Here's the second installment of my favorite Christmas songs of all time.  One of the challenges I've already run into (even after doubling my original number of songs) is that I keep coming up with more songs that I want to tell people about.  Oh well, at this point I'm still only listing twenty songs...

Merry Christmas, Darling - The Carpenters

Richard Carpenter wrote this song for Karen to sing in 1970 and it's the most famous song from the The Carpenters' exhaustive Christmas library, having reappeared for many years on the Billboard charts.  I chose this song because I had to choose something by the Carpenters, but the truth is that both of their Christmas albums are masterpieces and intended to be heard from beginning to end... and that's what I recommend you do!

Peace on Earth Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby & David Bowie

This song was first introduced to my by my aunt Debbie who probably was originally drawn to the song by the David Bowie factor.  Though it's an unusual pairing, made a little more awkward by the sometimes heard spoken introduction, the song itself is amazing, blending two voices and two melodies into a song about peace... by the time it's done, you'll have a hard time getting it out of your head.

Sleighride - The Ronettes

Representing Phil Spector's contribution to Christmas music, I offer the Ronettes infectious take on Sleighride.  It utilizes the characteristic Spector Wall of Sound and a contemporary (for the time) rock n' roll feel to a Christmas standard, but what sets this recording apart from the rest is the background chant "Ringa-linga-linga ding dong ding" repeated over and over.  You'll have a hard time sitting still when you listen to this piece - and why would you want to?

Hard Candy Christmas - Dolly Parton

From the movie Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, this is the song of the broken-hearted during Christmas.  It's a song about finding the strength to go on even when things aren't going your way, and Dolly sells it with the honesty of someone who knows pain...  I recommend this for anyone who's dealing with something that makes Christmas a hard pill to swallow.  It won't necessarily make you feel better, but at least you'll know you aren't alone.

Baby, It's Cold Outside - various artists

I couldn't decide on just one version of this song because it's been done so many times by so many combinations that work really well - even when you don't think they should.  Add to that the fact that it's a duet (I'm a sucker for duets) and the dated lyrics ("maiden aunts" anyone?) and you've got a winner on your hands.  It's hard to resist a song whose main purpose is to keep the one you love by your side for  even "just a cigarette more."