50/50 Music Burn: My Top 5 Christmas Songs

This will be the fourth in a series of random posts about music. In each post, I'll burn STEEM and donate it to this community in a 50/50 split (50% to @null and 50% to @hive-180051). I'll call it the 50/50 Music Burn. Sometimes, it might just be a random song; other times, it might be a story about music or a concert. With today being Christmas, let's take a look at my top 5 all-time Christmas songs.

Before I get into the list, I wanted to stop and wish everyone a Happy Holidays! I know that everyone doesn't celebrate the same thing, but I want each of you to know I'm hopeful we can fix what's wrong with this world we live in, no matter how we each individually approach it.

My Top 5 Christmas Songs

• 5 -- Dean Martin & Shirley Jones - Let It Snow LIVE CHRISTMAS 1979 - When I was little, growing up in Virginia, where we didn't get much snow, this song seemed quite trivial. It became a completely different song when I got older, though.

From ChatGPT: "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" is a timeless holiday classic written in 1945 by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne during a particularly sweltering July in Hollywood. Ironically, the song is less about Christmas and more a celebration of the cozy, romantic feeling of being snowed in. It was first recorded by Vaughn Monroe in 1945, quickly becoming a seasonal favorite. Dean Martin's iconic rendition, released in 1959 as part of his A Winter Romance album, gave the song a smooth, crooning warmth that cemented its place in holiday music history. Martin's version continues to evoke the charm and nostalgia of wintry evenings by the fire.

• 4-- Jose Feliciano - Feliz Navidad - This is definitely one that gets stuck in my head every year.

From ChatGPT: José Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad" was released in 1970 and has since become one of the most beloved bilingual Christmas songs worldwide. Born in Puerto Rico, Feliciano wanted to create a song that captured the festive spirit of his culture while bridging the language barrier for English-speaking audiences. The song's simple yet heartfelt lyrics—“Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad” paired with the English phrase “I want to wish you a Merry Christmas”—create an infectious holiday anthem. Its universal appeal and upbeat melody have made it a perennial favorite, symbolizing joy, inclusivity, and holiday cheer across cultures.

• 3-- Burl Ives - A Holly Jolly Christmas - This song reminds me of going to my grandmother's house each holiday.

From ChatGPT: Burl Ives' "A Holly Jolly Christmas" became a quintessential holiday anthem after its release in 1964. Written by Johnny Marks, the prolific composer behind other Christmas classics like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," the song was initially featured in the stop-motion television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Burl Ives, who narrated the special as the character Sam the Snowman, performed the song, infusing it with his warm, folksy charm. Its cheerful melody and heartwarming message quickly resonated with audiences, solidifying it as a holiday standard that continues to bring festive cheer year after year.

• 2-- Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock - When I was little, this song was my favorite.

From ChatGPT: Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” debuted in 1957 and instantly became a holiday classic, blending traditional Christmas themes with a rockabilly twist. Written by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe, the song was a fresh take on seasonal music, incorporating elements of rock 'n' roll—a genre exploding in popularity at the time. Helms’ smooth vocals and the catchy, upbeat rhythm made it an immediate hit. Though recorded in October, the song's release just before the holidays helped cement its place in Christmas music history. Its playful nods to “Jingle Bells” and contemporary rock sounds ensure it remains a festive favorite for generations.

• 1-- Brenda Lee's - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree is my all-time favorite; it gets me into the holiday spirit.

From ChatGPT: Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was recorded in 1958 when Lee was just 13 years old. Written by Johnny Marks, the mastermind behind other Christmas hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the song combines rockabilly charm with a festive spirit. Despite a modest reception initially, it gained popularity in the early 1960s, thanks in part to Lee’s distinctively mature voice and the catchy, danceable melody. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its upbeat energy and timeless holiday cheer, making it a staple of Christmas playlists and parties around the world.

What does your list look like? Let me know in the comments.

Enjoy your holiday!