If you grew up in the 80’s, then you probably made a pretty good mix tape. In the spirit of The Goldbergs TV show, I’m making a Christmas mix tape! It’s a combo of 25 popular tunes, old standards, and Christian contemporary classics.
This is a category that everyone has opinions on, so I hope you will chime in and let me know what songs I have missed! You can even click the links to see videos.
“Stille Nacht (Silent Night)”-Mannheim Steamroller
When my Dad came home with this record (yes, it was a record then) back in 1984, we had it on a loop we listened to it so much. Now you hear it every time you go shopping. It’s everywhere! This is my all-time favorite they produced.
“You’re Here”-Francesca Battistelli
I think this song should be required listening for anyone looking for the true Christmas spirit. I especially love this verse because it reminds me of the hopes all parents have for their children to make the world better and His destiny as our Savior:
“I don’t know how long I’m going to have you for
But I’ll be watching when you change the world
Look at your hands, they’re still so small
Someday you’re going
To stretch them out and save us all.”
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?”-Band Aid 1984 version
No, I am specifically choosing the Band Aid version instead of the NEW one with One Direction, etc. I’ve got to keep my 80’s street cred!
“The Christmas Song”-Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole is the man, and this song says Christmas the most to me. When I hear the violins in the intro, I think of home and Christmases past. I think that’s what he wanted to create in this masterpiece.
“River”-Robert Downey Jr.
I love this song, and I love his voice even more. This song was featured on Ally McBeal. What a talented guy RDJ is!
“Grown Up Christmas List”– Michael Buble
Speaking of talented guys, Buble could sing me the phone book and I’d be happy! His version of this song is my absolute favorite.
“Joseph’s Lullaby”-Mercy Me
I adore this song because it’s so unique as being sung from the perspective of Joseph. Give it a listen if you haven’t heard it.
“Christmas Time Is Here”-Vince Guaraldi Trio
Here’s another song that I would wear out on my mix tape. This one along with “Linus and Lucy.” (Only now I don’t have to because my son plays it all the time!)
“A Baby Changes Everything”-Faith Hill
One of my favorite songs to sing for sure. I can’t help myself-even if I am in my car in the parking lot at TJMaxx. Beleive me, you get some strange looks when singing that way! Faith slays this one.
“Merry Christmas Darling”-The Carpenters
No one can sing like Karen Carpenter. She was one of a kind. The Carpenters Christmas album has so many amazing songs on it.
“Breath of Heaven”-Amy Grant
The simplicity and beauty of this one gets me every time. Really makes me think of the emotions Mary must have had.
“Sleigh Ride”-Boston Pops
The orchestra geek in me has to put this one on my mix. I still remember how to play this one!
“Christmas Makes Me Cry”-Matthew West and Mandisa
Just listen to the words to this song. You’ll be (you guessed it) crying!
“Mary, Did You Know”-Jordan Smith or Pentatonix versions
The It group of acapella and YouTube sure know how to meld their voices and make one powerful video after another. I could have also listed their versions of “Joy to the World” or “The First Noel.” But for pure vocals, go with The Voice winner Jordan Smith’s rendition. It’s easy to find on iTunes. Just look for number one!
“Last Christmas”-Wham!
No self-respecting 80’s mix tape is complete without a Wham! song. It had to be done!
“God Is With Us”-Casting Crowns
Really pure and straightforward. Another maybe unfamiliar one to you but hopefully you will enjoy!
“Carol of the Bells”– Straight No Chaser
This guys are straight up talented!
“Winter Snow”-Chris Tomlin featuring Audrey Assad
This is the other Christmas song that I absolutely ADORE. Audrey Assad has an awesome voice.
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”-Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone (from the Elf soundtrack)
Just pure fun! Plus, Elf has to be one of the best Christmas movies ever. Let the debate commence on which is the best!
“Oh Come, Emmanuel”-The Piano Guys
The Piano Guys are actually the combination of a videographer, a studio engineer that writes music, a pianist, and a cellist. Their arrangements are fresh and uplifting.
“Light of Christmas”-Owl City featuring Toby Mac
This is toe-tapping fun and joyful. I especially like the video because it shows holiday lights synchronized to the song. Very cool!
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”-Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
This song makes me happy. I love Bruce’s interactions with the audience and the fact this song isn’t overproduced.
“Love Is Christmas”-Sara Bareilles
Sara is a goddess. This would make a wonderful for background music for a video.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You”-Mariah Carey
The number one Christmas song on iTunes since FOREVER was just dethroned this week by Jordan Smith’s “Mary Did You Know?” Nevertheless, Mariah’s song is still an all-time favorite and surefire crowdpleaser.
“White Christmas”-Bing Crosby
It never happens here in the South, but we still can dream of a white Christmas, can’t we? And Bing is King!
So what would be on YOUR Christmas mix tape?
-Sherry