Jingle Bell Rock is sung by Bobby Helms. It was written by Jim Boothe & Joe Beal and was released on November 28th 1957. Bobby Helms’ rise to fame can only be described as meteoric. In the same year of 1957, he reached number one in the country charts with his debut single “Fraulein”, hotly followed by his second number one hit “My Special Angel”. Jingle Bell rock was released a few days before Christmas giving him his third number one country hit in the same year. The strains of Jingle Bell Rock have been a perennial hit at Christmas ever since with audiences world wide and spanning all generations. Thank you Bobby!

Do They Know It’s Christmas? is sung by a collection of famous singing artists from the 1980’s under the name “Band Aid”. It was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure and released on 29th November 1984. ‘Do they know it’s Christmas?’ was penned in a response to a news bulletin on 23rd October describing the famine “of biblical proportions” raging in Ethopia. It highlighted the “hell on earth” conditions, desperate plight and inevitable outcome for millions of people who were starving.

The immediacy of their desperation reached the attention of Paula Yates and husband Bob Geldof who were determined to do something to help. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure quickly penned the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas”. The list of fellow singers and musicians willing to give their services for the cause, quickly snowballed into the artists that will forever be known as “Band Aid”. This chart topping hit evolved the following year into two legendary concerts known as “Live Aid” staged in London, England and Philadelphia, USA on the same day.

Live Aid featured iconic musicians of the day and included bands who reformed just for the event such as “The Who” and “Pink Floyd”. The musicians sang from their hearts, the audiences joined in, people at home phoned in to make their donations, everyone determined to give what they could to help people in need. ‘Do They Know it’s Christmas’ will forever be synonymous with what people can achieve when they unite together under a common cause.

Fairytale of New York is sung by Irish band The Pogues and features singer songwriter Kirsty McColl. It was written by Jem Finer and Shane MacGowan of The Pogues and released as a single on 23rd November 1987. It also features on their album: If I Should Fall from Grace with God.

To say that Fairytale of New York is a perennial Christmas hit is an understatement. In 1987 it made it to number 2 in the English charts. It was rereleased in 1991 and again in 2005. Since 2005, the song has made an appearance in the top 20 every year.

Check out the video for a cameo appearance from actor Matt Dillon who plays the Police officer who is arresting Shane McGowan.

I wish it could be Christmas Every day; was recorded by Wizzard in 1973. It was written and produced by front man, Roy Wood. The multi-talented Roy Wood, formerly from The Move and a founding member of Electric Light Orchestra, actually penned this perennial hit in the summer of 1973. It has proved to be a Christmas hit with audiences ever since.

Of all the popular Christmas songs that were written in the 70s, this has to be the best. If you are finding it hard
to get going with your Christmas preparations we suggest you play this song on repeat. It will have you rocking your way through the chores and spreading the Christmas joy to others long after the turkey and tinsel have wrapped.
As Roy Wood himself said “We tend to be nicer to people at Christmas. Wouldnt it nice to be like that all the year round.”

So true Roy, then it would indeed be Christmas everday!

The First Noel is a traditional English carol first published in its current form in 1823, edited and arranged by William Sandys and Davies Gilbert.

This traditional carol takes us right back to that first ever Christmas and is a wonderful reminder of the humble birth of Jesus. When the angel Gabriel was sent to announce the birth of our saviour, he did not appear to the rich inflanchoruential people of the day, he announced his news of great joy to the lowly shepherds who were tending their flock. His arrival was not trumpetted by a fanfare in royal surroundings of comfort and oppulence. It was a stable, with a manger for his bed. His first visitors were not courtiers they were humble shepherds. Jesus was born for us, to be our saviour.

Bob Joyce sings this beautiful carol from the heart, drawing us in to the rich full message in this carol. This recording can be found on Bobs Christmas album entitled ” Silent Night. It is well worth adding this to your Christmas music collection. Bob Joyce has a wonderful, distinctive voice with rich tones and a relaxed, familiar style. Whether he chooses to sing Christmas carols, Blue Christmas or the telephone directory set to music, you are going to want to hear more from the dulcet tones of Bob Joyce..

Run Rudolph Run is sung by Chuck Berry. It was also written by Chuck Berry but he had to hand publishing rights over to Johnny Marks and M Brodie because Marks has a trade mark on the character of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

This song is played in Home Alone (1990) and admirably conveys the familys desperate dash through the airport in order to catch their flight. If you have ever had a similar airport experience, this will bring those “I still cant believe we made that flight” memories right back.

The video shown here is the official animated video released in 2020 which features the unmistakeable Chuck Berry on a rock and roll style Santa ride across the skies. It may be a red convertible instead of a sleigh, but its still being pulled by the most famous reindeer of all and his posse and will be delivering presents to a Christmas tree near you in record time. Rock and Roll!

Feliz Navidad was written and first recorded by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, José Feliciano, in 1970. The lyrics may be simple but the message is clear: ‘with all my heart, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. ‘ This song has become a Christmas classic all over the world.

José recounts he recorded the song while he was feeling homesick at Christmas and missing his family. ‘I missed my family, I missed Christmas carols with them. I missed the whole Christmas scene. ‘ Hopefully, this uplifting song made him as happy as it does everyone who hears it. Thanks José.

Feliz Navidad features in the 1978 movie Christmas Eve on Sesame Street where big bird is having trouble learning to ice skate and a little girl comes to his aid with a few quick pointers. By the end of the song, big bird is skating like a professional and ready for his Olympic debut. It may work for you too.

Feliz Navidad!

The 1989 Christmas Vacation Theme song was written by Cynthia Well and Barry Mann. The song was performed in the movie introduction animation and the end credits by Mavis Staples who at the time was signed to the Paisley Park Label. A recording of Mavis performing the song is available on 7 inch vinyl and is a rare find.

Check out the video to watch the introduction animation accompanied by Mavis Staples. Christmas Vacation is a wonderful, feel good movie that is a must to add to your Christmas movie list. The animation at the beginning is a great introdution and sets the tone of the movie. It is also a great opportunity to hear the incomparable Mavis Staples perform an addictive Christmas song which you will find yourself humming long after the closing credits have rolled.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas was written in 1951 by Meredith Wilson. This song has been recorded by many artists over the years including Perry Como and Bing Crosby. Meredith Wilson incorporated the song into his 1963 Broadway musical ‘Here’s Love’ and the Johnny Matthis recording from his 1986 album ‘Christmas Eve with Johnny Matthis’ was included in Home Alone 2.

Michael Buble recorded ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’ for his 2011 Christmas Album. The song was released as a single the following year and received phenomenal success around the world. Michael Buble’s Christmas album is a must for your Christmas music list and this song is the openning number.

Check out the video which combines the rich melodic voice of Michael and a glimpse into the Buble family Christmas. This Disney Holiday Singalong version is a sheer delight and a great song to start the Christmas season.

My Special Angel was written by Jimmy Duncan and published in 1957. It was recorded by Bobby Helms in July 1957 and became his second song in the same year to reach number 1 in the US Country Music charts. Bobby’s third number 1 in the country charts that same year, 1957, is the legendary Christmas song, Jingle Bell Rock.

My Special Angel is a beautiful prayer-like song which will fit right in with your Christmas Music. Sit back and listen to the glorious voice of Bobby Helms and remember to give thanks for the angel who watches over you.

Check out the video which shows Bobby Helms performance of My Special Angel on the Ed Sullivan show on 1st December 1957.

My Very Own Roly Poly Father Christmas was written by Jackie Doe in 1993. The lead vocals are sung by Sara Harvey with Jackie Doe on accordion and flute, Henry Smithson on bass and mandolin and Stuart Young on percussion.

This is a fun, fast and frivolous Christmas song for all you grown ups eagerly awaiting Christmas. We’re just waiting for Sara to roll him over in our direction so we can get the festivities off to a crackin’ start!

Check out the video which was filmed in a quaint old English pub in Reading, England called ‘The Retreat’. Father Christmas is performed by none other than Bernie Whiten who is landlord of The Retreat public house. We’re not sure what the howling in the background at the beginning is about, probably something left over from Halloween. Best get inside quick and start the singing. Ho-ho-ho!

Riu Riu Chiu is a spanish Christmas carol that dates back to the 16th century. The origin of the song is uncertain but usually credited to composer Mateo Flecha the Elder, who died in 1553.

The song is essentially about the birth of Christ and the Immaculate Conception of his mother, Mary. If you want to sing along to the refrain, here are the essential two lines that make up the chorus:
Ríu, ríu, chíu, la guarda ribera,
Dios guardó el lobo de nuestra cordera.

Click the video link to watch The Monkees performing Riu riu chiu in a live a cappella performance as part of their Christmas show from 1967. Lead vocalist is Mickey Dolenz with harmonies provided by Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davey Jones. This beautiful rendition of Riu is a testament to The Monkees’ accomplished singing skills and the timeless quality of a beautiful song.

Baby It’s Cold Outside is performed by Nina and Frederik and was written by Frank Loesser in 1944. The song was made popular by its inclusion in the movie Neptune’s Daughter (1949) which earned it an Academy Award. Although the song does not mention Christmas, the wintry theme has made it a popular song to sing at Christmas.

The famous Danish duo Nina and Frederik made the song their own with popular live performances in the 1960s. Their role switch half way through, accompanied by Frederik’s amusing accents, was and still is highly entertaining.

The video shows Nina and Frederik performing live back on 17th December 1963. Danish, French or English, Frederik has the accents down pat and he and Nina harmonise beautifully. Their version of this song still remains arguably the best.

Gaudete is sung by British folk rock group Steeleye Span. This song is thought to have been composed in the 16th century due to its inclusion in ‘Piae Cantiones’, a collection of Finnish/Swedish sacred songs published in 1582.

Steeleye Span released this a capella version of the song in 1973 which was a huge hit. Gaudete! is sung entirely in Latin. If you want to sing along, here is the chorus with english translation below:

Latin: Gaudete, gaudete!, Christus est natus, Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!
English: Rejoice! rejoice!, Christ is born, of the virgin Mary, rejoice!

Check out the video for a spectacular live performance of Steeleye Span singing Gaudete! on Swiss TV in 1974.

Let It Snow! is performed by Vaughn Monroe. This song was published in 1945 with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Sammy Cahn. ‘Let It Snow’ was composed in Hollywood, California during a heatwave, recorded in the fall by Vaughn Monroe, released just after Thanksgiving and by Christmas was a hit!

Technically, the song makes no mention of Christmas. However, due to its winter theme, the song has long since been regarded as a Christmas song. Fans of the Die Hard movies will recognise this as the version played during the closing credits of Die Hard and Die Hard 2. Snow may come and go, but it is the Vaughn Monroe rendition of Let it Snow that is regarded as the definitive.

Check out the video to savour the rich, baritone voice of Vaughn Monroe performing this song live to an audience back in 1965.

Let it Snow!

This version of the song Put a Little Love In Your Heart is sung by Al Greene and Annie Lennox. The song was composed back in 1969 by Jackie DeShannon with her brother Randy Myers and Jimmy Holday. The song was recorded and released the same year and was DeShannon’s highest charting hit. If you would like to hear the original sung by Jackie, click the audio sample below:

Although this song does not mention Christmas, the message is clear and makes an excellent song to include in a Christmas movie, especially a Scrooge movie. Thanks Jackie!

The video shows the closing credits of the movie ‘Scrooged.’ Having had his ‘scrooge’ epiphany, the main character, Frank Cross, gives a heartfelt speech on how we should extend the kindness we practice at Christmas throughout the year to achieve the Christmas miracle every day of our lives. If Bill Murray visibly emotional doesn’t convince you, you may need a scrooge epiphany too. Give it a try.

The Christmas Song is performed by Nat King Cole. It was written in 1945 by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé. As the song was written during a heatwave, Bob Wells had jotted down some notes to get him in the mindset to write about Christmas. They simply read:
‘Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.’
Nat King Cole’s performance of The Christmas Song has become synonymous with the festive season and is one of the most played Christmas songs, appealing to all age groups.

Check out the video for Nat King Cole’s performance of the Christmas Song on the Danny Kaye Show from 25th December 1963. This was his last TV performance of The Christmas Song.

Thanks Nat. Merry Christmas to You!

Once upon a Christmas Song is performed by fictional character Geraldine McQueen, portrayed by Peter Kay. The song was written by Gary Barlow and Peter Kay and recorded in November 2008.

The character of Geraldine McQueen originated from a parody talent show called:
Britain’s Got the Pop Factor…and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice

The multi-talented Peter Kay co-created, co-wrote, directed and produced the show and also stared as Geraldine McQueen. Peter is also well known as a stand up comic and unpredictable guest on interview programs. An impromptu performance of ‘The way to Amarillo’ by Peter Kay and ‘4 poofs and a piano’ resident singers on the Jonathan Ross chat show, culminated in the song being re-released in 2005 as a ‘comic relief’ charity song that went to number 1 in the UK chart.

Check out the video of Peter Kay as Geraldine McQueen cruising the streets of England on a carnival float, spreading Christmas cheer with Once Upon a Christmas Song. Geraldine really did bring the Xmas Factor back into Christmas.
Thanks Peter. Merry Christmas!

O Holy Night was originally named Cantique de Noël and was based on a poem by Placide Cappeau in 1843. It was set to music by Adolphe Adam in 1847 and adapted into the English version by John Sullivan Dwight in 1855.

This song has been recorded by numerous pop, classical and religious singers. In 1990 it was included in the movie ‘Home Alone’ and has become a perennial Christmas hit with audiences all over the world.

Check out the video for the clip from Home Alone where the beautiful strains of ‘O Holy Night’ draw Kevin into church. Although he has asked Santa for help, he realises his problem may require help from a higher source. A pivotal moment in the movie ensues during an unlikely ecounter between Kevin and ‘the south bend shovel slayer’ (Old man Marley).

Both are troubled. Marley is estranged from his son due to a long gone argument. Kevin believes he is responsible for his family’s disappearance. In a carthartic conversation, each helps the other review their problems with the clarity they need to resolve their issues.

The Lord moves in mysterious ways.

I’ve Got That Christmasy Feeling Again is sung by Gerry Guthrie and you can find it on his ‘Second Hand Heart Album’. The song was written by Jimmy Peppers and Tommy Cash and released in 1972 by Tommy’s brother, Johnny Cash, on the Columbia record label.

The lyrics of ‘Christmasy Feeling’ capture a simple image of everyone in the family doing their bit to prepare for the festivities. In a wonderfuly relaxed style, this country song is just the one to get family singing along at Christmas. Break out your guitar and start strumming, they’ll soon pick it up!

Check out the video. We couldn’t find one of Gerry singing ‘Christmassy Feeling’, so we slipped in his video of ‘New Moon over my shoulder.’ Gerry is a great talent and you’re gonna love this one too!

Merry Christmas y’all!