The Top 12 Christmas Songs for Your Party

You have set the Christmas party menu, check. You have sent out the invitations, check. You have decked the halls with boughs of holly, check. Music, you forgot about the music; well we are here to help.

First let's remember this is a party so we want to keep the mood festive so we can forget about Do They Know It's Christmas and Blue Christmas for they aren't the happiest of songs. Also you don't want people to run away screaming from your party so don't play Santa Baby and Baby's First Christmas those songs are just plain awful. So now you know what not to play, we will give you 12 songs that are sure to make your party a hit.

The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole. This classic written by Mel Torme is one of my wife's favorites. With Cole's smooth as silk voice singing the line "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire," you know that the holidays have arrived.

Last Christmas - Wham! Okay I know this is a song about a breakup, but I counter that can you really celebrate Christmas without George Michael. My argument may be flawed, but this one is a guilty pleasure and may be a conversation starter if you lived through the 1980's.

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas - Gayla Peevey. I never heard this song until a couple of years ago, but thanks to my sister-in-law I have and I love the silliness of it. I guarantee that at least 25 percent of your guests will be singing this song on the way home. It's like a gift that keeps on giving.

Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives. Burl Ives is the voice of Christmas for me. I chose this song because it is easy to sing along with and after a few hot toddies who doesn't like a good Christmas sing, just like the whos down in whoville.

Winter Wonderland - Huey Lewis and the News. I chose this version of the classic carol because a lot of people haven't heard it and I like the acapella harmonies.

White Christmas - Bing Crosby. This may just be the best Christmas song ever, I needn't say more.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Martina McBride. There are many versions of this song, but McBride has such a pure voice it was made for Christmas carols. If you don't have it already do yourself a favor and pick up McBride's CD White Christmas it is wonderful.

Santa Claus is coming to Town - Bruce Springsteen. When The Boss tells you not to pout and not to cry you listen. I enjoy Clarence Clemons saxophone solo, it's like the bow on a nicely wrapped gift.

Here Comes Santa Claus - Elvis Presley. It isn't Christmas until Elvis has sung us a song. This one is just cheesy enough to bring out the best and worst Elvis impersonations your guests have to offer. Thank you, thank you very much.

All I Want For Christmas - Mariah Carey. This is just a big Christmas ball of fun and I have always been a fan of Mariah, so that doesn't hurt.

Christmas Time - Bryan Adams. This song tells you what Christmas should be about without banging you over the head too hard.

The Chipmunk Song - The Chipmunks. Another song your guests will be singing long after they leave your party. "I still want my hula hoop."

So there is a list to get you started, now sprinkle in a few of your favorites and make your party the most memorable of the season.