It's that time of year when everyone is compiling their Top Ten lists for albums of the year. While I enjoy reading these intensive, inclusive and exclusive offerings of opinions, I wanted to add a twist on this day of presents, pajamas and poinsettias. After the past year and a half of major life changes and emotional roller coasters, I have done everything I can to avoid the holiday spirit this year. I'm tired and worn out. So as I sit here with my mug of coffee and trolling Facebook, I am staring this holiday in the face and offering my Top Ten list of my favorite Christmas songs paired with my Top Ten favorite beverages to try and make my Grinch heart grow three sizes too big. Happy Christmas to all!
10.) Christmas Time is Here-Vince Guaraldi Trio / Manhattan: This quintessential classic song from a very poignant and timeless Peanuts Christmas special still evokes a warmth and quiet found only in the innocence of childhood. The opening soft percussion reminiscent of youthful shuffling through snow, contrasted with the adult slow jazz piano allows this song to carry on for decades and see us through the transitions of age. I pair this song with the classic Manhattan cocktail while sitting with the living room lights out, tree lights lit and in front of a fireplace after a long Christmas day.
9.) Mele Kelikimaka- Bing Crosby / Mimosa: I didn't find this song until my mid-twenties and started my Christmas morning for several years listening to the bouncy lyrics and Bing's crisp, yet smooth voice. I still smile when I hear it. Chris Isaak performs an admirable rendition on his Christmas album, but Bing's is still my favorite. I pair this fun song with a Mimosa to start the day off in a light hearted, adult fashion.
8.) Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms or Hall & Oates / Bourbon: This was always one of my favorite songs to listen to on vinyl when we would decorate the Christmas tree at my mom's house. The original version by Bobby Helms would crack along with the turn table needle and has that good ol' rock and roll feel. Hall & Oates covered the song, but I give them equal standing for Darryl Hall's soulful, fun throwback imitation of the original that reminds me of my Philly roots. I pair this irresistible toe tapping song with Bourbon. Whether in your nog or neat, this smooth and slightly sweet brown liquor brings on a warm smile while swaying in your chair to the beat and watching the snow fall.
7.) Baby, It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin / Martini: Ah, the Rat Pack. Who can resist Deano pleading his case for a one night stand? The duet of banter and coy lyrics camouflaged, though not effectively, as sincere care always makes me laugh. The only allowed pairing for this song is a classic dirty Gin Martini. And Deano, one more drink and cigarette and I just may think about staying.
6.) Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby & David Bowie / Red Wine: This song makes most people's Top Ten list and for good reason. The duet of old and young, the beauty of the rich depth of their voices together accompanied by a genuine emotion from both singers brings on a desire to want to believe in the message, if even for just one minute. I pair this song with a glass of bold, red wine to highlight the fullness of the emotion from the song, their voices and the warmth of listening to this track at a quiet moment of peace during the holiday season.
5.) My Christmas Card To You - Partridge Family / Champagne: First of all, Don't Judge. I grew up listening to this song on vinyl and whereas my mother enjoyed the album, she would indulge my repeated and well, lots of repeated plays. This 70s bubble gum pop group opens up their holiday album with this song and David Cassidy always makes me believe that his 'simple wish to me, my family, neighbors and friends' is true. The mix of 70s pop, simplicity and recognition of tradition, especially while heard on vinyl, takes on a life of its own for all 2:34. It's simple, it's cheesy and it's not Christmas for me until I hear it. Champagne is the pairing for this song due to the bubbly nature of the sparkling beverage and the simplicity that it can stand on its own.
4.) All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey / Kettle, soda, lemon: Again, don't judge. From the sparse opening bells to Mariah's basic wish for her man to be at her door on Christmas morning, I am addicted to this song. It is a basic pop song, but Christmas themed and I own it. As this song is overly laden with sap and teenage girl desire, I pair this song with the crisp JHC go-to of Kettle One and club soda with a lemon to cut the dripping saccharin sentiment.
3.) Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses / Shit, cheap beer: This song carries a ton of great memories for me, mostly in my early and mid-twenties, and who can resist an 80s song with horns? More relevantly, I finally appreciated the lyrics of 'but I think I'll miss this one this year.' The other aspect that gets me with this song is that I convinced myself that fairy tales don't exist, and yet this song always pokes me with the possibility of finding that magical moment. In honor of when this song was on constant rotation in my twenties, I pair this over played, but now a standard Christmas song with a basic, no flavor, mass produced American shit, cheap beer. Crack a Bud Light and dance around your Christmas tree!
2.) Happy Xmas (war is over) - John & Yoko / Wookey Jack: We all become reflective during the holiday season and the message of this song resonates with an inclusivity for all people and the basic need to be kind and for peace. Whenever I take the moment to actually sit and listen to the lyrics, I am reminded that there are greater issues in the universe and John's plea for peace warms my black heart. One of the only other things to warm my black heart is Wookey Jack Black Rye IPA from Firestone Walker Brewery. Pour a pint, reflect and smile. Cheers!
1.) Fairytale of New York - The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl / 7 & 7: I could write a thesis about this song and still never convey what this song means to me and how much I adore the artists, lyrics, and characters. The raw honesty and humour brilliantly executed by Shane Macgowan, only to by matched by Kirsty MacColl's strength, takes this song from a modern Christmas Carol to an actual story about life. As I sit and listen to it now, the reality of aging hits home with the fact that Shane is pretty banged up these days and Kirsty passed away entirely too young in a boating accident off of Mexico while recovering from her divorce. This song takes the Number One spot for it's humour, rawness, emotions and realistic portrayal of the holidays and love. The pairing is, of course, with my favorite holiday classic beverage of a 7 & 7.
Honorable Mentions: Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, and Harry Connick, Jr.
Cheers to all of you and may your holiday season be filled with peace, togetherness and as always, a tasty adult beverage.
