It’s that time of the year and Christmas is almost here! Christmas is usually full of fun and happy memories, cheerful songs and movies. Christmas carols are an important part of the holiday because they set the proper atmosphere. The songs are very distinguished among other genres of music and usually spark  fond memories of the winter season. 

Today, many different artists attempt to create their own Christmas carols or cover previous ones that have already been produced. In my opinion, the top five Christmas songs are generally derived from the traditional singers who made the carols into the hits that we all love today. Some of the singers include Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Gene Autry. 

1. “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You),” sung by Nat King Cole. This song always gets me into the Christmas spirit and makes me think of a family dinner gathering. Furthermore, Nat King Cole’s voice is the best fit for this song and I feel that he has the best rendition of it. 

2.“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” by Frank Sinatra. Sinatra’s soothing voice allows listeners to become enticed to partake in the Christmas festivities.

3.  “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” by Gene Autry. This great Christmas hit coincides with the movie with the same title of the song, which depicts a reindeer’s struggles to help fly Santa Claus around the world to deliver presents to children. Many children know and love this classic tune. 

4. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” by Perry Como. This is a great song that tells of Santa’s preparation before delivering presents on Christmas. Bruce Springsteen also performs a great live rendition of this song. 

5. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” by Brenda Lee. This song is featured in the movie “Home Alone” and is the perfect song to get people to start dancing during Christmas. One song that is a great honorable mention that did not make the list, although I think still evokes the Christmas feeling of which (which there are many) is “White Christmas,” by Bing Crosby. 

TOP FIVE MOVIES

1. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964). This is a classic movie that children always grow up watching and further develops their belief in Santa Claus and his reindeer. Not only does the movie have a good meaning behind it, but it is also full of great Christmas songs. 

2. “Elf” (2003), starring Will Ferrell. This is a newer classic Christmas movie that can get anyone to laugh. 

3. “Frosty the Snowman” (1969). This animated TV show is also a children’s classic and has many great songs.

4. “A Christmas Story” (1983). This movie also has comedic aspects and multiple distinguished quotable lines including “You’ll shoot your eye out kid,” and “I triple dog dare ya!” 

5. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966 animated, 2000 live action). Both versions of the film tell the same story with the same meaning, showing that even the worst-hearted people can still do good for others, as well as change, and be loved and accepted by everyone. 

A Christmas movie honorable mention that did not make the list is “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965) that uncovers the true meaning of Christmas among one’s close friends.