My Christmas playlist

MANILA, Philippines — Christmas started early for me this year. As early as September, I was producing a Christmas album for a friend who wanted to give it away for the holidays.

I have been involved in producing Christmas album in the past and I know it really takes months to choose songs, have them arranged, recorded and mastered and made ready for CD production. Aside from the songs, you also have to think of the album cover, execute a pictorial and give the photos to a graphics artist, and have the cover printed.

I can say that during the last four months, I have been thinking of Christmas intensely.

I have always loved Christmas music. For this article I thought I would make a list of songs I personally like that define the season for me. This is a mix of religious and yuletide songs that I have actually been playing during the past 10 Christmases.

I know it is so near Christmas already. There is still a chance for you to make a playlist and enjoy these songs for the rest of the holidays. Look for them on Spotify or Apple Music. Here are my faves.

1) Angels We Have Heard On High

This is a great song. The version I have been enjoying lately is by a group called Point of Grace. It's strange combination of soft country rock, Enya-like vocals, and an orchestral instrumental in the middle of the song that will blow you away!

2) Wonderful Christmastime

This is a Paul McCartney song that is very catchy. With one listen, you get hooked on the song. Very nice melody, simple lyrics that talk about how simply wonderful the season is. I find myself playing it over and over.

3) The Holly and the Ivy

This song is more than a thousand years old. It was originally not Christian but through the centuries, lyrics about Jesus have been included. The melody is haunting. Listen to Maureen McGovern's version where she medleys it with a song called Bright, Bright. You might as well listen to her whole Christmas album. Simply beautiful!

4) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

This is one of my all-time favorite songs of the season. It has that signature melancholia of Christmas. The best versions I have heard are from Luther Vandross and Maureen McGovern. Come to think of it, I have not heard a bad rendition of this song.

5) Jingle Bells

The version that stands out for its approach, creativity, humor and wonderful delivery is this one sung by Barbra Streisand. She even added lyrics to it. Check it out. Every other version seems to be predictable except this one.

6)  O Come All Ye Faithful

This is special to me. I learned this when I was in grade school at the Ateneo. I can sing it both in English and in Latin. The song is majestic and triumphant. The Vienna Boys Choir has a beautiful version of this.

7) Sleigh Ride

Such a happy, playful melody. Very Christmasy in the Western yuletide tradition. Imagine a perfect white snowy kind of Christmas with friends and the holiday merry making that goes with it. The best version for me is by The Carpenters.

8) Silent Night

This is truly THE Christmas song for me. Through the years, I've liked many versions. Simon and Garfunkel's version where the news is overheard in the background will make your hair stand. The past decade though, my favorite has been the version arranged by Ryan Cayabyab. It is hard to find. We used to sing this when members of OPM formed a choir and did caroling stints more than a decade ago.

9) An Evening in December

The song will make you sigh. Just as the title says, play it when you find a quiet moment one evening in December. The whole album by First Call has become a mainstay on my playlist during Christmas. The vocal arrangements and harmonies are arrestingly beautiful.

10) Pasko na Sinta Ko

I remember 10 years ago when we spent our first Christmas Eve as immigrants to Australia. We had Filipino guests at home and we were singing random Christmas songs. When we got to this song, everyone in the room felt the pain of missing loved ones back home. After we sang it, we all heaved a collective sigh and wiped a tear. Gary V's version is my fave.

11) Miss Kita kung Christmas

This song was partly written by my late beloved auntie Fe Ayala from Davao. I have always liked this song. While it may seem like the usual unrequited love song, the strong Filipino romantic Christmas angst is very palpable. I had the pleasure of singing this on APO's very own Christmas album called “PaskonAPO!” Ryan Cayabyab's version is also beautifully moving.

12) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

It is a Christmas staple that will never lose its appeal. The melody is very good, catchy in a classical way and it is fun to sing with a group. The message is spot on for the season.

13) Christmas in Our Hearts

This song has ruled Christmas since the time it came out years ago. It has found its way into the national Christmas repertoire together with the great classics. Jo Mari Chan's epic hit is here to stay and enjoy for decades to come.

14) A Christmas Carol

A very energetic choir song. On YouTube, you can listen and watch the UP Singing Ambassadors' version. It is glorious. I have sung this with a choir. Not only does it lift the spirits of the audience, but I remember it lifted us up, too.

15) Simbanggabi

This Lucio San Pedro masterpiece is a very celebratory choir piece. It is catchy, vibrant and so much fun to sing. It vividly defines what the traditional Filipino Christmas Simbanggabi experience is all about.

16) Carol of the Bells

Some people find this song creepy and even say that it is like a song written for the horror genre. But I love the classical harmonies. It has layers of counterpoint.

17) Kumukutikutitap

This is the happiest Filipino Christmas song I have heard. It is Christmas as seen through the eyes of a child marveling at the gloss, glitter of Christmas lights, decor and the anticipation of receiving gifts. Simply delightful. A masterpiece by Ryan Cayabyab.

18) Give Love on Christmas Day

This old Jackson 5 masterpiece still gets me singing each time I hear it. A message of love so well conveyed by little Michael Jackson.

19) We Wish You a Merry Christmas

A lot of people know this song. It is probably one of the most popular Christmas songs ever. But few know that beyond the first two verses, the song goes on and it includes two verses that talk about liking “figgy pudding.” A lot of choirs sing this.  It is actually quite challenging.

20) Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Although this song has way too many versions already that run more or less the same, there is a delightful unique take of the song on Maureen McGovern's Christmas album. It is in jazz arrangement. The first voice you hear is that of Santa talking to airport control tower asking permission to land at La Guardia Airport. Very smart with the cynical but funny repartee between Maureen and Santa throughout the song.

I hope this list contributes to your enjoyment of the season. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.