One thing I really enjoy about the holidays is the music. When I was a kid, I would try to start playing holiday music days before Thanksgiving, but my mom would tell me to wait until after that holiday. It’s a rule I keep still (though I sometimes listen to A Very Scary Solstice from the H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society). So, for no reason at all, here are some of my favorite holiday songs:

First, the Wexford Carol. This one is one of my favorite classic Christmas tunes; I hear it was originally an Irish tune, and the words came later. That happens a lot. This version features Alison Krause singing, and Yo-Yo Ma playing the cello. I think it’s haunting and just gorgeous. It gives me chills just listening to it.

And here are some more of my favorite Christmas or Solstice or Advent songs:

First, “The Season’s Upon Us” by the Dropkick Murphys, that Irish punk bad from Boston that I really like. Not many punk bands include accordions and bagpipes, so you know they’re a quality band. I should note, though, that the family in this video does not resemble mine in any way:

And here’s more holiday music for the Irish punks among you. “Fairytale of New York” is a classic holiday tune by the Pogues, led by the inestimable Shane MacGowen (RIP), and another punk bad that includes accordions in their lineup. This one does have a content warning, though, for a slur.

And, of course, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Fishmen” from A Very Scary Solstice. Think of this one as a palate cleanser from the punk rock songs listed above.

And in case you need something completely different, here’s “Round and Round the Christmas Tree” from Bing Crosby’s Christmas Album album. I loved that album when I was a kid, and was thrilled when I found it on Amazon a few years ago. This one makes me a little teary, just because they were two brilliant performers, now sadly lost to the world.

And, finally, here’s Bing Crosby singing “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” with David Bowie (also, tearfully, of blessed memory). This is a lovely rendition, even if I am not a great fan of “Little Drummer Boy”:

That’s all for now! Please, have a lovely Christmas, full of joy and peace, or whatever holiday you celebrate at this time of year.

Happy Holidailies!