Christmas Music for Tired Eardrums

Having been raised Jewish, we did not play Christmas music in my house when I was growing up. Of course though I heard it in school and everywhere else so I recognize the popular Christmas carols and songs. Yet for every “Tis The Season” there are a lot of other holidays songs that are far less popular and some are actually very pretty or a lot of fun to hear. Here are a few.

Since I was a child I’ve had a soft spot for Barbara Streisand. Her version of Steven Sondheim’s “I Remember” has a New York air to it, with references to “parks and bridges” and “ice like vinyl on the streets.” Honestly, Streisand could sing the Yellow Pages and I’d be happy but the colorful images she invokes in this song, “I remember leaves green as spearmint” are a refreshing break from “Jingle Bells.”

The Carpenters recorded a lot of Christmas tunes but one of the lesser-known tracks, “Merry Christmas, Darling,” I think stands out for its sweet simplicity.

For something more upbeat, Louis Prima’s “What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everybody Swinging)” will get you on your feet. Written during the height of swing, it’s hard to stay put with this one playing. Of course we’ve all heard Louis Armstrong’s renditions of numerous Christmas songs but the menacing, “Zat You Santa Claus,” will have you snapping along in no time.

If you like country music, “Christmas Times A-Coming” by Bill Monroe is a skippy tune that even those of us who are not big fans of the genre might tolerate. Personally, I’d go for the Johnny Cash version but Emmy Lou Harris and Ricky Skaggs are some other performers who’ve recorded it.

John Mellencamp’s “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” from 1987 is a hoot and not just for the lyrics but also for the preponderance of hair. If you want more 80’s, check out this kitschy number, “Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You,” from Billy Squire.

If you’re tired of the same old but want to keep the holiday spirit going, just do a search for lesser-known Christmas songs. There are plenty out there and even though a lot are not popular for good reason, some will give your eardrums a much needed break.