Christmastime is Here: A Few Songs to Help You Get in the Mood

As usual, I've been neglecting this blog; life, specifically in the form of my jobs and my research, has been in the way. While I am hoping to post a bit more next week, here are a few of my favorite songs to help you get in the mood (especially if you're like me and are spending the day frantically trying to get ready for the holidays):

"An Angel Returned" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra



TSO isn't for all tastes, and (at least in my opinion) none of their subsequent albums have been nearly as good as their first outing, Christmas Eve and Other Stories. However, this song always makes me happy and reminds me to embrace the goodwill, the cheer, and (yes) the inherent cheesiness of this time of year.

"Christmas Bells are Ringing" by Nat King Cole



Although most people default to Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song," I prefer the cheerfulness and liveliness of this song.

"Merry Christmas Darling" by The Carpenters



This isn't a happy song, but if you are looking for a somewhat melancholy (but not too melancholy) Christmas song, this is the perfect bet.