With 2020 finally close to an end, with many people hoping for a better year next year, Christmas will be different for many people due to COVID-19;  many are not going to have big get-togethers or traveling plans this holiday. I do not want to get into politics (you can go to other blogs and sites for that), but some people (including me) get tired of hearing the same old Christmas songs every year. So , with this being a different type of year, I decided to pick a few rarer Christmas songs that aren’t always played to maybe help your music choices (in no particular order) to get you in the mood.

1. “Ribbons And Bows”- Kacey Musgraves

            Musgraves, since debuting in 2013 with her classic sound of country music, has defined herself as a true musical artist. This song off of her 2016 Christmas album is a favorite of mine because of the throwback sound to the 1950s/1960s sound with the saxophone coming off the beginning of the song, and is a feel good, up tempo song that is danceable with a catchy sing along chorus and melody.  The song is also a short three and a half minutes, which lacks the filler and drawn out choruses that many holiday songs have. Even though she’s a country singer, this has the pop sound that non-country fans will enjoy.

2. “Santa Must Be Polish”- Bobby Vinton.

            The “Blue Velvet” singer co-wrote this song on his 1987 Christmas album. The song starts with the crooner style that Vinton was known for, until the song starts up in a polka style beat, that will bring a happy tone to those that want to celebrate their Polish heritage. The lyrics on the verses are simple, but it works here. This is a song that dares you not to be happy. This combines the sounds of the “Here Comes Santa Claus” standard format and mixes it with a bouncing beat. At only two and a half minutes long, the song would not frustrate others that listen.

3. “My Christmas Card To You” -The Partridge Family.

            Many made fun of this great television band at times, but they forget that David Cassidy was a solid pop singer (especially on his comeback album from 1990 with the wonderful single “Lyin’ To Myself”). Released on their 1971 Christmas album, this was the only original song on it, written by Tony Romeo, who wrote several songs for the group.  The normal Partridge feel is on the song, with the strong keyboard/piano sound and strong backing vocals. This is not just a basic Christmas song, but the singer is sitting there in the process of writing a song while looking outside at the snow during the season. It has the themes of peace, happiness, togetherness- all the things that people like about these songs. Cassidy’s signature vocals makes the song another joyful track that is uplifting.

4. “Rest In You Tonight”- The Oak Ridge Boys.

            The mighty Oaks have released two Christmas albums since 2016, and this song comes off the 2016 release “Celebrate Christmas.” It’s hard to choose one track off of these two releases (the latest “Down Home Christmas” is a wonderful stripped down album where the vocals and very limited music is featured-you can read the full reviews of both here by typing in the search engine). The reason this one was chosen is that not everyone is joyful during the holidays, and with this year’s celebrations being changed for many, the song gives hope in the way of drawing back to the group’s gospel days, which was released on the Bill Gather label. The soulful lead vocals of the great Duane Allen, with the rest of the group coming in during the chorus, brings a cry for peace in a stressful situation. The song was created into a Christmas movie , called “The Least of These,” about a homeless family, which Allen has a part in. At first the song seems sad, but there is an underlining theme of strength, hope, and a brightness of who is in charge of the situation.  This is a great choice for those that want some religious themes in their music.

5. “Christmas Stuff”- Nathan Carter.

            If you are not familiar with Nathan Carter, he combines country music with a mix of Irish flavored Celtic styles. He has a vocal mix between Kenny Chesney and Michael Bublé. He mixes originals and covers in his catalog, and has become one , if not THE, top acts on the Irish charts. The song mixes the blues/jazz crooner style like of Dean Martin. I am becoming a major fan of his vocal style and music. This will appeal to any audience, young and old.

6. “Merry Christmas Wherever You Are”- Barry Manilow.

            I did not know this song even existed until I stumbled upon it on Youtube, which a television performance of the song is shown (I assume it is Solid Gold, because it has Rick Dees introducing the song, which he was the host at one time). My favorite song off of Manilow’s Christmas albums is his cover of Joni Mitchell’s “River” (another song you never hear, which is a wonderful piece of work). The song has the staple of Barry’s adult contemporary/crooning style of music, with a mix of  jazz. Manilow has a way of combining great songwriting with the theme of lost love, but still can make it a listenable song without being too sad.

7. “Christmas At Ground Zero”- “Weird Al Yankovic.

            Many think “Weird” Al only writes parodies, but some of his original songs are just as good, if not better (“Good Old Days” from his Even Worse album is proof) . He has two major Christmas songs, one being “The Night Santa Went Crazy,” where Santa has had enough of his life and becomes a gun-toting killer, but is probably not the best song to play if the family is around (although it is a funny track). “Christmas At Ground Zero” has the strong production sound, much like the Phil Spector produced songs in the 1960s, like ” (Christmas) Baby Please Come Home.” Even though the humorous lyrics remind the audience of the threat of nuclear war, where the 1950s and 1960s kids would practice their raid drills, sometimes just laughing at songs during the holidays is what’s needed. Novelty songs like “I Want  A Hippopotamus For Christmas” are favorites, and this is in the genre (Many forget that the Snoopy Christmas songs are about war as well). Songs sometimes just need to be fun with a sense of humor, which this song has both.

            There are other rare songs that don’t get played on local radio or streaming services than people love during this time (Twisted Sister’s “Come All Ye Faithful” comes to mind as another choice). With the internet and other ways to find music, you can still play great music without having to fall into the old standard songs each year. Hopefully you find songs that you enjoy and have a great Christmas regardless of how it may be changes this year.