some songs for the holiday

As a nonChristian, I don't "celebrate" Christmas. But since I am a member of society Christmas is part of my reality. With that in mind, here for Christmas are some Christmas songs that I love. Or at least like a lot. Your mileage may vary.

Run Rudolph Run -- Chuck Berry

I came to know this song via Dave Edmunds' cover version. And I like that version better. But credit to the originator.

Father Christmas -- The Kinks

OK. It's not really Christamssy. Whatever...

Christmas in Hollis  -- Run-DMC

I'm not the biggest rap fan, but there are some rap songs I like, and this is one of them. It also helps that I grew up near Hollis. And live near it today, while we're on the topic.

Stop the Cavalry -- Jona Lewie

A soldier on the front lines wishes to be with his family.

Snoopy's Christmas -- The Royal Guardsmen

Probably the dopiest song on this list, but I have a soft spot for the these guys.

The Night Santa Went Crazy -- "Weird Al" Yankovic

I have always liked Weird Al's original songs better than his parodies. And this is actually one of his best.

A Christmas Carol -- Tom Lehrer

Tom Lehrer is among the masters of comedy music. This bit of cynical folderol is a good example.

The Lonely Jew on Christmas -- Kyle Broflovski

This isn't quite the same version as I remember from the first South Park Christmas episode. The fact is it does do a pretty good job of capturing the feelings of many kids who feel left out.

Christmas at Ground Zero -- "Weird Al" Yankovic

Normally if I make a list like this I would purposely avoid including two songs by any one artist or band. I'll make an exception for Al.

I'm a Christmas Tree -- Wild Man Fischer and Dr. Demento

The less said about Wild Man Fischer the better. No, really.

Don't Shoot Me Santa -- The Killers

Why does this make me think I'm watching a Breaking Bad video?

Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight) -- The Ramones

There's something about the Raomones' sound that I love. And this is classic Ramones.

The Season's Upon Us -- Dropkick Murphys

Among the best songs from one of the best Celtic-flavored punk bands. And maynbe, just maybe, they'll make you feel better about your own dysfunctional family.

I'm Gettin' Nuttin' for Christmas -- Spike Jones and the City Slickers

It's not Spike's best work, as he largely laid off the big sound effects. But it's cute and clever.

Hooray for Santy Claus -- from Santa Claus Conquers the Martians

A crappy Pia Zadora Christmas movie about Martians and Christmas spawned this upbeat tune, I was really tempted to include Sloppy Seconds' punk version instead, but respect for the original won out.

Christmas Wrapping -- The Waitresses

This is one of those songs that a new wave fan of my age couldn't help but hearing over and over.