Since I am not a Christian (or even a lapsed Christian) I have no reason to feel any sentimentality toward Christmas or toward music on that topic, so I am not one of the more appreciative listeners to that genre, in general.  I do, however, find that Burl Ives' "Holly Jolly Christmas" is very beautifully sung.  I am also somewhat fond of "I'm Walking Backwards For Christmas" by the Goons.  This is a truly surrealistic song, and I enjoy musical surrealism.  The Christmas song that I most dislike is "Santa Baby" (in any version).  This song seems to deliberately emphasize the most tawdry aspect of Christmas, in a simpering manner that I find truly loathsome.

I've always been a fan of "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "The Holly and the Ivy." But if someone ever promises me that I'll never be subject to "The Little Drummer Boy" again, I will weep openly with joy.

    I admit being surprised that one song and its two biggest variations didn't make either list: the original "The Twelve Days of Christmas", and Alan Sherman's, and Bob & Doug McKenzie's versions. The original I can see not getting played enough to stick out, since it is the Iron Man marathon of Christmas music, but seasonal programming must have changed since my youth if the Sherman song isn't still getting some serious rotation. I guess the McKenzie's version would only get play on classic rock stations; I haven't listened to commercial radio in years-- can anyone tell me if it's still a three times a day level parody?
    Speaking of parodies, I was happy to see that one of my favorites is on the Net: I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus by Kip Addotta. Not a song that would hold up under repeated listening, but  still worth checking out once or twice during the holidays. And it's shorter than Cheech and Chong's meditation on the meaning of Santa . . .
    To follow up on an earlier submission, I've finally heard the Squirrel Nut Zipper's Christmas album, and can endorse it, though not heartily. You can definitely hear, if you listen closely, that some of the band was already halfway out of the door- or more- while the tracks were being finalized. Still, even mediocre work by a good band is often worth giving a listen or two.

Ex ignorantia ad sapientiam; e luce ad tenebras

I'm partial to the Frank Loesser song "Baby its cold outside" especially when covered by Ella Fitzgerald or even Vanessa Williams.

Its more "winter season" than christmas..but hey..I'm not partial to the christian classics

Memory is a strange bell, jubilee and knell.

To 1fastdog (aka Jon) who has brightened my Christmas immensely for the past few yules with his music mixes.  I failed to include mention of his efforts in the write up because I was on remote location whilst composing the piece and I didn't have any of the CDs available.  Thanks again Jon and happy holidays.

Illegitimi non carborundum.