Top 20 Christmas Movies

Last night, the family and I broke the Christmas movie seal. We started with Love Actually, a first-of-the-season tradition. And so now is the time to begin watching all of the other wonderful Christmas movies over and over and over again. So, I'll begin unveiling the Top 20 Christmas Movies today and continue over the next few days.




20. Jingle All The Way (1996)

This one squeaks onto the list because of its portrayal of seeking after the 'must-have' gift of the year. Think Tickle-me Elmo. Sure, the acting is terrible, it stars the Gov-enator, and he is supported by none other than Sinbad. Still, it gets some elements of the Holiday spirit right. Don't stop reading this list - don't judge me just on number twenty.


19. Santa Clause Is Coming To Town (Claymation, 1970)

The lesser of the stop-action TV specials, this is the story of who Santa is and, if my memory serves me right, taught me my first words of German -Burgermeister (it means mayor). He's the bad guy, and Winter Warlock, he's bad too, but so cool at the same time. It's a long plot, and a bit complicated, but it's great to see one version of Santa Claus lore played out. And I haven't seen it in probably ten years, but it clearly has stuck with me.

18. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)

Most folks haven't heard of this one, or at least forgot about it. This is the tale about a village focusing on the clock maker, Mr. Trundle and his house mouse, Father Mouse. They are restless and it stems from the fact that Santa is angry at the residents of Junctionville, returning all their letters without even opening them. The reason? Somebody wrote a letter to the editor of the paper saying that he doesn't exist. In an attempt to fix the situation, Mr. Trundle comes up with a plan to lure Santa into town with having the town hall clock sing an enchanting song at midnight. When the clock doesn't work on its first test, the townsfolk lose all faith in him. Turns out the cause of all the trouble is Albert, a book-smart young mouse who thinks he knows the truth about Santa Claus. There are some great, memorable songs.

17. Polar Express (2004)
Maybe with time, this one will move up. It is a great book, and here it is presented with groundbreaking technology. At times the animation is a little creepy, and the story can drag at times. But overall, it is worth watching. Stacey and I saw it in IMAX 3-D a few years back. This one just doesn't have the emotional attachment that so many above it have.


16. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
This is fun, but by no-means comprable to the cartoon version. Jim Carrey does a remarkable job and bringing to live-action the slimy, writhing, over exaggerated faces and mannerisms of an inimmitable Dr. Seuss character. Some good chioces by director Ron Howard, some bad ones. But overall, well done.



15. Home Alone 2 (1992)
Many groans are certain to come with this one. Sure, it's even more contrived than the first one, with a laughable plot and questionable acting - but come on. There's the bag lady, the hotel hi-jinx, the music. Okay - let's be honest, it's just the sentiment of watching when I was young. Very few redeeming qualities, but it's the sentiment that counts.



14. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
What a classic. Great voice work. Great animation. Great music. Great characters. There really aren't any parts of this show that I don't like. The Santa voice is perfect, as are teh rabbits' sound effects. That is only 14 is a bit of a surprise to me - perhaps because it is only a half-hour. But I definitely look forward to it each year.


13. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Few Christmas TV specials have an entire soundtrack that is worthy of being an album - this one does it. With the help of Burl Ives, 'Holly Jolly Christmas became a standard in it's own right. From Herbie who "wants to be a dentist," to Yukon Cornelius, to the bouncing bumble (The Abominable Snowman), these are some of the most memorable Christmas characters from any movie. Don't forget 'Papa,' Santa Claus who miraculously puts all of his winter weight on between two scenes! Again, this one is surprisingly low. Too many great shows I guess. This is a must watch on CBS every year.

12. White Christmas (1954)
The song is a classic, and the movie may be a bit too old-fashioned for most folks, but it's just so classy. It's hard to beat Bing Crosby, especially when he is tap-tap-tapping with Danny Kaye. Rosemary Clooney pipes away as one of the "Sisters, never such devoted sisters." The final scene is just so picturesque and makes me want to own a bed-and-breakfast so that can put on a Christmas pageant and open the giant doors to a fresh snowfall. And yes, truth be told, I am dreaming of a White Christmas (even though this isn't where the song originated).


11. Love Actually (2003)
We usually start each Christmas season by watching this one. It's certainly not for everyone (especially because of a few scenes that may be awkward in group settings). But there are some fantastic moments - none better than the performance of "All I Want for Christmas." Excellent performances are turned in by Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, and Laura Linney.

In the News

Here are two stories on the topic of Christmas.
It seems the financial crisis is effecting the availability of Santa.
And there are some grinches in Lou-Who-isville.

- Country Faces Santa Shortage

- Lawyers stop Louisville Whoville.


By the end of the week, expect to see my Top 25 Christmas Movies. I'll start watching them Sunday, if anyone wants to join.

My Top 25 Christmas Songs

Here, you have my Top 25 Christmas Songs of All Time. Music has the power to conjure up memories and images of days gone by, of romanticized moments, of traditions with family. Because my family is VERY much into Christmas, I have a healthy Christmas music collection and therefore a lot of very distinct memories when it comes to the seasonal music. So, you may find yourself reading song titles or artists you've either never heard of or renditions you didn't know existed. I'd be glad to make you a mix-CD (even beyond what you see here).


A lot of factors went into the order and which renditions would make it. For example, O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas song, hands down. But I've never been fully satisfied with any one recording of it, nor is there any clear association with that song and any movies or moments from Christmas' past. So it peaks at number five on the list below. Other songs are great fun, or dramatically poignant, but don't lend themselves to being played as a single, over and over again, the entire season through. Durability is certainly an important factor. Some songs fit better within the context of their album, but can't stand alone. And all of us find ourselves listening to artists that we would otherwise never considered listening to outside of loosing a bet. These are the best twenty-five songs that can and do stand alone, every year, on my playlist.

So, without further introduction, here are the 25 Greatest Christmas Songs of All Time.


25. You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (Thurl Ravenscroft)

• The definitive version, with a deep voice and such wonderful lyrics. Such a clear picture is drawn of the creature with a heart three sizes too small. "Stink. Stank. Stunk.
  

24. Little Saint Nick (The Beach Boys)

• Fun and up-beat, I'm able to look beyond the fact that it's a song with re-written lyrics. The imagery of the Coca-cola bears sliding down the hill certainly helped squeak this one into the Top 25.

23. This Christmas (Straight No Chaser)

• I've always liked the feel of this non-traditional song, originally recorded by Joe, then remade my American Idol winter Reuben Studdard. This a capella version by a group from IU just feels good to belt out when driving alone.
  

22. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Nicole C. Mullen)

• This is certainly a darker, moodier song than any other on the list. It harkens to the sentiment in a pre-Christ world, of needing a Saviour.
  

21. Santa Claus (Harry Connick, Jr.)

• An instant classic. Everything that is right about this song is what we should hope to find in any new Christmas song we add to our collections. If only all of this album had this feel and tone.
  

20. Do You Hear What I Hear? (Whitney Houston)

• I've never really loved this song, not wholly understanding the lyrics. But with Whitney belting it out, it's easy to stop caring about the lyrics and just take in the force of her pipes.
  

19. Christmas (Please Come Home ) (U2)

• One of the better songs in the genre I call, rock-carols. It works great in movie soundtracks and is another great roadtrip song to be blasted far too loud.
  

18. Up On The House Top (The Jackson 5)

• If you haven't been exposed to the Jackson 5 Christmas, go get a copy right now. Yes, the music is clearly dated to circa 1973, but it's fun, it's throwback, and little Michael has some amazing vocals, creating a really fun sense of Christmas through kids eyes. Just detach yourself from the current state of Michael Jackson.
  

17. Baby, It's Cold Outside (Dean Martin)

• The first of three Dean Martin songs, it's a fun duet that makes you want to snuggle and cuddle and have a blizzard. If the version from Elf were available, it may
  

16. Silent Night (Boyz II Men)

• Another great a capella rendtion. Some wonderul, if not different harmonies created here. It adds depth and spice to a song that otherwise is pretty straightforward.
  

15. Winter Wonderland (Dean Martin)

• I'm surprised I put this so low, but there are just so many great songs. This is the second song from Dean.
  

14. Rocking Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee)

• This song just says Christmas party. Anyone else hear this and think of trains, Michael Jordan, a turntable, and partying while home alone?
  

13. All I Want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey)

• Probably the most popular new-classic in the Christmas canon. She does have an amazing voice, no doubting that.
  

12. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Vince Guaraldi Trio, Charlie Brown)

• It starts with humming, continues with stained, stlightly off-key kids voices, and finishes by melting my heart. Being part of the Charlie Brown soundtrack instantly qualifies it to be considered for the best ever.
  

11. Carol of the Bells (John Williams, Home Alone)

• Great song, great rendition. It leaves me with anticipation because of where it rests in the movie, Home Alone.
  

10. Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells (Andy Williams)

• Probably one very few have heard of. It's Christmas - higher, faster, louder. An adrenaline filled version that will force you to smile and get excited to string some lights.
  

9. Let it Snow! (Dean Martin)

• It just sounds so perfect. The imagery in the song just transports you to a beautiful winterscape and brings you into a total state of Christmas-minded wonderfulness.
  

8. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Andy Williams)

• It's the Most Wonderful song to go Christmas shopping to. If every store played this song every ten minutes, their sales would increase by 40-50%. Guaranteed.
  

7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Mel Torme)

• The Velvet Fog has a voice like no other. And here, it'll make you melt, 'like buttah.' Another one from the Home Alone soundtrack. Regardless of where it comes from, it's what you listening to when you've turned of the lights, snuggle with your wife on the couch, and stare at the Christmas tree.
  

6. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Bruce Springsteen)

• It's not Christmas unless you here this song. The Boss gives you fair warning about the list being checked, twice. The sax, the voice - it's just perfect really.
  

5. O Holy Night (Kelly Clarkson)

• The best rendition of this song I've found. It's not perfect, but it's close. She has the voice to pull it off, and again, a capella brings out some of the true beauty in the song. It's my favorite song, but because it lacks the real strength that instrumentation can provide, it will rest at fifth for now.
  

4. White Christmas (Bing Crosby)

• He is the voice of Christmas. A great movie, even though it was the second movie with this song in it, you've got to love the sentiment involved here. And who doesn't want a white Christmas, really?
  

3. Sleigh Ride (Arthur Fiedler & Boston Pops)

• I love this song. With lyrics or without, it's great. It paints a picture in your mind, it goes through a few different musical styles, and it just makes you want to hope in a sleigh and be pulled through the countryside, bundled up and cozy.
  

2. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts) (Nat King Cole)

• If it were put to a vote, this would probably be the number one song overall. From the very beginning, with the strings bringing it in, you picture a fireplace. You sing along, even if you don't like singing. And the veluptuous voice of Nat King Cole will bring you back to your senses when you're angry at the slow walkers in the mall, the girl who won't wrap your present quickly, the ridiculous traffic, or when you realize you've spent double your budget. This songs brings it all together.
  

1. Christmastime Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio, Charlie Brown)

• Because of the place that Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown has in my heart, this was a no-brainer. The message of the show is wonderful. The animation is memorable. The soundtrack is unbeatable. I'm not even entirely sure I can do justice to the song (or the album) here, with words. It's an original song. It's light jazz feel soothes even the hardest heart. The innocence and simplicity of kids voices singing it goes a long way, too. I'm sure there is even more to it, but for now, just go and listen to it. That's the best way for me to explain it to you - just listen for yourself.

From London

Sounds like merry old England needs a Christmas miracle:

Council Bans Christmas Carols

Top 25 Christmas Songs on the Radio

Here are the 25 Most Played Christmas Songs on the Radio (2002-2007):

1. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasing) by Nat King cole
2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by the Pretenders
3. Winter Wonderland by The Eurythmics
4. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town by Bruce Springsteen
5. White Christmas by Bing Crosby
6. Let It Snow! by Andy Williams
7. Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms
8. Little Drummer Boy by The Harry Simeone Chorale
9. Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes
10. Rudolsph the Red Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry
11. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams
12. I'll Be Home For Christmas by Vanessa Williams
13. Silver Bells by Kenny G
14. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
15. Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
16. Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley
17. Frosty the Snowman by The Ronettes
18. A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives
19. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Johnny Mathis
20. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by John Mellencamp
21. Here Come Santa Claus by Elvis Presley
22. Carol of the Bells by John Tesh
23. Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid
24. Home For the Holidays by The Carpenters
25. Santa Baby by Madonna

Coming This Weekend: Unveiling the My Top 25 Christmas Songs

Things To Look Forward To

Alright. Let's layout some goals for this blog.

I'll try to post three-to-four times a week from now through Christmas. You can look forward to seeing:

• My Top 25 Christmas Songs
• My Top 10 Christmas Movies
• My Top 10 Favorite Non-Traditional Songs
• The Top 25 Most Played Christmas Songs on the Radio
• Articles, videos, and pictures from across the country
• Lots of other things that've yet to be discovered
  

I'll also take questions and queries from anybody reading this. I'll be taking some polls along the way.

For now, I'll leave you with a short list of some of the new Christmas albums getting buzz this holiday season. I buy two new Christmas albums each year, before the season starts (what's the point of a new album at the end of the season?). One of the following albums made the cut. And remember, it's never to early to start listening, especially if you'll be un-knotting your lights next week.



The Christmas Collection
Frank Sinatra










Holiday Spirits
Straight No Chaser










What Night: A Christmas Album
Harry Connick, Jr.










Home For Christmas
Sheryl Crow









A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas
Kristen Chenoweth







Tomorrow: The 25 Most Played Songs on the Radio (2002-2007)

Christmas Movies at the Theater

Here is the list of the twenty highest grossing Christmas movies at the theater (1980-present):

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
2. The Polar Express (2004)
3. Elf (2003)
4. The Santa Clause (1994)
5. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
6. The Santa Clause 3 (2006)
7. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
8. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
9. Fred Claus (20007)
10. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
11. Jingle All the Way (1996)
12. Scrooged (1988)
13. Bad Santa (2003)
14. The Preacher's Wife (1996)
15. The Nativity Story (2006)
16. Deck the Halls (2006)
17. Jack Frost (19998)
18. Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
19. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
20. Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)

Obviously, inflation greatly effects who rise to the top in this list. There are a few from the 80's, but by-the-by, recent duds like Christmas with the Kranks and Fred Claus move up simply because of expensive ticket prices (and poor taste from audiences).

And just like the best albums with Manheim Steamroller, we are left to wonder how The Santa Clause franchise starring Tim Allen ended up with THREE in the top ten. I'll admit an enjoyment for the first movie, but three?! The shining moments for this top twenty come with The Nightmare Before Christmas at seven, Christmas Vacation at ten, and Scrooged at twelve.

Best Selling Christmas Albums

Here are the 10 Best Selling Christmas Albums of All-Time (US only):

• 10 - Beyond the Season by Garth Brooks (2.6 million copies sold)
  
• 9 - Faith: A Holiday Album by Kenny G (2.7 m)
  
• 8 - When My Heart Finds Chrimas by Harry Connick, Jr. (2.9 m)
  
• 7 - Now That's What I Call Christmas (vol. 1) by Various (3.2 m)
  
• 6 - Manheim Steamroller Christmas by Manheim Steamroller (3.3 m)
  
• 5 - Fresh Aire Christmas by Manheim Steamroller (3.5 m)
  
• 4 - Christmas in the Aire by Manheim Steamroller (3.6 m)
  
• 3 - Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey (4.8 m)
  
• 2 - These Are Special Times by Celine Dion (4.8 m)
  
• 1 - Miracles: The Holiday Album by Kenny G (7.2 m)
  

This list isn't terribly surprising. Young folk don't tend to spend a lot of money on Christmas albums. Older folk have bad taste in music - that's why three of the top ten are Manheim Steamroller and two are Kenny G. Yes, MS has their moments and their place in the Christmas canon, but seriously - three albums?!

I'm proud to say that I only own three of the top ten (Mariah Carey, Harry Connick, Jr., and Now Christmas).

'Tis The Season

Welcome to the "All Things Christmas" blog. That title may be a bit misleading: let me specify my intentions here this holiday season.

I'm going to blog about Christmas movies and music - polls, my personal rankings, interesting histories, news stories, etc. So, RSS or bookmark it and enjoy the ride. 'Tis the season!