Werefrog? Nope, just Kermit.

Tis the season to be driven nuts by round the clock holiday music in stores, on the radio, and at home. In the spirit of the catchy tunes and sappy lyrics ThatCostumeGirl presents the Top Ten Holiday Songs Currently Stuck in My head. There are a few classics mixed in with the unknowns and novelty tunes….I’m sure you’ll recognize a few of the selections. I’ve done my best to find examples of each of the songs so you can get them stuck in your head too. No need to thank me, that’s what friends are for.

10. Marshmallow World — I love this song because it makes me hungry. I love marshmallows and whipped cream. Who doesn’t? Someone writes a song about an entire holiday landscape covered in the gooey delicious delights. Brilliant. Bing Crosby sings one of the more popular versions. I’ve found a special treat for you today: Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

9. Christmas in Hollis — The youth of 1987 were gifted with this little treat by RUN DMC. It stood out from the pack on the album A Very Special Christmas which was chock full of big name acts. Watch the video and keep your eye out for the classic game Simple Simon.

The Blue Boy

8. Blue Christmas — The King covered this country gem and the holidays were never the same. I’ll let Elvis show you why.

7. We Three Kings — I’m talking about the Claymation version with the groovy camels. Once agian 1987 makes the list, this time with Will Vinton’s A Claymation Christmas Celebration which aired on CBS. Most of remember the California Raisins but very few of us remember that they only had one song in the entire special. Which reminds me, I once dressed up as a California Raisin for the local Christmas parade. Anyway, the rockin’ camels make this one to sing every year.

6. Santa Claus is Coming to Town — I have to go with the Boss on this one. Many great artists have covered this classic, but the gravely voice of Bruce Springsteen is the best version. Well, it’s the one I usually have stuck in my head. This could be for one of two reasons: it’s darn catchy or Who’s the Boss. One episode of Tony Danza’s family show featured the song. I still can see the Bower’s kitchen and Tony serving breakfast. Ah, 80s sitcoms.

5. Santa Baby — Eartha Kitt’s 1953 holiday hit has become a classic sung by recording artists and school choirs. Did you know Orson Welles considered her to be, “the most exciting woman in the world”? Tis true. She’s a powerhouse who still rocks the stage with her unique purr and shapely figure. Watch her heat up the screen with Santa Baby.

4. One More Sleep Til Christmas — Kermit sings this lovely and sweet song in Disney’s first Muppet movie The Muppet Christmas Carol. It came out in 1992 and was directed by Brian Henson and featured Steve Whitmire as Kermit. The absence of Jim is one extra reason to shed a tear during this heartstring puller.

3. Mele Kalikimaka — Bing Crosby finally appears on the list. A list of Christmas titles wouldn’t be complete without him. This jaunty little Hawaiian tune brings a bit of the tropical sun into the chilly air. It’s even featured in the holiday classic Christmas Vacation. In fact, here’s Clark’s daydream just for you:

2. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas — in 1953, Gayla Peevey broke out of Oklahoma City and took the country by storm. A local DJ took it upon himself to encourage the community to give Gayla that Hippo. Little Matilda was donated to the zoo. Sweet, huh? Anyway, I love this song. I sing just about once a day all the way through Epiphany.

1. Fairytale of New York — The Pogues sing this one. It’s a little rough around the edges, as are the Pogues, but a true holiday song. It features the incomparable Kristy MacColl. Big voice, beautiful lady, greatly missed.

There you have it. The ten songs I sing over and over and over in my head.

Here, the Phantom demonstrates his mastery of the chokehold.

On this date, October 9th, 1986 at Her Majesty’s Theater in London (Yes, the English one!), The Phantom of the Opera opens to rave reviews and sold out shows…I think they’re probably still sold out.  And, simply because Sarah Brightman had the lead is in no way meant to reflect any kind of nepotism on the part of lecherous composer(and Brightman’s husband at the time) Andrew Lloyd Webber.  Wait, did I say lecherous…I meant talented.