Holiday Music Compilation

The holiday season is upon us, and I’m looking forward to all the traditions that go along with this time of year. The scent of fresh pine is in the air, and suddenly a completely different iTunes collection of mine is getting regular play time.

There are certain classic songs I love and somehow never tire of, but every year there are a couple of new additions to my list. I grew up listening to Johnny Mathis during the holidays. My parents had other Christmas albums, but that was my favorite for many years.

After college, I discovered Nat King Cole’s Christmas album and became hooked on that too. I’ve added several favorites to my list over the years, including a really cool Klezmer Hanukkah medley and a Kwanzaa tune too.

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite holiday songs below. My top choice is the first in each category, while the “runner-up” choices are links listed below. Be sure and add your favorites too in the comments section!

THE CLASSICS

For unto us a child is born, from Handel’s Messiah

The Christmas song, by Nat King Cole

I’ll Be Home for Christmas, by Johnny Mathis

Waltz of the Snowflakes, from the Nutcracker

CHANUKAH

Chanukah Music, by Northwood High School Philharmonic Orchestra

Chanukah Klezmer Medley, Robin Seletsky clarinet

THE ONES THAT MAKE ME FEEL WISTFUL

Christmas time is here, from A Charlie Brown Christmas, by Vince Guaraldi Trio. This song was used to good effect in the film The Royal Tannenbaums too.