(…which technically makes my title incorrect as it is actually eleven days until Christmas…)

When it comes to Christmas music, I am somewhat of a traditionalist.  I have two Christmas CDs in my car – Johnny Mathis and The Carpenters.  I believe certain songs should only be sung by certain singers.  Bing Crosby gets “White Christmas”, Nat King Cole owns “The Christmas Song” and only Rosemary Clooney should be allowed to sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” 

Loving classic Christmas carols sung by the artists that made them famous also means I have very little use for Christmas songs penned within the last twenty years or so.  I do not  care to “Step into Christmas” with Elton John, Paul McCartney will have to have a “Wonderful Christmastime” without me and (admirable charitable efforts aside), I don’t really care whether or not They Know it’s Christmastime.

All that said, there is one recent cover of an old carol that breaks my rule.  In 2004, The Barenaked Ladies featuring Sarah McLaughlin recorded a version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” that I absolutely adore and I’ve included a link to a video below for your listening enjoyment.  (Why did I link to a video instead of a simple audio recording, you ask?  Because after many failed efforts, I couldn’t figure out how!  If anyone knows how to link to songs on my computer, please tell me!)