For this revised list of go-tos, I did not look around me but backward... to 'yesteryear', if you will. Not enough can be said for the classics! I'm only just now beginning to appreciate them, but thanks to Christmas my knowledge and understanding has considerably expanded.
So without further ado, here is an annotated list of some my favorite Christmas media, old and new:
- The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole - Of course this song is nothing new, but it deserves to stay put. It is his smooth baritone voice and this song that cemented his status and icon.
- White Christmas by Bing Crosby - This was written by good old Irving Berlin and performed by Bing in Holiday Inn. It became so popular that it inspired another movie with Bing, White Christmas. It's a keeper!
- Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt - Who doesn't love a good tonge-in-cheek song?! If not for Eartha Kitt, this wouldn't be as enjoyable, but I'm just enamored by her voice.
- Jingle Bells by Ella Fitzgerald - Okay, Ella's voice is b-e-a-utiful and silky smooth, so I could pretty much listen to anything she sings and enjoy it time and again. Since I am limiting myself to just 1, I decided to pick this one because no one makes Jing Bells swing like Ella.
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland - Judy truly epitomizes old Hollywood and I really enjoy her recording in Carnegie Hall. I choose this because you can actually see her sing this in Meet Me in St. Louis. The only other person who is as amazing to see on screen is Audrey Hepburn; absolutely lovely.
- 'Zat You Santa Clause by Louis Armstrong - His is a voice as instantly recognizable as Eartha Kitt, if not more. I don't know a lot about this song other than I know I like it's jazzy, scat quality! You'll have a swingin' Christmas for sure!
- Linus and Lucy by Vince Guaraldi - I like a great singer as much as anybody, but you can't deny all the great instrumental Christmas songs out their. And who could deny A Charlie Brown Christmas from a little space on the list?
- Holiday Inn - This is a movie that made the song 'White Christmas' famous, and who else is in it but Mr. Christmas himself, Bing Crosby. And who doesn't like Fred Astaire?! It's got that good old fashioned charm that I can't get enough of. Only one caviat: Bing's performance at the Holiday Inn for Lincoln's Birthday let me a little speechless. If you've seen it you know what I mean; if you haven't you'll know when you do.
- White Christmas - Let me just say, "OMG!" I only just fell in love with this film a few years ago, but I fell hard. More great dancing and more great songs than Holiday Inn. I don't have the words to explain it any further... just watch! :)
- A Christmas Story - It was made in the 80s but portrays Christmas in the 40s. My dad raised me on this movie and I think he likes it so much because it bares similarities to his own experiences as a child. I still laugh everytime I see it!
- A Christmas Carol - I was joking before about Bing being Mr. Christmas becuase we all know that the original Mr. Christmas is Charles Dickens. There are so many different versions of this that is truly one of the most iconic and classic of all christmas stories. (I feel it important to note this; my favorite version of A Christmas Carol is the one with the Muppet's. You bet!)
So it's certainly not an exhaustive list, but it's enough to keep anybody warm while they're celebrating. Enjoy!
