December 1st and the Christmas tunes go on. EVERY SINGLE DAY WITHOUT FAIL, much to my husband’s chagrin!

Every year I discover Christmas songs I haven’t heard before, like this one by one of my musical heroes Chuck Berry, heard just last week for the first time (and yes, like all Chuck songs you’ll be forgiven for thinking it’s Little Queenie in the first few bars).

And most years, there’ll be a new album released that I can add to my Christmas tunes library. Last year, my son wanted this Bob Dylan song, from his 2009 release, on repeat. This has to be my favourite Christmas song video.

And this year, people are telling me Rod Stewart’s Christmas crooner album is worth a listen. Anybody have an opinion?

Over in the UK, we have a history of Christmas songs that my kin here in Canada haven’t heard! Travesty! Let me share some of the best:

The following are two iconic tunes from the ’70s. Play these for any Brit and they may well get all misty eyed on you!

Wizzard: I wish it could be Christmas everyday

Slade: Merry Christmas Everybody

This next one is from Cliff Richard, Britain’s answer to Elvis Presley and still going strong in his 80s

Lots of people I know, young and old, prefer the traditional tunes for the yuletide  season. I’ve provided links so you can get a little festive with me.

• Bing Crosby; I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas
• Bobby Helms; Jingle Bells Rock
• Johnny Mercer and Margaret Whiting; Baby it’s Cold Outside
• Dean Martin; Let it Snow
• Eartha Kitt; Santa Baby
• Nat King Cole; The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)

What’s your favourite Christmas song? I have a really hard time choosing, I just love them all. A few other of my favourites include:

• The Pretenders; 2000 Miles
• The Pogues Featuring Kirsty MacCol; Fairytale of New York

•  Etta James; Merry Christmas Baby
•  Mariah Carey; All I want for Christmas is You
• John Lennon; Happy Xmas, (War is Over)
• Band Aid; Do They Know It’s Christmas