She Likes to Watch

I actually like “The Little Drummer Boy.” Alvin and The Chipmunks’ helium-voiced carols remind me of my childhood. And my first exposure to “Christmas Island” comes from The Andrews Sisters, not Jimmy Buffett.

Okay, so Pat and I don’t always agree. But we can agree that holidy music makes the season.

The following are a few of my favorite holiday albums:

“The Christmas Song,” Nat King Cole
Few singers convey the warmth and elegance of jazz and pop great Nat King Cole. His buttery voice shines on many of these traditional holiday songs, especially on the title track. As Pat explains below, it’s more commonly known for its first line, “Chesnuts roasting on an open fire.”

“The Bells of Dublin,” The Chieftains
When you bore of “Frosty the Snowman,” turn to the cheerful Celtic Christmas portrayed by Ireland’s beloved Chieftains.
Some of the traditional holiday songs from the Emerald Island sound familiar to American ears. Others don’t.
For instance, a few reference St. Stephen’s Day, Dec. 26. That’s Boxing Day in Britain.

“Christmas Caravan,” Squirrel Nut Zippers
One of the many bands inspired by the swing revival of the 1990s, Squirrel Nut Zippers also draw on early jazz, blues and western swing for their old-fashioned sound.
Listeners will chuckle at quirky songs like “Indian Giver,” whose narrator laments that Santa keeps stealing his presents. However, it’s the lovely, wistful “My Evergreen” that gets me every time.

“Oi to the World,” The Vandals
Punks and Christmas may not seem like the most natural pairing, but this goofy musical masterpiece speaks for itself. Enjoy high-energy, hilarious rockouts like “Oi to the World,” “A Gun For Christmas,” and the classic “My First Xmas, As A Woman.” Rated PG 13.

– Sarah L.