Ahhh. It is getting to be that time of year again, a time that just happens to be my favorite. And no, I am not talking about midterms, Halloween, the approach of the NBA regular season or the final weeks of the college football season, though I do rather enjoy the last one.
I am referring to the gradual seasonal change currently taking place. Though winter is officially still about two months away, it is certainly in the air.
Leaves are changing colors and beginning to cover the ground beneath their branches, the days are getting shorter and shorter and the temperatures colder and colder.
And with the onset of the latter most months of the calendar year comes the prospect of everything great, or not-so-great (like final exams), including Thanksgiving and winter break, Christmas, the new year, hopefully a ton of snow and a bowl appearance by the Thundering Herd football team.
Regardless of how awesome all those things are, not a single one of them is what seals the deal for me, as far as it making it the time of year I look forward to the most.
What makes the season stand out in my mind will soon be heard all day on Magic 97.9 (at least I hope they are still doing it this year) and most likely on my iTunes.
Yep.
People from this area or those who know me well have probably guessed it: Christmas music, which happens to be one of my favorite genres and absolute favorite things about the holiday season in general.
That doesn’t mean I’m a fan of every Christmas song for because, let me tell you, there are some bad ones out there. Or maybe a better way of saying it, there are some that I just don’t really like.
But, I am going to countdown my five favorite holiday songs and the specific artist’s rendition, for reference in case you haven’t ever heard that particular recording and are interested, to help make your winter listening experience as enjoyable as possible.
5.) “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” as made famous by Frank Sinatra. It’s hard to go wrong with the Chairman. Perfectly arranged strings complimenting Franks’s smooth and tender vocals help set the perfect holiday mood.
4.) “White Christmas.” While Bing Crosby’s version is considered the standard, I personally prefer Ella Fitzgerald’s, but Bing’s isn’t bad either.
3.) “The Christmas Song,” by Nat King Cole. There are a lot of different covers of this song, but the best in my mind, and the one that has received the most radio air play, is Cole’s. The jazzy atmosphere and Cole’s soft, trademarked voice make it a must-have for anyone who not only likes Christmas music, but enjoys good music in general.
2.) “O Holy Night.” Take your pick. There are so many fantastic recordings of this song, it’s really hard to narrow down.
1.) “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” performed by Josh Groban. From his best-selling “Noël” album, a light pop arrangement accompanied with Josh’s rich and warm voice, as well as audio of soldiers overseas wishing their families a merry Christmas, make it one of the most moving songs I’ve ever heard.
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