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DEL.ICIO.USFa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a little exercise for the Christmas season:
Hum a few bars of “Silent Night.”
Sing a line or two of “Away in a Manger.”
Now, give us your best rendition of “Christmas Candles.”
What? You don’t know “Christmas Candles”?
I’ll start it for you: “Each Christmas season, my eyes grow bright …”
Still don’t recall it?
I’m not surprised.
“Christmas Candles” is my favorite Christmas song. (And I am a Christmas music groupie.) Yet, I have never met anyone outside my family who knew the song. I have never heard it on the radio, on television, at church, in a movie or on stage. And until recently, I had never heard a recording of it — only our family’s unprofessional version with my sister following our time-worn, frayed-edge sheet music on the piano.
A year or so ago, I finally Googled it and was able to locate an old recording of the song by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters. I ordered a copy, anxiously awaiting delivery. When I heard it, I was disappointed - it was the same song, but not the same. Too fast. Too peppy. Too smooth. As much as I love Bing and The Andrews Sisters, no one can measure up to decades of memories.
If I were to be objective, there are better holiday songs. But no other song could lure my father to join us in singing at the piano. So “Christmas Candles” was special. I was curious what Christmas songs others would label as their favorite. So I asked a few folks around Snellville.
John LaMattina, a teacher at Norton Elementary School, private drum instructor and member of the Atlanta Blue Notes big band likes “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
“It seems like the great singers do this one the best, and I just like it because it seems to beckon the spirit of Christmas the best!” LaMattina said.
Amanda Sali, director of choral activities at South Gwinnett High School, says her favorite changes often but is currently “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
“ … The melody is haunting and the text so expressive,” Sali said. “Emmanuel means ‘God with us,’ which is the true meaning of Christmas —the incredible paradox of God becoming man in the form of a tiny infant.”
Brian Garrison, who works at QT on Ga. 124 in Snellville, likes “O Holy Night,” which also happens to be the favorite of District 3 Gwinnett County Commissioner Michael Beaudreau.
My husband, Phil, likes Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmastime is here,” (of Charlie Brown fame).
Donna Pendergast, band director at Snellville Middle School, likes “Sleigh Ride.” “Because I play in a band, performing or hearing this piece signals the beginning of the holiday season,” she said.
Russell Beane, who works at the Snellville Post Office likes “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Garry Rhodes, former director of the Gwinnett Transit Advisory Board, likes Bing Crosby’s legendary “White Christmas,” and the movie that made it famous.
“There’s something magical about it, something that almost gives you chills.”
Jenny Roper, who works at Snellville’s Huddle House, said she enjoys “Winter Wonderland” best.
Snellville City Councilman Warren Auld’s choice is the “Hallelujah!” chorus of Handel’s “Messiah.”
“It’s so majestic,” Auld said. “It’s what I look forward to - it’s like the life of Christmas.”
And Denise Reid, art teacher at W.C. Britt Elementary School, likes “Silent Night” the best.
“The reason is that on Christmas Eve at the candlelight service, when the church is aglow with only the candles, and “Silent Night” is being sung, there is that special peaceful moment when we come so close to what the Season is all about,” Mrs. Reid said. “The frenzy of shopping, baking, sending out cards, and all the other preparations are over, and we are simply united with goodwill and the joy of Christmas.
“As an aside, I also am partial to ‘Silent Night’ as it is sung on Christmas Eve because it is the only time of the year I get to hear my husband sing!” Mrs. Reid said. “Mike, my husband, has a beautiful bass voice, but he doesn’t consider himself a singer! Something about ‘Silent Night’ causes him to join right in!”
What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?
Permalink | Comments (62) | Categories: holiday
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By FCM
December 6, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
David Bowie and Bing Crosby doing the duet of “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy”. Donny Osmond “I’ve Been Looking For Christmas” Garth Brooks “Gift” and “Friendly Beasts”
By Me
December 6, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
Elf’s Lament - by the Barenaked Ladies & Michael Buble
By JJ
December 6, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this
Bing Crosby - White Christmas;
Michael Bolton - Little Drummer Boy;
Anything by Elvis;
Anyone who sings “Winter Wonderland”
The Chipmunks.
By East Cobb redneck
December 6, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
Joe Diffie, Leroy the redneck reindeer!
By Anne
December 6, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
Josh Groban’s rendition of Oh Holy Night, any version of What Child Is This?, David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s Little Drummer Boy, the “chestnut roasting” song….actually, any traditionally sung carol can make my holiday. I’m not into any “revisions” or some of the new stuff that’s out.
By NATIVE
December 6, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Joy to the World, Here Comes Santa Claus, Up on the Housetop, Sleighride are top favorites. Everything else is great too, but there are 2 that are completely loathesome; Winter Wonderland and Little Drummer Boy.
By Momof2
December 6, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey. My kids love it.
By Clayton Resident
December 6, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
“Every Year, Every Christmas” by Luther Vandross.
By Atlanta Native
December 6, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus is coming to Town Bruce Springsteen - Merry Christmas Baby Seymour Swine’s - Blue Christmas
By Red
December 6, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
It is not Christmas time until I hear “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives. Also, “Oh, Holy Night” by Johnny Mathis.
By One
December 6, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
“Santa Claus Go Straight to The Ghetto” by The Godfather of Soul…James Brown!
“Let It Snow” by Boyz to Men
By mel
December 6, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
To Momof2, I always thought “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” was by Shirley Temple. Thanks for the correction! That’s one of my boyfriend’s favorite songs!
By Patrick
December 6, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Two of my favorites include the Vienna Boys Choir version of “Little Drummer Boy” and the Boston Pops’ version (all instrumental with sound effects) of “Sleigh Ride.” Another version of that song has the same sound effects, but the lyrics. The complete lyrics. There’s one version, I forget who sings it, but she only sings the first verse over and over.
By LydiasDad
December 6, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
“Please Come Home for Christmas” by the Eagles.
By Rusty
December 6, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Hey JJ, I’m with you on ‘The King’. Hey One, I’ve never heard ‘The Godfathers’song your talkin about but I’m gonna find it. I’ll bet it’s way cool! Ya’ll know Big E and JB were tight. Man, to party with those two!?!
By Rachel
December 6, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
I have always loved O Holy Night, but one of my new favorites is Mary, Did you know? Every baby is precious, but can you imagine what it must have been like knowing you are holding the Son of God in your arms? It brings tears to my eyes everytime.
By Vernon Catron
December 6, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Old traditional tunes “Silent Night” is tops, Handel’s Mesiah is my favorite large piece. Modern tune that I like is “Mary, did you know”.
In my house we strive to remember the reason for the season.
By eric
December 6, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Anything done by Trans Siberian Orchestra, a heavy metal christmas, is awsome. Sprucing up old songs we love so well. Also Charlie Brown Christmas songs are great too. Favorite of all is Silent night. :)
By Diogenes
December 6, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
All the traditional songs are great … EXCEPT when “over-sung” by some Aretha Franklin wannabe, who thinks that incessant fluttering and warbling somehow adds something to an otherwise fine song. Whitney Houston immediately comes to mind here.
By One
December 6, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Rusty, try this link (copy and paste it)!
http://play.rhapsody.com/jamesbrown/funkychristmas/santaclausgostraighttotheghetto?didAutoplayBounce=true
By Kat
December 6, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
I love “Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant…Not a lot of people know it, but it makes me cry everytime I hear it.
Also “Carol of the Bells” as done by the Trans Siberean Orchastra.
By Hugh Martin
December 6, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Have yourself a merry little Chiristmas/It may be your last/Next year we may all be living in the past
By Jeff
December 6, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Trans Siberian Orchestra, Christmas Eve Sarajevo 24/7
I recently bought the CD that is on and must say that it is FULL of good music.
Personally though, I get rather sick of the ‘traditional’ songs rather quickly.
Nothing like hearing an acapella version of Silent Night after everyone is in bed on Christmas eve though…
By Kimi
December 6, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
I have several favorties that I MUST hear during the Christmas season!
Give Love on Christmas Day by Johnny Gill
Let It Snow by Boyz II Men
All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
I also love Handel’s Messiah!
And I REALLY love Quincy Jones’ Soulful adaptaion of the Messiah!
By Bob
December 6, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
“Country Christmas” by Roger Whitaker and “A Night To Remember” by Englebert Humperdinck
By Mandy
December 6, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
Manhiem Steamroller’s version of Silent Night reduces me to tears every single time!!!!
I have Christmas music on at my home 24/7. In the car I listen to B98.5 or 94.9 the Bull (both play constant christmas music), or my Christmas CD’s, which I seem to have amassed about 20.
By Rusty
December 6, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Thanks’One,’I’ll check it out! Diogenes, Boortz calls it “urban yodeling”.
By Jingle
December 6, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
My absolute all time favorite is “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” by anyone who sings it slowly and traditionally. My next favorite is “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas”.
By LydiasDad
December 6, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Christmas in Dixie…Alabama. Classic.
By Patrick Swayzee
December 6, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Grandma got ran ova by a raindeer
By Toni
December 6, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
This Christmas by Donnie Hathaway
By RJ
December 6, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
For me, it’s not Christmas until I hear Nat King Cole sing The Christmas Song. It’s still my all time favorite. Then there’s Donnie Hathaways This Christmas.
By Beverly
December 6, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
O HOLY NIGHT, by CeCe Winans SOMEDAY AT CHRISTMAS, by The Jackson Five
By Stanley
December 6, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
My absolute favorite is “Someday At Christmas” by Stevie Wonder.
It’s amazing how we are still living the same issues as when he recorded this song years ago.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
By Dusty
December 6, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas. It’s my favorite.
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole. The Four Aces do a nice job too.
O Holy Night by Johnny Mathis. Actually any Christmas song by Johnny Mathis. He opened 2 weeks ago with Winter Wonderland. Great song.
By Maria
December 6, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
My favorite is “Fairytale of New York,” by The Pogues. It’s about a couple of Irish immigrants who wind up in jail with the drunks on Christmas Eve. Sounds like a downer, but it’s really a lovely song.
I also love various instrumental versions of “Sleigh Ride” (particularly that Boston Pops version mentioned above), and any traditional rendition of “Silent Night” or “O Holy Night.” No drums or synthesizers, please.
“Updated” songs I like include Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan doing a jazzy version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
By ron
December 6, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Assuming I have to listen,right? Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas”.
By Dog Lover
December 6, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
My beloved 14 year old dog passed away Christmas Eve several years ago. Silent Night just tears me up, especially when they sing “Sleep in Heavenly Peace”. That gets me every time.
By Amy
December 6, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Definitely Breath of Heaven, Mary Did you Know, Manheim Steamroller Silent Night, and this year my boys and I are loving Relient K (boy band) Christmas Songs - just don’t listen to Good King Wenceslas - they were GOOFING around. They’re headbanger, then they do a beautiful version of Auld Lang Syne - go figure! Sounds like the arranger for Take 6. Fun!
By here_we_go
December 6, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
“Mary’s Boy Child” (Boney M) Bing & David (Drummer boy/ Peace)
By BD
December 6, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
I DON’T THINK ELVIS & LUTHER VANDROSS HAVE GREAT CHRISTMAS SONGS VOICES, JUST DON’T SOUND RIGHT TO ME.
VANESSA WILLIAMS, ANDY WILLIAMS AND NAT KING COLE VOICES I ALWAYS ENJOY LISTENING TO. OH, AND MAHALIA JACKSON CHRISTMAS SONGS ARE SOOOO SPRITUAL - WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT, BIRTH OF JESUS, NOT A FAKE SANTA. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY & A SAFE & WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!
By AlohaVampire
December 6, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
Porky Pig’s bbbbbbbbblue cccccccchristmas.
and of course… grandma got run over by a reindeer.
By Punkin
December 6, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
My favorites are The Little Drummer Boy sung by Yolanda Adams, This Christmas - Donnie Hathaway and Mary Did You Know sung by Clay Aikens
By Kenya
December 6, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
“This Christmas” By Donny Hathaway is the best christmas song ever. It puts you in a good mood!!!
By PM
December 6, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
By Sagegirl
December 6, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
The Hanukkah song by Adam Sandler. Funny, funny song.
By Dion
December 6, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
My favorite song is, Give Love On Christmas Day., which is performed by Johnny Gill.
By Ilene
December 6, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
O Holy Night by Michael Crawford is UNSURPASSED
All I want for Christmas by Vince Vance
Where are you Christmas from the Grinch movie
When my heart finds Christmas by Harry Connick Jr. — beautiful melody
By Ilene
December 6, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
O Holy Night by Michael Crawford is UNSURPASSED
All I want for Christmas by Vince Vance
Where are you Christmas from the Grinch movie
When my heart finds Christmas by Harry Connick Jr. — beautiful melody
By Homeschool Mom
December 6, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Mary Did You Know and John Berry’s version of O Holy Night
By Ilene
December 6, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
O Holy Night by Michael Crawford is UNSURPASSED
All I want for Christmas by Vince Vance
Where are you Christmas from the Grinch movie
When my heart finds Christmas by Harry Connick Jr. — beautiful melody
By sstroz
December 6, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
My all time favorite is “Santa BabY” Eartha Kitt, and also “This Christmas” Donnie Hatthaway. If youhave not seen the movie, your missing a treat.
By jennifer
December 6, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
John Berry ! any of his christmas cd’s are awesome.
also, kenny chesney’s all i want for christmas is a real good tan is a fun song.
By Oogie
December 6, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
I like the song “oogity in your boogity.”
By RB
December 6, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
I’m with you Toni. It’s not officially Christmas until I hear Donny!
By Nicole
December 6, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
My husband could listen to the Beach Boys sing Little Saint Nick all day.
By Tiffany
December 6, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Oh my there are so many but here it goes:
This Christmas by Donny Hathaway
Silent Night by The Temptations
Lullabye by Faith Evans
Let It Snow by Boyz to Men
Sleigh Ride by Johnny Mathis
Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas (I’m not sure who sings this)
AND Last but not least
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
Christmas jsut ain’t Christmas without these songs!!!!!
By Noelle
December 6, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
For specific performances, my favorites are Amy Grant, “Grown-Up Christmas List” and “Breath of Heaven”; Mark Lowry, “Mary Did You Know?”; and the Bing Crosby/Davie Bowie “Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth” duet. I also love the Leroy Anderson/Boston Pops “Sleigh Ride” and “Christmas Eve (12/24 Sarajevo)” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
I like nearly all of the “traditional” holiday songs, from “The Christmas Song” to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to “I Want A Hippopatamus for Christmas.” And there are few Christmas carols I don’t love, so I won’t try to list all my favorites of those! :)
By One
December 6, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Silent Night by The Temptations….very good!!!!
Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas (I’m not sure who sings this) The O’Jays!!!!!
By HaHa
December 6, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
“Christmas at Ground Zero” by Weird Al Yankovic “Walkin Round in Women’s Underwear” by Bob Rivers
By With the Joy of Christmas in my heart
December 7, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this
No matter who sings it “O Holy Night” is the best Christmas song ever….A very powerful reminder of who not only this season is about, but the entire year…and that is Jesus Christ….
By CC
December 7, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
“I want an elephant for christmas”. No that’s not a typo. It’s “elephant” not the one with the hippopotamous.