For some people, Christmas carolers are a special part of Christmas, and without them, the holiday would not be the same. There is something beautiful about hearing Christmas carolers outside your home, in the mall or even in your local retirement home. The blend of melody and harmony, of male and female voices expressing seasonal joy in song … there’s just something about it that makes me feel happy.

An each caroling group has its own group personality. Some sing traditional carols while others choose to go with more modern songs. Sadly, this is a tradition that has somewhat died out due to safety issues, but you can still find Christmas carolers in your community if you want to hear some lovely singing at Christmas time.

You may find that schools and other groups put on holiday themed shows that feature Christmas carolers and other musical acts. The school band and the school chorus might perform a special program to inspire the magic of the holiday season. These events are sometimes free, and at other times, they are used to raise money for the school music programs.

In same cases, you may able to hire Christmas carolers for your holiday events. You may find groups of four, much like a barbershop quartet, or you can find a full chorus of Christmas carolers to perform. You may be able to choose what songs you want them to sing, and for how long you want them to perform. They can be the main attraction, or they can be a special touch to a special holiday gathering. For large corporations, this may be a wonderful addition to the holiday bash you throw for your employees. If you have a party for your clients, this will be an excellent touch they will not soon forget.

And then there are the home-grown groups … people at your work or in your neighborhood coming together to see the holiday songs … usually with plans to go caroling at the local hospitals and retirement homes. I used to join groups like these when I was in my 20s and had a lot more time on my hands.

If there are simply no Christmas carolers in your community, and you really miss the tradition, there is nothing stopping you from forming a group on your own. Put an advertisement in the local paper and you will find that there are plenty of people who want to sing with you. You can sing in your community, or you can put on performances for those who might be lonely around the holiday. Christmas carolers may be welcome at nursing homes, and hospitals, but remember to call ahead and ask permission before you show up.

As I was going through my Christmas CD collection, I was struck by how many Christmas albums are produced by non-Christians. In fact, I think Kenny G said once, when asked why he did a Christmas album, that it was because the music was beautiful in and of itself.

For some reason, this holiday … above all others … has inspired the most music (to my knowledge). Christmas music comes in the form of songs to be sung by many and songs to be sung by one. I comes in the from of serious classical symphonies and whimsical spoofs sung by cats and dogs.

Throughout the season, you can hear the familiar chords of Christmas music over the air waves and in department stores. Music forms the background against which everything else takes place to make the Christmas season different from all others. Christmas music plays such a significant role that during the entire season, other popular music temporarily disappears from many radio stations. That may be the reason for all the different types of Christmas music – sacred, secular, popular and traditional – that have emerged throughout the years.

Popular and secular renditions of Christmas music has been developed by musical artists and performers who ‘make over’ classic styles of Christmas music with their own personal touch. One reason for popular covers of Christmas songs may be because regular popular music is not heard during the holiday season so pop musicians and artists do Christmas music to keep their voices always in earshot of their fans and the general audience.

It could also be that they want to capitalize on the popularity of Christmas music. (Yes, greed plays an ever increasing role in this holiday, sad to say.) In fact, Dr. Elmo has a song on his album, Dr. Elmo’s Twisted Christmas, called “Christmas Millionaire” that is about just that.

Whatever the reason, it has become a trend for popular musical artists to release new Christmas or holiday music albums during the season. Since variety is the spice of life, it means there are more variations of secular, sacred, classical or traditional and popular renditions of Christmas music that can be heard. You can have a Celtic Christmas, a Classical Christmas or even a Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas. Heck, if you like, you can be serenaded by cats and dogs “singing” Christmas staples.

Music at Christmas time is important to create the right mood. The prevalence of Christmas music is what helps to create the special holiday type of feeling or spirit that is present everywhere and among everyone. Everyone has particular Christmas songs and carols that are favorites, maybe for the melody, the lyrics or because they are reminders of special memories.

The most popular Christmas song is said to be ‘White Christmas,’ which is popular even in warm and tropical climates where people sing of ‘dreaming of a White Christmas,’ which, in reality, they probably wouldn’t want. Other popular Christmas songs and carols are: ‘Away in a Manger,’ which tells the Nativity story in song; ‘O Holy Night,’ ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Joy to the World,’ ‘Hark the Herald Angels‘ and ‘Angels We Have Heard on High‘.

All of those songs are sacred and are all about the story of Jesus’ birth. Of note also is Handel’s majestic ‘Hallelujah Chorus,’ which is a favorite that choirs like to sing because of the splendor embodied in the music.

Nat King Cole’s ‘Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire (The Christmas Song)‘ is a classical favorite. It defies categorization as it isn’t sacred but is also not considered secular like a song such as ‘Sleigh Ride.’

Among secular Christmas songs, there are also funny ones such as ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus‘ (I personally LOVE John Mellencamp’s cover of that song) and ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ which got its start as part of an advertising campaign for Montgomery Ward.

The availability of a wide Christmas music selection makes it possible to choose ones for different occasions, such as for general use at home, for a fun or informal party or for a formal dinner. As an example, selections can be made to create the right mood at the start of a party, followed by more lively music when the party is in full swing, and then selections to slow down the pace when the party is nearing its end.

It’s also important to note that professional groups such as choirs, symphonies and orchestras will also record performances of Christmas music on albums. For the very serious and critical music aficionados, these albums will provide wonderful listening pleasure and also make good Christmas presents. Listening to music from those groups is also a way of enjoying their performances if doesn’t get the opportunity to attend a live concert by the professional group. Whatever selections of Christmas music are made however, it’s likely that it will create a festive mood and spirit among all who hear or are listening to the music.

I love Billy Idol’s music. I think he rocks! I have, like, all his albums … I’ve even purchased them more than once … first on vinyl, then on cassette and now on CD. I even purchased Rebel Yell twice on CD … so I could get the extra tracks. So imagine my surprise when I was doing research something completely different and discovered Billy did a Christmas album!

He doesn’t translate the songs into his usual rockin’ style (some might say that’s a missing an opportunity), but his deep voice with an edge of rasp add a layer of style to the songs. If you ever wondered if Billy had a lighter side … not so in your-face-rebellious … this Christmas album proves it. Here are some videos to show you what I mean.

Jingle Bell Rock

Is it just me, or does Billy have the sweetest, most infectious smile?

White Christmas

Although basically true to the original melody, Billy tosses in just a little bit of his own personality on this one.

Happy Holiday

This tune I’ve never heard before. Simple. Nice.

Winter Wonderland

A hint of country, Billy? O.K. I get it. You’re being cheeky!

Yellin’ At the Christmas Tree

This one’s more in Billy’s signature style.

I totally want this album!