Top Five Christmas Classics on the Christmas Countdown

Despite being a Radio Two afficionado for, well, ever (did I mention that I have been thirty-something since I was five?) I am often not in the right frame of mind to listen to Sounds of the Sixties on a Saturday morning, not least this morning after walking the halls with Dimples for three hours  last night. Instead I turned over to some other channel and found myself listening to the Three Tenors singing Oh Holy Night:

It’s one of those songs that really get me in the mood for Christmas, rekindling memories of my fabulous year in France, where I spent a lovely day putting up two Christmas trees and decorating the Breakfast room, all the while the Three Tenors singing Christmas songs in the background. It was such a great day, and just hearing that song is enough to put a spring in my step (not so wise when the pavements are still treacherous!)

I know that I am following in the footsteps of Him Up North and New Mummy, who are both taking a musical trip this Advent, but hearing that song on the radio made me think about Christmas, and the songs that really make it Christmas in your home. Here are mine:

1. Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas

as someone who went to boarding school, there can be no more meaningful song. Except that I didn’t learn to drive until I was 29 but you get the point. This is my all-time favourite Christmas track and the one that really begins Christmas for me. It’s the one that makes my husband call me and hold his mobile phone to the radio so that I can hear it. he’s such a romantic!

2. The Three Kings

At the aforementioned boarding school, before the end of Michelmas term there was always the Nine Lessons and Carols service in Chapel, which every year featured the most amazing solo by Mr Fox (whose daughter is a professional, so musical talent clearly ran in the family) in this beautifully written Carol. I sadly lost my copy of the Chapel Choir CD so haven’t heard it for years but hearing any version of this brings it all back.

3. In the Bleak Midwinter

I love the tune to this. It’s so haunting. It featured quite heavily in the School Carol concert too, though the solo that sticks in my mind with this one was sung by Oliver Jackson. I’m impressed that I still remember that name!

4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland.

I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this without crying. I love Meet Me in St Louis, too. It’s a fabulous Christmas Classic.

5. The Christmas Song, Nat ‘King’ Cole

How can you not feel all warm and fuzzy and generally full of the Christmas Spirit listening to this classic?

Of course, the Pocket Dictator’s Christmas theme of choice is When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney, so I clearly have some work to do. Now whilst I expand her repertoire, let me offer you this Christmas tune, dear Reader. Call it an early Christmas gift. And if you have any suggestions for Christmas songs I should introduce the PD to, let me know.

Please check out the other entries for the Christmas Countdown at Cafebebe.