Lots of Blue – My Tuesday Three

There are so many great Christmas songs, and I know I will never be able to share every one of my favorites this Christmas season. (I guess it’s okay to save some for next Christmas J).

Most of my favorites are religious Christmas songs (that seems a little redundant, but since there are so many non-religious, or secular, Christmas songs these days, it really isn’t). I’m not big on the “Santa Claus is coming to town” type of Christmas songs. But there are a few non-religious Christmas songs that I love. I wanted to reserve Music Mondays for my favorite religious ones, so decided that for My Tuesday Three today I would share three of my favorite non-religious ones.

One of my very favorite non-religious Christmas songs is “Pretty Paper” as sung by Willie Nelson. I know some people don’t like his voice and think he should stick to songwriting. This song, written by Willie Nelson, has been recorded by others. But I think he does the best rendition of this song that I have heard.

The reason I like it, even though it is a bit sad, is because it is a reminder that we need to take the focus off the busy-ness of Christmas, the rushing to and fro to buy presents for everyone, and remember those who are in need. We need to remember those who in the midst of the laughter sit alone and cry. Whenever I wrap presents in pretty paper and ribbons of blue I think of this song.

Another of my favorite non-religious Christmas songs is also a little sad and involves blue – “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley. Many have recorded this sad tale of someone who is alone at Christmas, having lost the one they love, but the Elvis version is my favorite.

The reason I like it is that it is a reminder of what is most important at Christmas – next to Jesus, of course – and that is relationships. It is a reminder that spending Christmas with friends, family, and a special loved one is such a blessing.

My third favorite non-religious Christmas song doesn’t have anything to do with blue, and is the only one that mentions Santa. It is “Merry Christmas Baby” by Bruce Springsteen. This one was also recorded by Elvis, but I like the Springsteen version.

The reason I like this song is because it is a reminder that treating each other right is so important at Christmas time and always. (Oh, and for those of you who have never seen Bruce Springsteen in concert, don’t worry – that’s not people booing him at the end of the video – they are yelling “Bruuuuuuuuce.”)

I hope you enjoy these Christmas songs, that you remember those who are in need this Christmas, don’t have a blue Christmas, and always treat your loved ones right. Merry Christmas!