An Unconventional Christmas Party Play List

Having a Christmas party? Why not jazz up your Christmas play list? Since I'm not really a fan of conventional, secular Christmas music, you won't find certain standards on my list. To make it on to my play list a Christmas song had to either have an unusual arrangement or be sung by someone new and different. For example, White Christmas by Bing Crosby is a classic, no doubt. That's why you won't find it on my list. Everyone knows it and has heard it over and over. If I were putting together a classic Christmas play list it would be at the top, but this is an unconventional list. I've provided links for each number so you can sample the songs in my Christmas play list. Here are my picks for unconventional Christmas party music - bah humbug!

Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town - Bruce Springsteen

I heard the Boss sing this live in Houston when I was a college student. The song is absolutely joyous and you can feel the fun Springsteen and his E Street band are having as they sing and play this song. Listen here.

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire) - Céline Dion

There is a reason Céline Dion made millions with a five year contract in Las Vegas. Listen here.

It Must Have Been the Mistletoe - Barbra Streisand

Babs belting out this romantic Christmas song - awesome! Listen here.

Bells of St. Mary's - Aaron Neville

Mr. Neville's falsetto shines in this number. Listen here.

The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole

The only thing better would be if Natalie would make this one a duet with her dad like she did with "Unforgettable." Listen here.

Winter Wonderland - Aretha Franklin

You must RESPECT Aretha as she belts this one out. Listen here.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland

That voice is like audio velvet - from the movie Meet Me in St. Louis. Listen here.

Jingle Bell Rock - Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass

Back in the day Herb Alpert and his boys jammed and this is a festive rendition. Listen here.

Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt singing this flirty little song is like lyrical typecasting. Listen here.

O Holy Night - Luciano Pavarotti

A gorgeous song made perfect from the late tenor. Listen here.

Away In a Manger - George Strait

A manager is a barn is country is George Strait. Listen here.

Wizards in Winter - Trans-Siberian Orchestra

If you don't know the Trans-Siberian Orchestra they take mellow and turn it into rock. This is Christmas music for people who don't like Christmas. Listen here.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

Just a fun song in a "new old fashioned way." Listen here.

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer - Elmo 'N Patsy

You'll either think this is the funniest song ever or the most annoying song ever - not many in the middle on this one. Listen here.

Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy - David Bowie/Bing Crosby

A David Bowie and Bing Crosby duet - I'm in! See, I didn't leave Bing off the list - I just found a more unique offering. Listen here.

Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful) - Il Divo

Luscious singing by this group. Listen here.

Ave Maria

Ditto. Listen here.

I'll Be Home for Christmas - Whitney Houston

Dion Warwick's niece recorded this promise of a Christmas reunion. Let's just hope she wasn't singing to Bobby Brown. I'm waiting for her comeback album - she's a major talent. Listen here.

Opera of the Bells - Destiny's Child

Excellent harmony from this pop trio. They slow it down and bring on the sultry! Listen here.

My Little Drum - Vince Guaraldi (from A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television Special)

This is Vince's take on The Little Drummer Boy. Actually, just buy the whole album here.