas in Hollis was an instant hit for me. I was listening to a lot of rap in the late eighties and Run DMC ruled my cassette, yes cassette, player. Who thinks to sample Christmas tracks in to their music? Run DMC, that’s who! Using Frosty the Snowman, Joy to the World, Jingle Bells and even a little Clarence Carter, Run DMC they lay down a track that will leave you “chillin and illin just like a snowman.”
So sit back, relax and, listen because “the rhymes that you hear are the rhymes of Darryl and each and every year [they] bust Christmas carols.”
How can you have a list of the best Christmas songs and not have a song from A Charlie Brown Christmas on it? You can’t!
Vince Guaraldi wrote a masterpiece when scoring the 1965 cartoon special and, this song is the acme. There is probably not one person among us that does not have childhood memories embedded deep within them when they hear the familiar refrane of “Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer…”
While you are enjoying this classic, why not sample a Valley Trail Chestnut Ale by Whistler Brewing Company?
This beer has a very smooth, nutty taste from the roasted chestnut. It is heavy on the caramel in both the nose and flavor and, is balanced nicely by hints of vanilla. This beer epitomizes fall/winter. It is a great accompaniment to a cold winter night.
Christmas Wrapping was released in 1981 by new wave band The Waitresses. The Waitresses are probably more famous for their singles “I Know What Boys Like” and “Square Pegs” but, this festive number is right up there in my books. I know what this boy likes and it’s some “Christmas Wrapping” around the holidays. BAM! See what I did there?
The song tells the tale of a woman that missed her opportunity to ask out Mr. (presumably) Right early in the year, only to have the fates align with holiday flare to arrange a chance encounter over forgotten cranberries.
What could be more festive than that?
If you can find it, I suggest pairing this song with a tasty number from Mikkeller called Spontancran. Almost every Mikkeller I have had has been great and, this one is amongst my favorite. They know what they are doing when it comes to making uniquely flavored craft beer. This extremely sour (EXTREMELY), cranberry beer will help you to balance out the sweetness of this song. It is difficult to find and I am not sure if they are still distributing it. If you can’t find it, you can pick up their SpontanKriek which is made with sour cherries instead of cranberries. All you have to do is ignore the cranberry reference in the song and I’m sure you will enjoy it just the same.
Beer Phingers 