My Favorite Christmas Songs

I'm all about the lists apparently this week. However,  I haven't done a playlist post in a long time. Therefore, you're going to get TWO playlists this month!

Today, here are my top 10 Christmas songs I've been listening to that aren't faith based. (You'll get the faith-based one later.) Here they are in no particular order:

Believe- Josh Groban from the Polar Express soundtrack. 

I first saw The Polar Express with some of my friends in college my freshman year. We had randomly decided to drive back to my hometown and we saw it that night. I remember afterward we were so happy and full of Christmas spirit and we twirled around in the parking lot in the snow after. It was magical. I think of that night every time I watch the movie and hear this song. (And special shout-out to another song from the movie, "When Christmas Comes to Town." It's really touching.)

Cold December Night - Michael Buble

Guys - this song is just so stinking adorable. It doesn't really remind me of anything in particular. Only that it makes me happy and giddy.

Extraordinary Christmas - Glee

Of course I need a Glee shout-out, and this song is from my favorite Christmas episode. It's from season 3 when they did a black and white special. It was perfect and hilarious! This is Rachel and Blaine's "audition" for the special. I don't know why, but every time it comes up on my iPod I can't help but turn up the volume. It's another one that just makes me happy.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Judy Garland, Meet me in St. Louis
Nothing beats Judy Garland singing this song. Other people sing it well- but it's just not the same. My mom, sister, and I try to watch Meet Me In St. Louis every year. While it's not exactly a Christmas movie, it has some great Christmas scenes and of course this song. For the first couple of years when I lived in Missouri, my sister and I would drive up to Chicago on Christmas Eve and we would arrive just in time for this movie to be on TV. Or I remember the year my Grandma was first diagnosed with cancer and I watched this movie. The song brought me a lot of comfort because it reminded me that even though we have troubles, we can still have a merry Christmas.

I'll be Home For Christmas- Josh Groban

It really doesn't matter which version of this song I listen to. This is simply the first one I found on my iPod Christmas playlist. What's awesome, is that almost every year as I drive home for the Christmas holidays, by pure coincidence, this song comes on my iPod as I turn onto the streets of my hometown.

White Christmas- Bing Crosby

Naturally, this song is on the list. You really can't beat the classics and I love the movie too.

Baby it's Cold Outside- Glee Cast

To be clear- if you're judging me on how much I love Glee covers of songs... this really isn't the blog for you. And I thank my friends and family who read my blog who just roll their eyes and accept it.

But honestly, I never was a huge fan of this song. I didn't have problems with it, but it wasn't a favorite. Then, for some reason, when Kurt and Blaine start to sing it, I fall in love. We'll just add it to the list of reasons why I'm a bad youth minister. 

This Christmas Day- Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christmas Eve and Other Stories

Granted- this entire album is fantastic. It's not Christmas until you've listened to some TSO. But I love this song at the end of the album and the end of the story. How the father is so excited his daughter is coming home, everyone is joyous, and the angel can return to heaven to show God what he fount. It's... it's wonderful. Every year my group of friends from college would go to their concert and I was able to go my senior year. It was fantastic. This band was also a favorite of our friend Matt Nix who passed away (I hate that phrase by the way. But there really isn't a good way to say it) a couple of years ago. TSO was one of the few bands we both liked and whenever I listen to this album I think about him. Although his favorite song was "Old City Bar."

You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

I don't care if it's the original or the one from the Jim Carry version. This song is a classic. I love the story, I love both movies, and it's wonderful. When I was a kid, my sister and I had this big book which had 6 Dr. Seuess stories. I basically only read How the Grinch Stole Christmas because ... well... ITS THE GRINCH!

All I Want For Christmas is You- Mariah Carey, Merry Christmas

I'm pretty sure this is my all time favorite Christmas song that's not faith based. I don't know why. It doesn't bring back any special memories. Only that it's classic 90s and I love it. This is even my ringtone starting the day after Thanksgiving. It's fun and cute and sweet and it makes everything happy.

So, what are your favorite Christmas songs that you've been jamming out to this year?