It’s Christmas music time! The majority of my Christmas memories have a soundtrack and the 1987 “A Very Special Christmas” CD jacket image is burned into my mind. I remember watching the Band-Aid video for “Do They Know It’s Christmastime at All?” and Bing Crosby/David Bowie “Little Drummer Boy” collaboration on VH1. I still play many of the classics in my house with my children, and my husband brings a few from his upbringing in, as well. Thanks to Smart devices, it’s also pretty easy to learn some new ones! I love watching my kids dance around to the songs we loved and I love watching them fall in love with ones that I didn’t necessarily listen to or enjoy as a child. To help you out, here’s 20 songs for your 2020 Christmas that you and your family will enjoy!
1) Step into Christmas
I did this song with third-grade for a few years and nearly every student loved it as much as I do. My youngest puts on his funky sunglasses and sits at our piano while my oldest claps the beat. It’s hard to go wrong with Elton!
2) I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
While we all enjoy this song here, we’re slightly divided as to which version. I’m partial to John Mellencamp’s version — My dad and I even danced to this at the father-daughter dance at my June wedding. My daughter loves the Jackson 5’s version and refers to it as the “Santa’s kissing Mom” song.
3) Underneath the Tree
From the minute we heard this one, we were dancing. But not actually underneath the tree, because that’s dangerous.
4) Mele Kalikimaka
This one is most famous by Bing Crosby, but we adore Jimmy Buffet’s cover. Maybe it’s the Parrothead in us, but this song is a great way to bring some summer feeling to Christmas. Also, was anyone else way too old when they learned the lyric is actually “Mele Kalikimaka is HAWAII’S way…?”
5) Christmas All Over Again
Maybe it’s the big bells, maybe it’s the Home Alone 2 nostalgia. But either way, Tom doesn’t let us down.
6) Christmas Means to Me
This song has been performed so many times: Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Train, Straight No Chaser, Cee Lo, Pentatonix… it just keeps going. At any given time, we could listen to any of these!
7) Santa’s Comin’ For Us
This is another favorite in my house and my oldest walks around singing the “oh, oh oh oh…” part from the beginning. It will definitely put some pep into your step!
8) I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
I mean, it’s just so silly! You can’t get a hippopotamus in the house!
9) The Chipmunk Song (Christmas, Don’t Be Late)
Another song heavy on the nostalgia, down to the “ALVIN!” yell.
10) You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
Thurl’s unique voice is absolutely timeless. Fun fact, he was also Tony the Tiger!
11) Run, Rudolph, Run
Truth be told, my kids ask for this on our Smart device throughout the entire year, and always a different version. Chuck Berry, Brian Adams, and Kelly Clarkson each have their own unique take on the song that fit whatever mood you’re in.
12) Keep Christmas With You
I have vivid memories of watching this 1978 Sesame Street Christmas “Christmas Eve on Sesame Street” on a green VHS tape. We now watch with the kids every year, and this year we took it a step further learning this song in sign language, as well. In true Sesame Street fashion, the message of the song is a beautiful reminder. “These precious moments, hold them very dear. And keep Christmas with you all through the year.”
13) Jingle Bell Rock
Even with this song as a household staple, the Mean Girls scene is always on the forefront of my mind. My kids, however, love the guitar.
14) Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
A very popular one, but one with several great versions. Bruce’s cover is a classic, the Jackson 5 version is easy to dance to, and the Pointer Sister’s version brings me back to baking bread in my childhood kitchen.
15) Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
We have to remind them not to try and actually dance AROUND the tree, but still a classic.
16) Christmas Wrapping
My daughter always gets a kick out of me knowing all of the words to this one. “You mean you forgot cranberries, too???”
17) Little Saint Nick
Maybe it’s the summer vibes again, but we love this one!
18) Last Christmas
My kids love the synth on this one. I love it, but I actually play a game with my friends to see how long into December we can get before we hear this song.
19) Baby Please Come Home
Love that Phil Spector Wall of Sound. Darlene Love fills the house with this classic during the Christmas season.
20) Christmas is the Time To Say “I Love You”
Maybe this year more than ever, the message in this upbeat rock song is so perfect.
Tell us, what are some other Christmas songs you and your children listen to?
