XL. 'Tis the Season...

We have once again reached that wonderful season known as Christmastime. This is the time we push our cares to the side, and celebrate life, giving, and good company. Delightful food and music are standard fare. In honor of the season, I present a list of ten songs that brighten my spirits around this time of year.

X. Do You Hear What I Hear?
This Whitney Houston interpretation hits the spot.


IX. Christmas in Hollis
Holiday cheer (hip-hop style!) from Run-DMC.


VIII. Step into Christmas
Elton John.


VII. Santa Baby
The late, great Eartha Kitt.


VI. Do They Know It's Christmas?
I enjoy this song by the Band Aid charity project, although "thank God it's them, instead of you" is a rather curious attitude--especially given the season.


V. The Night Santa Went Crazy
Funny song by "Weird Al".


IV. This Christmas
Donny Hathaway.


III. O Holy Night
I really like this Mahalia Jackson version.


II. Thank God It's Christmas
The inimitable Queen.


I. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
This Darlene Love number is a Christmas legend.