Top 10 Christmas Songs to Get You in the Spirit of the Season

Time to dust off my favorite Christmas music CDs and put them in my car (that's where I live most of the time). When I'm driving, the music carries me along and gets me in the spirit of the season. If you like Christmas music and need a boost in the Christmas spirit department, take a look at my list of my top 10 Christmas songs.

My Favorite Things - The Supremes. Not necessarily considered a traditional Christmas song, but a jazzy spin along with jingling bells and the angelic voices of the Mary, Florence and Diana, make it one of my favorite things to listen during the holidays.

Nothing Like Christmas - Keith Sweat. This song has an old school R&B feel that reminds me of a more carefree time, when I was in college. I really like this song's message of family and togetherness.

Happy Holiday - Peggy Lee. This song brings a smile to my face. Ms. Lee sings this with a brightness and cheeriness that helps me get in a good (and giving, charitable) mood of the holiday season.

Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt. Various artists have recorded this playful ditty but Eartha Kitt's version is the best. Her sassy delivery makes me chuckle and wish I had her nerve to sweetly demand the various luxurious and expensive gifts with a straight face with a knowing that I'll actually receive them.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - The Temptations. Childhood nostalgia is a big part of my love for this song. The tempting Temps rock this one out for me, and I usually hit the "repeat" button on this song.

Merry Christmas, Baby - Charles Brown. This bluesy Christmas tune makes me think of a simpler time when getting a diamond ring for Christmas was a big deal. (Wait a minute, it still is!)

Let It Snow - Lena Horne. I think this was Wisconsin's unofficial theme song when I was growing up. It snowed... a lot! Ms. Horne's devil-may-care-attitude about the winter storm raging outside makes me love this song.

Baby, It's Cold Outside - Barry Manilow & K.T. Oslin. The playful, saucy banter between Mr. Manilow and Ms. Oslin heat up things in this duet. It's the perfect companion to my next favorite song.

Warm Me Up - Elliot Yamin. Mr. Yamin adds a romantic touch with a soulful kick. When I listen to Mr. Yamin sing this, I want to get close to my honey.

The Christmas Song - Nat "King" Cole - My collection would not be complete without this all-time favorite." Mr. Cole creates the perfect Christmas setting, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose." With an orchestra with plenty of violins and Nat "King" Cole's velvet voice, how can I resist this classic Christmas song? I can't.

There it is, my favorite top 10 Christmas songs. Hopefully, you have found new songs or rediscovered classic music to add to your Christmas playlist. Now that I have the music list, all I have left to do is create my Christmas shopping list. Let the Christmas season begin.