Christmas Playlist Suggestions for Holiday Parties

The holiday music and your parties should go hand-to-hand. Christmas is one of the greatest times for social gatherings and celebrations and music in our society, plays an all too important role. Whether you are the one hosting the party, or just the one that has to pick out the music, this is a list of the top twenty my music store plays during the holiday season. This list is not calculated by any type or style, but an overall list of everything most requested and loved. Some of the songs will be noticeable and recognized by you, others will not. Theirs is also certain bands mentioned more than once, don't be offended by the repeated names, this is just a list of what we consider the best of the best IN ALL WORLDS of music. Look at this list and you can decide by yourself. Remember, this list comes from an ACTUAL music store full of diversity, so enjoy with an open mind.

20. Silent Night: This song, unless sung by a choir very softly, is best sung by one artist. This is one of the most inspiring songs of Christmas, giving the listener a reason why this very special holiday is celebrated. Although it's not recommended for dance, a kindred spirit often becomes of this most famous song. A true classic and easily recognized.

19. Santa Claus is Coming to Town: Bruce Springsteen: of course, this song HAS to be sung by the boss himself. Just the laughing alone in the song will get any scrooge laughing at this song. This famous mishap into the song (recorded in 1985), made this timely jingle most requested on the radio.

18. Please Come Home for Christmas: The Eagles. Unlike most Christmas songs, this plea of bargain has a beat that would sooth any soft rock enthusiast. One of the few songs you can dance to during the holidays.

17. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen: Trans Siberian Orchestra. Talk about explosion! This completion of a famous Christmas song is brightly improved by one of the most celebrated orchestras on earth. A must hear!
16. Joy to the World, the Lord has come; A powerful ballad that once again, gives us reason to celebrate the holidays. A great sing-a-long. Not to be confused with another song, "Joy to the world", by /three Dog night (?).

15. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow: Dean Martin. My favorite because of his voice interlude, but you could replace this one with Bing Crosby.

14. Little drummer boy: (also known as pa-rump-pa-pa-pun). Yes, your kitchen and coffee tables will be beat on, but hey, they're having fun, right? This famous song about a drummer boy who gave Jesus the only gift he could give, playing on his drum. Religiously interacted with even the most voice-prone uncle you could find. Fun for all!

13. Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) -Trans Siberian Orchestra: This is a specific song done at a specific time. This is THE ONE to play.

12. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree: Brenda Lee. For some odd reason, this song takes me back to the past, even before I was born. This song to me relates the 1950's and 60's of what listeners were finding on the radio during this era. With her Tenor voice, she can wake up the blandest of party-goers in this upbeat song.

11. Do They Know It's Christmas Time Again: Band-Aids. This became one of the most beautiful harmonizing songs, (and bands) when it comes to this song. You can't come close to comparing other bands to this song. Also known as one of the most uplifting songs of the holidays, this would absolutely make my top five, if not the #1 song.

10. Feliz Navidad: Jose Feliciano. Yes, they say they hate it, but they itch for this song that it ultimately one of the few songs split up in two languages, English and Spanish. Go ahead, play it anyways, they'll sing to it.

9. Auld Lang Syne: Bing Crosby (1949). Traditional. Gives meaning to not only what you have, but the future as well.

8. Twelve Days of Christmas: This song is the only one mentioned here that does not have a required band or orchestra. To be honest, it's best to have your company sing aloud, but be forewarned; this song, because of it's repeated ness, becomes boring after the "Five Golden Rings", so it's best if you find a resource in music that will pick up the beat a bit. Dancing is not an option and often deterred.

7. A Holly Jolly Christmas: Burl Ives. How could you not have this in your top 20? Known most famous for the special,"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer" this endearing song brings back memories for all and is cherished by adults as well as children. This is the song that needs to be played towards the beginning of any party.

6. Away In a Manger: Waylon Jennings. The only Country song on this list I would recommend. A humble song that points us in the right direction of what the holidays are all about.

5. O Come All Ye Faithful: Frank Sinatra. With his rare one-of-a-kind voice, ole blue eyes can touch even the most insensitive with this song.

4. All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth: Andrew Sisters. A cute little parody, but if you have to shave your list to 19, make this one the first to go away. #20 on my list.

3. Blue Christmas: Elvis Presley. Still one of the most requested, this singers bass/baritone voice sings of a blue Christmas, but enlightens us all.

2. I'll Be home for Christmas: Frank Sinatra. Yes, once again, Frankie boy. This is one of the most "soldier-misses-home" songs you'll ever find. It's also known to give each one of us the motivation to go back to where we were, to experience our Christmas memories once again. Truly a heart-felt song and warming for the holidays.

1. The christmas Story: Nat King Cole. Nat king cole, enough said.

The ultimate enjoyment for the holidays associated with celebrations and music is that you enjoy them. There are some songs here that you would not care to have recommended because of the singer, but like the song. look on-line for the same song and chances are, you will find a singer that you like. Enjoy!