We’ve already given you a list of top Christmas songs written by Jews, but here’s another little round-up because, when you think about it, who’s better suited to judge Christmas songs than Jews? We’ve got nothing at stake here.
Here are some of my favorites:
1. Mariah Carey, “All I Want For Christmas Is You”
Hands down, my favorite Christmas song. It’s really just a great love song disguised as a Christmas song. Plus, very little is better than early 1990’s Mariah. So there.
2. Eartha Kit, “Santa Baby”
In this one we see Santa as love interest, which keeps things interesting. Plus, the music and lyrics are by two Jews: Joan Ellen Javits and Philip Springer.
3. Bob Dylan, “Must Be Santa“
This looks like a really fun party. For more Dylan on Christmas. check out Christmas in the Heart.
4. Barbra Streisand, “Jingle Bells”
If we have to listen to “Jingle Bells” over and over again, let’s at least have Babs singing it. Surprisingly enough, Yentl herself recorded two Christmas albums.
5. Adam Levine and Sarah Bareilles, “Happy Christmas (War is Over)”
Sexiest man alive does Christmas.
6. Eclipse, “We Need a Little Christmas”
Eclipse is a Mormon a cappella group who make radio-ready Christmas pop music. This one even includes a rap.
7. Billy Joel, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Billy Joel was born to two Jewish parents, but went to Catholic school and was baptized (we’re still waiting on his Hanukkah song). The female vocalist on this track is none other than Rosie O’Donnell.
8. Carole King, “This Christmas”
Carole King, also born into a Jewish family, released “This Christmas” on her 2011 holiday album, A Holiday Carole. (How amazing is that album title?)
9. Paul McCartney, “Wonderful Christmas Time”
If Paul McCartney is having wonderful Christmas time, so am I.
10. Saturday Night Live, “Christmas for the Jews Song”
In case you’re curious about what Jews do on Christmas, it sounds much better when explained in song and with cute animation.
Lauren Schwartzberg is an intern at Tablet Magazine.