Top 10 Songs for Christmas by the Rat Pack

I've loved songs by the singing members of the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr.) for quite some time, even before their resurgence into today's mainstream. Something about their voices and the musical compositions always seems to put me in a better mood. When considering which Christmas songs of theirs were some of my favorites, I didn't have to think long. The one's I chose vary from highly classic Christmas carols to some not-so-traditional compilations that just make me smile when I hear them. Here's my list (in no particular order):

1. "White Christmas" as sung by Frank Sinatra

The ethereal quality of Sinatra's voice in this song is hard to match. As I flick the radio stations around during the holiday season listening for something good to stop on, this one always causes me to pause and enjoy.

2. "Let it Snow" as sung by Dean Martin

I love this song (and winter) and hearing Dean sing it makes me wish for big, big snow storms so I can get out and enjoy the white stuff.

3. "Christmas Waltz" as sung by Frank Sinatra

I remember hearing this song a lot when I was young and it's always stuck with me as one of the most romantic Christmas songs. I love the background vocals, as I always thought it was angels singing along with Frank.

4. "Christmas Blues" as sung by Dean Martin

Only Dean can nail a song about being alone at a time when it's important to be with others and still make you feel good. This one is an often-missed classic.

5. "It's Christmas Time All Over the World" as sung by Sammy Davis, Jr.

Sammy didn't do as many Christmas recordings as the others and, to be honest, I don't really care for the others that he did. But this one I like quite a bit. It seems to capture his spirit and his voice is top-notch here.

6. "Marshmallow World" - a duet by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin

This is such a fun song and the always amiable combination of vocals and attitude from these stellar performers makes this less-heard song another favorite.

7. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" as sung by Frank Sinatra

It's hard to explain the allure of this version of this holiday classic. It makes me very sad and yet secure in what I have even when at other times it might not seem like a lot.

8. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as sung by Dean Martin

This rendition of the well-know Christmas classic is so good because shows off Dean's childlike sensibility and his very playful nature. How can you not smile when you hear him sing this song?!

9. "Winter Wonderland" as sung by Dean Martin

This has to be the most "swingy" version of this song ever recorded. It always makes me want to go outside with a big pair of fluffy hand-knit mittens and play in the snow like I did growing up in New England.

10. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" as sung by Frank Sinatra

This song always takes me to a place I've never been. It makes me think about my grandparents and what it must have been like for them to be away from each other during the holidays they shared during World War II. I then think about how fortunate I am now.

I think the thing I love best about Christmas music by the Rat Pack members is that it's about the pure joy of the holidays - family and friends. It's timeless, and that feels good.