What Are You Doing New Year's Eve - Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt

A friend of mine posted this yesterday, and I changed songs on us today! New Year's Eve has always been a fun time with family and friends in Memphis. We always bring in the new year with familiar faces and those we love around us. Here is a special song for a special time of the Holidays.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

I have always enjoyed O Come, O Come Emmanuel in the hymnal. When I was looking for a version that I liked on YouTube, I stumbled across this version. I had heard them cover something before, but I really thought this was share-worthy. Enjoy!

The First Noel - The Nylons

The Nylons 1994 Christmas Album, Harmony: The Christmas Songs was a favorite of mine growing up. This is my favorite version of the song that I've ever heard. I hope you enjoy it as much as I always have.

Believe - Josh Groban

If you have never seen Polar Express, you definitely should. Believe is such a beautiful song. Josh Groban has such a beautiful voice and it is a favorite of ours. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas, Darling - The Carpenters

There is something comforting about Karen Carpenter's voice. I was one of those "old soul" kids listening to "Rainy Days and Mondays" and "We've Only Just Begun" when I was in the 2nd and 3rd grade. Although Karen died tragically, her legacy still lives on today; through her talent and the knowledge of the disease she suffered from: anorexia nervosa. Thousands of girls across the U.S. suffer from eating disorders and poor self esteem. Karen Carpenter was one of the first celebrities to be on public display suffering from anorexia; helping to bring light to the need of counseling and help for other girls suffering from poor body image and eating disorders. The Carpenter's original song, "Merry Christmas, Darling" is one that makes me sit back and think about the year that has passed and what's to come in the New Year. It's a song that most likely isn't on anyone else's Christmas favorites list, but maybe that's why I like it so much- it's not so "conventional". May Karen's soul rest in peace; thanks for the music.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - 'N Sync

Chelsea and I are truly 90s babies. I had never seen the music video to this song; I was laughing too hard. She is more of a fan of Backstreet Boys, but 'N Sync was my boy band. Who didn't like Justin Timberlake's macaroni hair? Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

O Holy Night - Straight No Chaser

This version of O Holy Night quickly became my favorite version after I heard Straight No Chaser live for the first time back in 2009. This was their encore then and when Chelsea and I saw them in 2012. Both times they came back out for this song without their microphones; you could've heard a pin drop in the audience. Hearing this song again this year was so amazing. They streamed their concert on Monday, December 22, 2014 and I definitely listened to the replay of the live stream to hear what we missed the first time, but especially to get those chills again. Jerome really knows how to sang (sic).

Silent Night

This song makes me think about Christmas Eve services and singing Silent Night by candlelight as a church family.  It was a highlight wherever we were celebrating Christmas.

White Christmas - Bing Crosby

This song has been done by everyone and their grandmother, but few make it sound as good as the original. Bing Crosby has such a beautiful voice and does this song justice. White Christmas is the best selling single ever?!?  Who knew?  Enjoy!

Winter Wonderland - Kenny G

Who doesn't love Kenny G?  Enough Said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA265xf1NDM

Joseph's Lullaby - MercyMe

My parents and I have loved a Christmas song called Joseph's Song for a very long time.  When I was growing up we were always looking for new Christmas albums to collect and we saw that one track was called "Joseph's Lullaby" on the MercyMe's The Christmas Sessions.  Naturally we got it.  We were sad at first that it was not the song we were looking for, but this song quickly became a favorite Christmas Song.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNpsHJIIQSg

Lyrics

Go to sleep my Son
This manger for your bed
You have a long road before You
Rest Your little head

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?
Do You understand the price?
Or does the Father guard Your heart for now
So You can sleep tonight?

Go to sleep my Son
Go and chase Your dreams
This world can wait for one more moment
Go and sleep in peace

I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
But Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
Simply be my child

Go to sleep my Son
Baby, close Your eyes
Soon enough You'll save the day
But for now, dear Child of mine
Oh my Jesus, Sleep tight

Songwriters
FRED PRATT GREEN, RUSSELL SCHULZ-WIDMAR

Christmas Worship Medley - Israel and the New Breed

I loved doing this song when I was in Vocal Authority.  We cut out a couple of the songs, but it is essentially the same thing.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ-AgAeVPGw

Lyrics

We give You all the glory
We worship You, our Lord
You are worthy to be praised

We give You all the glory
We worship You, our Lord
You are worthy to be praised

For You alone are worthy
For You alone are worthy
For You alone are worthy
Jesus Christ the Lord

We give You all the glory
We give You all the glory
We give You all the glory
Jesus Christ (every knee shall bow at Your powerful Name)
Jesus Christ (Savior of the world, the Lamb who was slain)
Jesus Christ (You're the source of my strength, He who calls me friend)
Jesus (and i believe in God, the great I Am)
Jesus Christ the Lord

We are a moment, You are forever
Lord of the angels, God before time
We are a vapor, You are eternal
Love Everlasting, reigning on high

Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your Name
Be unto Your Name
Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, Jesus

Oh Lord, magnificent and holy is Your name
How excellent and worthy to be praised
Halleluia, halleluia to You, Lord
Lord, magnificent and holy is Your name

Halleluia, halleluia
Halleluia to Your Name
Halleluia, halleluia
Halleluia to the Lamb that was slain

Magnificent and holy is Your name
Magnificent and holy is Your name
Magnificent and holy is Your name

Halleluia
Salvation and glory
Honor and power
He is wonderful

Great is He
Who's the King of kings
And the Lord of lords
He is wondeful

Oh, halleluia
Halleluia
Halleluia
He is wonderful

Emmanuel, You are so wonderful
Prince of Peace, You are so wonderful
You are wonderful

We give You all the glory
We worship You our Lord
You are worthy to be praised
Worthy to be praised

Cold December Night - Michael Bublé

We had such a good time watching Michael Bublé's Christmas in New York last night.  We couldn't watch it live because we don't pay for cable and NBC doesn't reach our antenna in McKenzie.  I really loved that he sang this song unplugged like his warm ups before every concert that are posted to his social media sites.  If you haven't watched it, do so!  Watch it online below the lyrics on this post.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE6n9PbXxAg

Lyrics

Stockings are hung with care, as children sleep with one eye open
Well now there's more than toys at stake cause I'm older now, but not done hoping

The twinkling of the lights, as Santa carols fill the household
Old Saint Nick has taken flight with a heart on board, so please be careful

Each year I ask for many different things, but now I know what my heart wants you to bring

So please just fall in love with me, this Christmas
There's nothing else that I will need, this Christmas
Won't be wrapped under a tree, I want something that lasts forever, so kiss me on this cold December night

A cheer that smells of pine, a house that's filled with joy and laughter
The mistletoe says stand in line, loneliness is what I capture
Oh that this evening can be a holy night
Let's cozy on up by the fireplace and dim those Christmas lights

So please just fall in love with me, this Christmas
There's nothing else that you will need, this Christmas
Won't be wrapped under a tree, I want something that lasts forever, so kiss me on this cold December night

They call it the season of giving; I'm here, I'm yours for the taking
They call it the season of giving; I'm here, I'm yours

Just fall in love with me, this Christmas
There's nothing else that we will need, this Christmas
Won't be wrapped under a tree, I want something that lasts forever, cos I don't wanna be alone tonight

I'll wear you like a Christmas sweater, walk you proudly to the mistletoe tonight

I want something that lasts forever, so kiss me on this cold December night

They call it the season of giving; I'm here, I'm yours for the taking
They call it the season of giving; I'm here, I'm yours

Songwriters
Rock, Robert Jens / Buble, Michael / Chang, Alan

Count Your Blessings - White Christmas Cast

White Christmas is a must for me every year.  This is not necessarily a Christmas Song, but it is one of the best in the movie that I must watch ever year.  Thanks, mom and dad.

Lyrics

When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessing instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

When my bankroll is gettin' small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I think about a nursery
And I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them
As they slumber in their beds

If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings

So if you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings

Songwriters
PORTER, COLE

Silver And Gold - Burl Ives

You have to love this song from Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.  This movie was on every year while we were both growing up.  Enjoy!

Lyrics

Silver and Gold
Silver and Gold
Everyone wishes for Silver and Gold
How do you measure its worth?
Just by the pleasure it gives here on Earth
Silver and Gold
Silver and Gold means so much more when I see
Silver and Gold decorations on every Christmas tree
(Background)
Silver and Gold
Silver and Gold
Everyone wishes for Silver and Gold
Silver and Gold
Silver and Gold means so much more when I see
Silver and Gold decorations on every Christmas tree

Songwriters
JOHNNY MARKS

Where Are You Christmas? - Faith Hill

When I was in the 5th grade, my voice teacher and church minister of music, wrote an original play called "The House Without Christmas" for our church theatre group to put on. I played Mary, the young daughter of an angry widower who no longer celebrated Christmas after his wife passed. A particular scene showed the father blowing up in anger at Mary spilling a glass of juice on his lap. She runs to her room in tears and sings the song, "Where Are You Christmas?". I still remember today how I felt at that moment on the stage; filled with emotion and sadness for the character, Mary, who desperately wanted to be loved and close to her father again. In fact, tears are filling my eyes as I write this little blurb!!! I think that show was a defining moment in my young life; it showed me the power of music- when a character or person no longer has the words to say what they feel and must sing about it. It also made me realize those around me hurting and scarred from circumstances in their lives, sometimes beyond their control. But most importantly, it showed me the power of God's grace; the healing He gives us when we surrender to Him.

This song is so special to me; I have sung it many times since then. Though I am all grown up, married, and on the brink of college graduation, I am still that little girl on that stage so many years ago.

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon

This Christmas song is such a classic.  Please enjoy!  Below is a playlist of the last couple of weeks' music.

Lyrics

So, this is Christmas
And what have you done?
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Lets hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The road is so long

And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so happy Christmas
We hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

War is over
If you want it
War is over
Now

Songwriters
Yoko Ono;John Lennon

Christmas Music Playlist

Baby It's Cold Outside ft. Michael Bublé - Idina Menzel

This song has been covered so many times.  It is on so many Christmas albums, I can't believe that we found one that is so good.  Idina Menzel (aka Adele Dazeem) has a cool new Christmas album called Holiday Wishes.  The video that accompanied this song is really what was the best though.  I hope you enjoy!

Lyrics

I really can't stay
Baby, it's cold outside
I've got to go away
Baby, it's cold outside
This evening has been
Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice
I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
My mother will start to worry
Beautiful, what's your hurry?
My father will be pacing the floor
Listen to the fire place roar
So really I'd better scurry
Beautiful, please don't hurry
But maybe just half a drink more
Put some records on while I pour

The neighbors might think
Baby, it's bad out there
Say what's in this drink?
No cabs to be had out there
I wish I knew how
Your eyes are like starlight now
To break this spell
I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell
I ought to say no no no, sir
Mind if I move in closer?
At least I'm gonna say that I tried
What's the sense in hurting my pride?
I really can't stay
Baby, don't hold out
Baby it's cold outside
(You're very pushy you know)
(I'd like to think of it as opportunistic)

I simply must go
Baby, it's cold outside
The answer is "No"
But, baby, it's cold outside
This welcome has been
How lucky that you dropped in
So nice and warm
Look out the window at that storm
My sister will be suspicious
Gosh your lips look delicious
My brother will be there at the door
Waves upon a tropical shore
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious
Gosh your lips are delicious
But maybe just a cigarette more
Never such a blizzard before

I've got to get home
Baby, you'll freeze out there
Say, lend me a coat?
It's up to your knees out there
You've really been grand
I thrill when you touch my hand
But don't you see
How can you do this thing to me?
There's bound to be talk tomorrow
Think of my life-long sorrow
At least there will be plenty implied
If you got pneumonia and died
I really can't stay
Get over that hold out
Baby it's cold
Baby it's cold outside
Okay, fine, just another drink
I took alot of convincing

Songwriters
FRANK LOESSER

Opera Of The Bells - Destiny's Child

I remember Destiny's Child singing this song at the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza when their album came out.  Dad and I just had to get 8 Days of Christmas after hearing this song.  Enjoy!

Lyrics

Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say throw cares away
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold

Ding-dong, ding-dong, that is their song
With joyful ring, all caroling
One seems to hear, words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air

Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here
Merry merry merry merry Christmas
Merry merry merry merry Christmas
On and on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home
Ding-dong ding-dong, ding-dong ding-dong
Ding-dong ding-dong, ding-dong ding-dong
Ding (ding ding ding), dong (ding ding ding)
Ding (ding ding ding), dong (ding ding ding)
Ding (ding ding ding), dong (ding ding ding)
Ding (ding ding ding), dong (ding ding ding)
Ding, di-di-di-di-di-di-di-ding, ding, di-di-di-di-di-di-di-ding
Ding, di-di-di-di-di-di-di-ding, ding, di-di-di-di-di-di-di-ding
Ding, di-di-di-di-di-di-di-ding, ding, di-di-di-di-di-di-di-ding
Ding, di-di-di-di-di-di-di-ding, ding, di-di-di-di-di-di-di-ding
Ding, di-di-di-di-di-di-di-ding, ding, di-di-di-di-di-di-di-ding

Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say throw cares away
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold

Ding-dong, ding-dong, that is their song
With joyful ring, all caroling
One seems to hear, words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air

Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here
On and on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home
To every home (ooh, ooh), to every home (ooh, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh)
To every home (ooh, ooh), to every home (ooh, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh)
To every home (ooh, ooh), to every home (ooh)

Ding (oh-oh), dong (oh-oh)
Ding (oh-oh), dong (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Ding (oh-oh-oh oh-oh-oh), dong (oh-oh-oh oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Ding (ding ding ding ding ding), dong (dong dong dong dong dong)

Ding (ding-dong ding-ding), ding (dong-ding ding-ding)
Ding (ding-dong ding-ding), ding (dong-ding ding-ding)

Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say throw cares away
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold

Ding-dong, ding-dong, that is their song
With joyful ring, all caroling
One seems to hear, words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air

Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here
Merry merry merry merry Christmas (merry merry merry)
Merry merry merry merry Christmas
On and on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home

Ding, ding, dong, dong
Ding ding ding ding ding
Ding ding ding ding ding
Ding ding

DONG

Songwriters
Beyonce Giselle Knowles

Grown Up Christmas List - Kelly Clarkson

I think Kelly Clarkson gets overlooked many times when we think of the "Divas" of our time- Whitney, Christina, Carrie, Mariah, Celine, and the latest, Beyonce. But let's be honest, Kelly has some pipes! You can really hear her incredible talent on her Christmas album, Wrapped in Red. I love Kelly's version of "Grown Up Christmas List" because of the soulful, sometimes raspy tones to her voice. I will never forget the first summer American Idol came on and seeing Kelly win the title; "A Moment Like This" was on repeat after she released it as a single.

Enjoy!

Lyrics

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
with childhood fantasies

Well I'm all grown up now
Can you still help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts

And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up Christmas list

As children we believe
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath the tree

But heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal a hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal our hearts

And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, no
This is my grown up Christmas list

What is this illusion
Called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief
Can we ever find the truth
Ohhh

No more lives torn apart
(No more torn apart)
That wars would never start
(Never start)
And time would heal all hearts
(Oh, hearts)

Everyone would have a friend
(One would have a friend)
And right would always win
(Would always win)
And love would never end
(Never, never end, no)

This is my grown up Christmas list
This is my only lifelong wish
This is my grown up Christmas list

Songwriters
FOSTER, DAVID / THOMPSON, LINDA N

I'll Be Home For Christmas - Rascal Flatts

Can you tell that I am a little bit obsessed with A cappella music?  Here is an a cappella version of I'll Be Home For Christmas by Rascal Flatts, who is not usually known for their abilities without a band.

Lyrics

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree

Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

I'll be home, I'll be home
If only in my dreams
I'll be home, I'll be home
If only in my dreams

I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree

Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

I'll be home, I'll be home
If only in my dreams

Songwriters
WALTER KENT, KIM GANNON, BUCK RAM

Angels We Have Heard On High - A Very A Cappella Christmas

The best versions of this song are a cappella.  It was hard to just choose one. Here is the newest one that I've come to love:

Lyrics

Check your nearest Hymnal

Jingle Bells? - Barbra Streisand

My mom has always loved Babs, so this version of Jingle Bells is forever burned in my brain.  It is such a cool way to do a classic Christmas Song.

Enjoy!

Lyrics

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey.

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

We're dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
All the fields we go
Laughing all the way, hey hey hey hey hey
Bells on bob-tail ring
Making spirits bright
Oh what fun it is to sing
A sleighing song tonight.

Oh Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

A day or two ago
I thought I'd take a ride
And soon Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side;
The horse was lean and lank
Misfortune seemed his lot,
He got into a drifting bank
And then we got upsot.
"Upsot"?

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

Dashing through, the fields of white
On this happy Christmas night
Off we go through the snow
Bells are ringing, we'll be singing
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle bells, Jingle bells Jing jangle
Jingle bells, Jingle bells Jing jangle
Jingle bells, Jingle bells Jing jangle
Jingle bells, Jingle bells Jing jangle
JJJJJJJingle bells, JJJJJJangle bells
JJJJ al the way

On a one-horse open sleigh

Songwriters
JOJIC, BORIS / PIERPONT, JAMES N

Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys

This song is such a classic!  If this song doesn't make you smile then you probably are a scrooge.

Enjoy!

Lyrics

Oooooooo
Merry Christmas Saint Nick
Christmas comes this time each year

Well way up north where the air gets cold
There's a tale about Christmas
That you've all been told
And a real famous cat all dressed up in red
All he spends all year workin' out on his sled

It's the little Saint Nick
Little Saint Nick
It's the little Saint Nick
Little Saint Nick

Just a little bobsled we call the old Saint Nick
But she'll walk a toboggan with a four speed stick
She's candy apple red with a ski for a wheel
And when Santa hits the gas man just watch her peel

It's the little Saint Nick
Little Saint Nick
It's the little Saint Nick
Little Saint Nick

Run run reindeer
Run run reindeer
Whoaa
Run run reindeer
Run run reindeer

He don't miss no one

And haulin' through the snow at a frightening speed
With a half a dozen deer with Rudy to lead
He's got to wear his goggles cause the snow really flies
And he's cruisin' every path with a little surprise

It's the little Saint Nick
Little Saint Nick
It's the little Saint Nick
Little Saint Nick

Oooooooo
Merry Christmas Saint Nick
Christmas comes this time each year

Oooooooo
Merry Christmas Saint Nick
Christmas comes this time each year

Oooooooo
Merry Christmas Saint Nick
Christmas comes this time each year

Songwriters
WILSON, BRIAN DOUGLAS / LOVE, MIKE E.

Recap of last week's Christmas Music:

Text Me Merry Christmas - Straight No Chaser

The new single by Straight No Chaser (yes I am writing about them again so soon) is so hilarious.  It also strikes a chord with us.  For the first two years of our relationship we were not together on Christmas day.  I went to Texas/Oklahoma to visit my family for Christmas.  We texted quite often, especially when the Michael Bublé Christmas Special was on!  I love that they had Kristen Bell sing with them on this track.  They recently released their music video.  Enjoy!



Here is the version that they performed on Thursday's Today Show with Laura Osnes!

Lyrics

Kristen:
This holiday
You'll be far away
And I'll be all alone
So please remember
This December
To fully charge your phone
And

Text me Merry Christmas
Let me know you care
Just a word or two
Of text from you
Will remind me you're still there
You don't have to add much to it
One smiley face will do
Baby text me Merry Christmas
Cause I'm missing kissing you

Mike:
Text me Merry Christmas
Make my holiday complete
Though you're far from me
Say you'll brb
That's a text I'll never delete
Choose just the right emoji
One that makes me lol
And if you text me something naughty
I promise I won't tell

Kristen and Mike:
I don't care if you spell things right
I just want to hear from you tonight
Stroke those keys with your delicate touch
And type those little words that mean so much!

Mike:
Hi

Kristen:
Hey

Mike:
How are you

Kristen:
Ok

Mike:
Miss u

Kristen:
Miss u too

Mike:
Xmas sucks without you

Kristen:
I know lol

Mike:
Love u

Kristen:
Love u 2

Mike:
Kthxbye

Kristen and Mike:
A facebook message isn't quite as sweet

Kristen:
A need more from @you than just a tweet

Mike:
A snap on snapchat doesn't last

Kristen and Mike:
And voicemail? That's from Christmas past

Text me Merry Christmas
Send a selfie too
If you do, I'll go
'Neath the mistletoe
And pretend my screen is you
Show me that you love me
Text xo to kiss and hug me
I'll be right here waiting
For my pants to start vibrating
Baby text me Merry Christmas
And I will text you too
This Christmas
It's the least that we can do

Merry Christmas!

Written by Adam Schlesinger and David Javerbaum

All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

Despite her most recent performance of this song that has gone viral from a leaked recording of her less-than-perfect vocals, I have always loved this song and in fact, Mariah Carey's entire Merry Christmas album. This is also one of my favorite Christmas songs to perform. Every year, starting with 8th grade Honors Choir, we would put together a Christmas choral show and several of the students would get to perform their own solo. This was always the one I chose- even up through high school. Last year at the annual performance of Christmas on Broadway at the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon,TN, I got the opportunity to perform it with some fellow musicians in the style of Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show featuring The Roots; instead of a band, they used things like toy xylophones, bongo drums and kazoos. It was so much fun! I think everyone can agree that this song's fun, upbeat, tempo and lighthearted lyrics make it one of the best Christmas party songs of all time. Down below is both the original version and The Roots version! Enjoy!



Here is the original music video: (so 1994...)

Lyrics

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree.

I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas
Is you, you yeah.

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
And I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree.

I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day.

I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You baby.

Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
And I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe.

I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click.

'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do?
Baby all I want for Christmas is you,
You Baby.

Oh, all the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air.

And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa, won't you bring me the one I really need?
Won't you please bring my baby to me?

Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door.

Oh, I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is
You, You baby.

All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby.

Songwriters
AFANASIEFF, WALTER / CAREY, MARIAH

The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) - The Chipmunks

This song got played on cassette more time that either of us can count.  It is such a classic!  I never was much of a fan of any other versions, especially the one from the movie a few years ago.

The wikipedia article on the song is pretty cool.  Who knew that Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. (a.k.a. David Seville) got 3 Grammy's for the song?!?!  Stay tuned for more of our favorite Christmas songs.  If you have not subscribed to our posts by email, please do so!  Enjoy:

Lyrics

All right you Chipmunks
Ready to sing your song
I'll say we are, yeah
Let's sing it now
Okay, Simon?
Okay
Okay, Theodore?
Okay
Okay, Alvin? Alvin? Alvin
Okay

Christmas, Christmas time is near
Time for toys and time for cheer
We've been good but we can't last
Hurry Christmas, hurry fast
Want a plane that loops the loop
Me, I want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late

Okay fellas, get ready
That was very good, Simon
Naturally
Very good Theodore
Ah, Alvin, you were a little flat, watch it
Ah, Alvin, Alvin, Alvin
Okay

Want a plane that loops the loop
I still want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late

Very good, boys
Let's sing it again, yeah, lets sing it again
No, That's enough, lets not overdo it
What do you mean overdo it?
We want to sing it again
Now wait a minute, boys
Why can't we sing it again?
Alvin, cut that out Theodore, just a minute
Simon will you cut that out, boys

Songwriters
BAGDASARIAN, ROSS SR.

Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Mary Did You Know? - CeeLo Green

I have heard this song countless times over the years, but when CeeLo came out with his cover of Mary Did You Know? in 2012, I didn't care who else sang it again.  This is such a perfect version of the song and I couldn't have been more pleased with it.  The video below is a little strange, but I wanted to link to the one from his YouTube channel.  (It looked like a fire hazard to me)

Enjoy!



Honorable mention would have to be Pentatonix's version that came out on the That's Christmas To Me album.

Again, Enjoy!

Lyrics

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
And this child that you delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy would give sight to the blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy would calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kissed your little baby
You kissed the face of God
Oh, Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know?

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heavens perfect lamb?
And this sleeping child you're holding
Is the great I Am

Songwriters
LOWRY, MARK/GREENE, BUDDY

Published by
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

12 Days of Christmas - Straight No Chaser

Straight No Chaser is such an awesome group.  I really enjoyed the following video six years ago when it was released on Randy of Straight No Chaser's YouTube Account.  That video from 1998 brought some of the original group back together to record albums and tour together.  Straight No Chaser (SNC) was first formed at Indiana University by college students and now they are singing with very famous people.  I have always loved a cappella music, so it was really cool to see a group get so much success with the style.  I got to see them for the first time live in 2009 with my grandparents.

Chelsea and I have a SNC poster hanging in our living room from December 13, 2012 when we went to see them together at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.  I also got to sing 12 Days of Christmas like this in my days with Bethel University Renaissance's Vocal Authority!  It was fun to be the pariah of the song when I sang out of turn.  This is the original video that started their modern success.  Enjoy!

Lyrics

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree
On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me
2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

On the 4th day of Chris

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me
5 golden rings!
4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me
(On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me)
9 ladies dancing, 8 ladies dancing
(8 maids a-milking, 7 maids a-milking)
7 ladies dancing, 6 ladies dancing
(6 maids a-milking)
5!
Better not shout, you better not cry
You better not, in a pear tree

On the 9th
No!
On the 8th
No!

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me
(Deck the halls with boughs of holly)
7 swans a-swimming, 6 geese a-laying
(Here we come a-wassailing, among the leaves so)
5 golden rings!
(Fa la la la)

4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves
(Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green)
The boar's head in hand bear I bedeck'd with bays
And partridge in a pear tree

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me
11 pipers piping, 10 lords a-leaping
(Ding, dong)
9 ladies dancing, 8 maids a-milking
(Ding, dong)
7 swans a swimming, 6 geese a laying
(Ding, dong)
5 golden rings, 4 calling birds
3 french hens, 2 turtle doves
And Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me
I have a little dreidel, I made it out of clay
And when it's dry and ready, a dreidel I shall play
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel,
Sorry...

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me

On the 12th day my true love gave to me
12 drummers drumming like Olympus upon the Serengeti
11 pipers piping, 10 lords a-leaping!

9 ladies dancing they were dancing for me
8 maids a-milking, they were milking just for me
I had Christmas down in Africa
I had Christmas down in Africa

I had Christmas down in Africa
(5 golden rings!)
I had Christmas down in Africa
(5 golden rings!)
I had Christmas down in Africa
(5 golden rings!)
Gonna deck the halls and do the things we never had

dooo doo doo do do doooooooo
dooo doo doo do do doooooooo

Partridge in a big pear tree
Partridge in a big pear tree

Songwriters
Gillespie, Haven / Coots, J. Fred / Paich, David / Porcaro, Jeff / Marks, John D. / Writers, Unknown

Published by
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

The Gift - Jim Brickman

"The Gift" is a duet that Chelsea and I would love to do one day.  I was introduced to the song by Chelsea when we first started dating.  She sang it a very long time ago at church.  Each day is a gift together and we are so very thankful for all we have.

This is day 2 of our favorite Christmas songs.  Please stay tuned for more of our favorites.



In drafting today's post we did not even think about today being the 2nd of December.  We've been married four months!

Winter snow is falling down
Children laughing all around
Lights are turning on
Like a fairy tale come true

Sittin' by the fire we made
You're the answer when I prayed
I would find someone
And, baby, I found you

And all I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more everyday
You saved my heart from being broken apart
You gave your love away and I'm thankful everyday, for the gift

Watching as you softly sleep
What I'd give if I could keep
Just this moment
If only time stood still

But the colors fade away
And the years will make us gray
But, baby, in my eyes
You'll still be beautiful

And all I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more everyday
You saved my heart from being broken apart
You gave your love away and I'm thankful everyday, for the gift

And all I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more everyday
You saved my heart from being broken apart
You gave your love away
I can't find the words to say
And I'm thankful everyday, for the gift

Songwriters
DOUGLAS/BRICKMAN

Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

That's Christmas To Me - Pentatonix

"That's Christmas To Me" is one of the best Christmas songs (the video to accompany it is pretty awesome too) I've heard in awhile (the whole album is pretty awesome).  It really got me to thinking about the Christmas season and how much Christmas music has always been a part of my life and Chelsea's life.  Music is a huge part of Christmas traditions.  This is a special Christmas to us, being that it is our first Christmas as a family.

We are going to post every day of Advent and continue through Christmas (Christmas end's January 6 for Epiphany) about Christmas songs that are special to us.  We had fun sitting down and coming up with the initial list of music that is important to us in this holiday season.  Join us in this journey.  Subscribe by email (look to your right) so you don't have to rely on your Facebook timeline to deliver these posts to you.

The fireplace is burning bright, shining along me
I see the presents underneath the good old Christmas tree
And I wait all night 'til Santa comes to wake me from my dreams
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me

I see the children play outside, like angels in the snow
While mom and daddy share a kiss under the mistletoe
And we'll cherish all these simple things wherever we may be
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me

I've got this Christmas song in my heart
I've got the candles glowing in the dark
I'm hanging all the stockings by the Christmas tree
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me

I listen for the thud of reindeer walking on the roof
As I fall asleep to lullabies, the morning's coming soon
The only gift I'll ever need is the joy of family
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me

I've got this Christmas song in my heart (song in my heart)
I've got the candles glowing in the dark
I'm hanging all the stockings by the Christmas tree
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me

Oh, the joy that fills our hearts and makes us see
Oh, why? Cause that's Christmas to me

I've got this Christmas song in my heart
I've got the candles glowing in the dark
And then for years to come we'll always know one thing
That's the love that Christmas can bring
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me

Songwriters
KATY LOU CLARK, PENNY LEA CLARK

Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Pentatonix