Countdown to Winter Break: Top 11 Holiday Songs

Countdown+to+Winter+Break%3A+Top+11+Holiday+Songs

Emma Krewson, Contributor

 
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1. “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes

“Sleigh Ride” was originally released in February of 1948.  It has been considered a classic throughout many generations.  There have been multiple remakes of this particular song, but The Ronettes are the original singers and their version will forever be known as the classic.  The Ronettes were later incorporated in the popular musical, Little Shop Of Horrors.

2. “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey

Gayla Peevey was 10 years old at the time of the release to this exciting Christmas song.  Originally released in 1953, the song gained popularity in a short amount of time and ranked number 24 on the pop charts in December.  This song has been taken to a new level, as more stores have sold hippopotamus related gifts due to Peevey’s success at only 10 years old.

3. “All I Want For Christmas is You” by Vince Vance & The Valiants

This song was originally recorded and released by Vince Vance & The Valiants in 1990.  This song was later remade by Mariah Carey in 1994 and released with one of her holiday albums.  The original version has a very slow tempo, but it is a great song to cuddle up and listen to on the couch while waiting for the commercial to be over for one of your favorite holiday movies!

4. “Happy Holiday” by Andy Williams

“Happy Holiday” was originally sung by Bing Crosby and released in 1942. Andy Williams is just one of the many artists who have covered this particular song.  It is extremely upbeat and can put anyone into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re decorating the tree or lighting candles, this song will have everyone up on their feet and joining in the holiday fun!

5. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry

Gene Autry was the original performer of this song in 1939.  This song has become a traditional Christmas carol due to its first appearance in the movie, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.  Multiple artists, including Neil Diamond and Burl Ives, have covered this specific song and brought it into the 21st Century.

6. “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee originally performed this song in 1958.   Interestingly, Lee was only 13 years old when she recorded one of the most popular Christmas songs of modern day.  This song has been covered and remade by multiple old and new recording artists. This is one of those songs that you can listen to while decorating the tree because the song is about a Christmas tree.

7. “Run Run Rudolph” by Kelly Clarkson

This song was originally sung by Chuck Berry.  This version of “Run Run Rudolph,” sung by Kelly Clarkson, is a new and innovative way to interpret the piece.  Her cover is much faster and more upbeat than Chuck Berry’s version. Clarkson makes this song more relatable to the younger generations because it is faster and easier to dance to.

8. “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano

“Feliz Navidad” is one of the only Spanish songs that is popular in America. It is easy to understand because the song contains both the Spanish and English versions of a common saying during the holidays.

9. “The Chanukah Song” by Adam Sandler

“The Chanukah Song” has been a favorite funny holiday song for years. Adam Sandler sings about different artists who celebrate Hanukkah and playfully teases them.  He brings exposure to a holiday other than Christmas by incorporating humor into his song.

10. “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt is the original recording artist of “Santa Baby.”  This song has been remade by several big names in pop culture, including Ariana Grande, Madonna, and Gwen Stefani.  These women in pop culture have made this song one of the most popular in America during the holidays.

11. “Step Into Christmas” by Elton John

This song was released in 1974 by Elton John and has been playing on the Christmas radio station ever since.  This is the perfect song to sing in a holiday talent show or listen to while baking cookies. Elton John is one of the most widely known eccentric artists in history, and he does an amazing job bringing this song to life.  

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