Maybe I'm secretly still seven…but I have a thiiiiiing for holiday movies. The cheesier and more Claymation-ized they are, the more I love them. Bonus points for adorable children, implausible and heartwarming situations, and, most importantly, a GREAT soundtrack.
I guarantee that EVERYONE has a holiday song they irrevocably associate to some movie. Maybe it's a childhood favorite. Maybe it's a Christmas rom-com (aka, "Love Actually," because that's basically the only memorable Christmas rom-com). Maaaaaybe it's a song that's not originally from a movie at all but has gotten so wound up in it that the association is there. Whatever the link, it always makes me a bit extra-happy inside when these songs come on shuffle in my massive Christmas playlist.
--"You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch", Thurl Ravenscroft; How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Let's not even start on this one. It instantly conjures the image of the Grinch sliding around on his belly all slinkily under the tree, and stealing the star. So nasty, so coldhearted, so perfect.
--"Silver and Gold," Bing Crosby, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Who doesn't love the sweet grandfatherly snowman? His vest alone makes him an enduring favorite.
--"Christmastime is Here," Vince Guaraldi, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Angelic children singing a sweet song about the holidays? Even better in the jazzy, piano and strings instrumental version.
--"Gimme All Your Lovin," ZZ Top, The Santa Clause. Yes, I am aware this is not a Christmas song. No, I do not care. The image of Tim Allen as Scott Calden/Reluctant Santa on his way to fight the extinction of Christmas…marching down the hallway of the North Pole and doing that sweeeeet dance synchronized to the song is FOREVER associated to the holiday season for me. Gotta love it.
--"All I Want For Christmas is You," Mariah Carey, Love Actually. Because duh. It's the most ubiquitous "new holiday classic song," and the most ubiquitous "new holiday classic movie." And I am obsessed with both.
--"White Christmas," The Drifters, Home Alone. The beginning of this song, with the "ba dooo ba DOO (wop wop)" just makes me feel jazzy and rebellious and festive…kind of like Kevin McAllister. (Newsflash: This song's also prominently featured in The Santa Clause!)
--"Believe," Josh Groban, The Polar Express. I am a totally unashamed Grobanite and have been since the moderately embarrassing age of like…12. I also happen to adore the book "The Polar Express," and thought the movie was charming (unlike many book purists). The song is also super pretty and I love the melody/excessive use of jingle bells throughout.
--"Holiday Road," The Frank & Todd Show, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I actually didn't see this movie until shamefully late in life…like, college. This catchy, fun, swingy tune at the intro credits, and the hilarious and oh-so-relatable opening scene fit so perfectly together.
--"Where Are You Christmas?," Faith Hill, How The Grinch Stole Christmas (live action). I may have no taste, but I actually really loved the live action version of The Grinch…partly due to this song. The Faith Hill version is deeeeelightful. Totally saves flagging mid-December holiday spirits.
--"Frosty The Snowman," Gene Autry, Frosty the Snowman. So I didn't actually know this, but the movie "Frosty the Snowman" was created after the song hit airwaves…it was intended to keep the popularity of the song from flagging. That said, great holiday classic.
If planning to listen to this playlist, I recommend cozy jammies, a bowl of popcorn (or other movie treat of choice), and a kid or kid-at-heart to keep you company. Enjoy!