Maybe some on this Forum do not know this: President Grant is responsible for Christmas being a federal holiday in the USA. Back to Christmas music: Nat King Cole's 'Merry Christmas' is to me the definitive Chistmas recording.

Here's one more I really like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cP26ndrmtg

I've always liked Pachelbel's Canon, and I really like what the Trans-Siberian Orchestra did here.

Best
Rob

I like anything done by the Trans-Siberian.

Here's a new holiday song that I bet both Abraham and Mary would enjoy (if they knew about the 21st-century dietary complaints).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX9EAavxrus

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And on a more serious Christmas note: For 28 years, starting when I was age twelve, I was an Episcopal church organist. I loved the Christmas season's beautiful hymns, but I also loved playing advent hymns -- especially on the fourth Sunday of advent when all the candles on the wreath were finally lit, and the processional would be the rather mournful tones of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. There was something about the pleading song that made me cry each year. Here's a beautiful rendition...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-S...ata_player

If you watch closely, in the upper right corner, they will invite you to switch to the Christmas version. It is a dramatic version keyed to the REAL Christmas story.

Laurie, the first one is hilarious, and the second one just wonderful - so touching!!

It's not Christmas-related, but I noticed that one of the selections from the PianoGuys was Bring Him Home from Les Miserables (one of my favorite musicals and songs). Being raised in a military family, it holds a special place in my heart and is beautifully done.

(12-06-2013 06:28 PM)L Verge Wrote:  I like anything done by the Trans-Siberian.

Here's a new holiday song that I bet both Abraham and Mary would enjoy (if they knew about the 21st-century dietary complaints).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX9EAavxrus

Just this morning I saw a Xmas card reading: "Dear Santa,
Please give me a BIG, FAT bank account and a SLIM body. Please don't mix those two up like you did last year.
Thanks!"

Modern times have added several dimensions:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DtZR3lJobjw...tZR3lJobjw

I do not like the cold and dark winter season, and I can't wholeheartedly relate to statements like "Let it snow" etc. So one of my favorites is "Mele Kalikimaka" by Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters.

    This was a favorite when I was a child. Now it is my children's favorite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGRkNaMFp...detailpage

Mike,

I have to admit to having never seen this before. What's it from?

Best
Rob

(12-07-2013 11:52 AM)Rob Wick Wrote:  Mike,

I have to admit to having never seen this before. What's it from?

Best
Rob

Rob,
It's from "The year without a Santa Claus" ( 1974 )

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072424/

Hmmm, wonder how I missed that one?

Best
Rob

This song is dedicated to Betty O for her interest in WWI German aviation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh-J4GSPgAM

Gene, I wonder why YouTube says "this video is not available in your country"...

Mike, that's lovely, makes your feet tapping...And please send that second mister over, quickly! (But do keep the first fellow!)

(12-07-2013 01:30 PM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  Gene, I wonder why YouTube says "this video is not available in your country"...

Mike, that's lovely, makes your feet tapping...And please send that second mister over, quickly! (But do keep the first fellow!)

Everyone always seems to like Heat Miser more. We could use him here also. It is about 16 degrees right now.

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(12-06-2013 06:28 PM)L Verge Wrote:  I like anything done by the Trans-Siberian.

Here's a new holiday song that I bet both Abraham and Mary would enjoy (if they knew about the 21st-century dietary complaints).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX9EAavxrus

---

And on a more serious Christmas note: For 28 years, starting when I was age twelve, I was an Episcopal church organist. I loved the Christmas season's beautiful hymns, but I also loved playing advent hymns -- especially on the fourth Sunday of advent when all the candles on the wreath were finally lit, and the processional would be the rather mournful tones of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. There was something about the pleading song that made me cry each year. Here's a beautiful rendition...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-S...ata_player

If you watch closely, in the upper right corner, they will invite you to switch to the Christmas version. It is a dramatic version keyed to the REAL Christmas story.

Those are great Laurie. The first one was very funny.

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(12-05-2013 09:56 PM)Rob Wick Wrote:  Here's one more I really like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cP26ndrmtg

I've always liked Pachelbel's Canon, and I really like what the Trans-Siberian Orchestra did here.

Best
Rob

Why is it that Children dressed and singing in unison are always beautiful at Christmas time, but in scary movies it is always so creepy?
That was nice Rob.

Mike, your video reminded me of that there are also some traditional must-see movies on Xmas. Despite GWTW, one for me is this one (probably skip the first minute, then your feet will sure begin tapping, too):
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RCvzg67sBh8...Cvzg67sBh8

Besides the classics, my favorite Christmas song that always makes me laugh is "The 12 Pains of Christmas." It brings back great memories of my father putting on the Christmas lights. First there was a long search for an extension cord, then he carefully strung the lights, then "one light goes out, they all go out!"

One year my father put up a silver tree with blinking lights on a stand that rotated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yasSkqJBytk