#1: O Holy Night by Josh Groban (2002)

Written in 1847 by Adolphe Adam, Placide Cappeau, and John Sullivan Dwight.

Blessed with the voice of an Angel, Josh Groban takes the top spot on my list. I don't imagine any other song will bump the greatest version of the most beautiful Christmas song of all time out of its rock solid position.

The most Christmasy song on my chart that lyrically represents what Christmas is truly about is a song that I don't believe can be messed up. Versions by Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Kelly Clarkson, Luciano Pavarotti, Mariah Carey, Weezer, Martina McBride, Il Divo, Eric Cartman and an almost equally amazing version by Celine Dion (which may even get the ranking of #1a) prove the amazing power of this song.

The beauty of Groban's voice and the lyrics make this song one that I listen to year round and on heavy rotation at Christmas time.

Feliz Navidad

#1 Christmas Movie of all time: Scrooged (1988)

I have another 80's movie on my list? I sure do; however, this one is my favourite Christmas movie of all time.

This modern version of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol stars Bill Murray as Francis "Frank" Xavier Cross, a television executive who is on charge of a live Christmas Eve production of A Christmas Carol yet he doesn't have the fogigiest idea of what Christmas is in the first place. As Frank gets deeper into the production, his life starts to emulate the plot of the Dicken's classic in only a way that Bill Murray could experience.

The beauty of this movie is how long this movie has stayed funny for me. I have seen it upwards of 50 times (mostly on Christmas now) yet I laugh as much as the first time I see it. In addition, I haven't met someone who doesn't regard this as one of their favourite Christmas movies of all (provided they have seen it).

Enjoy

#2 Christmas Movie of all time: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Don't look now but Miles' lists have just taken a turn for the worst.

The Tim Burton produced/written, Henry Selick (Coraline) directed classic is one of Isabel's favourite movies and easily my 2nd favourite Christmas movie.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop motion film that is not generally seen (or marketed) as a Christmas movie. Perhaps this is the case because the majority The Nightmare Before Christmas takes place in Halloween Town. The naive Jack Skellington is a pleasure to watch in this movie and the music, done by Danny Elfman, makes it a movie that can be enjoyed multiple times.

#2: Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord by Boney M (1978)

Written by Jester Hairston, Frank Farian, Fred Jay, and Lorin

Boney M, the late 70's version of Milli Vanili (sort of). Well it is true Boney M and Milli Vanili were both created by created by German record producer Frank Farian and both groups "forged" their own lyrics (sort of, again); however, that is where the similarities end.

My #2 favourite Christmas was at the top of my pops for years until the eventual number one _______ ousted it. I know most are appalled by my choice of the German reggae/disco band at such a high spot but this song resonates with me at Christmas time and at the end of the day this is my list.

There lived a certain man in Russia long ago
He was big and strong, in his eyes a flaming glow
Most people looked at him with terror and with fear
But to Moscow chicks he was such a lovely dear
He could preach the bible like a preacher
Full of ecstacy and fire
But he also was the kind of teacher
Women would desire

#3: Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy by David Bowie and Bing Crosby (1977/1982)

Written in 1941 by Katherine K. Davis and words added in 1977 for David Bowie and Bing Crosby.

We have "back to back jacks" by Mr. Crosby and for my #3 favourite Christmas song of all time he included his neighbor David Bowie. The unnatural pairing of the mid 20th century music and motion picture star with Ziggy Stardust was genius.

Peace on Earth/Little Drummer was originally recorded for Bing's final album, Seasons, and his final TV Christmas special with David Bowie and Twiggy. Bing actually dies two months after recording this song (and special).

The beautiful thing about this song is it has been and will forever be accompanied by the nostalgic 70's video with Bing and David sauntering around a very Christmas themed piano/den.

I love this Christmas classic so much, I could conceivably listen to it on loop for hours (no joke)

#3 Christmas Movie of all time: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

This is as "Christmasy" as a movie gets. I never saw the remake (1994) and I never plan to, no offense to that movie I just hold the original true to my heart.

My #3 Christmas film actually won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor (Edmund Gwenn), Original Story (Valentine Davies) and Best Screenplay. In addition, it was also nominated for Best Picture.

This movie has everything from public intoxication to intense courtroom scenes to about a billion and a half heartwarming hugs. I understand that Miracle on 34th Street may be a little 1940's cheese for some viewers but remember people, this is a movie about Christmas.

Just saying.

#4 Christmas Movie of all time: White Christmas (1954)

I'll be honest with you, I think I am running out of things to say.

White Christmas was directed by Michael Curtiz, who also directed Casablanca (1942), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), and King Creole (1958). Just to give you a taste of what he is capable of.

This film is guided by Bing Crosby's on screen charm and his constant bickering with (George's aunt) Rosemary Clooney which makes the film watchable multiple times (AKA every Christmas).

Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army and White Christmas are obvious standout songs in the movie; however, the music, done by Irving Berlin, is perfection.

White Christmas is easily one of my favourite movies (not just Christmas) and that feeling is...mutual, I'm sure.

#5 Christmas Movie of all time: Elf (2003)

Will Ferrel and Zooey Deschanel...what else do I need to say.

Oh yeah, it was directed by Jon Favreau (director of Iron Man)

If you haven't watched it...what are you waiting for?

#6 Christmas Movie of all time: A Christmas Story (1983)

Although it is set in the 1940's this movie has a timeless feel to it.

The best moments in the movie are when Ralphie is voicing his need for a specific gift (Red Ryder BB gun) for Christmas and his his requests are (seemingly) falling on deaf ears. We can all relate to this when we were children and combined with an amazingly heartfelt and humourous script this movie will be a must-watch for ever.

#4: White Christmas by Bing Crosby (1942)

Written in 1941 by Irving Berlin.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable Christmas songs of all time found its way into my top 5 at #4.

The Bing Crosby classic which currently is most likely known from the 1954 film of the same name "White Christmas" actually first appeared in the 1942 film "Holiday Inn". "Holiday Inn" featured Bing Crosby as well and, in fact, garnered Irving Berlin an Academy Award for Best Original Song with White Christmas.

White Christmas was written during WW2 and its picturesque lyrics conjure up images that the men and women who were affected by the war related with and added to its popularity. Nowadays, with climate change a large portion of the world relate to this song quite simply because we are running out of white Christmas'.

True story.

#5: Last Christmas by Wham! (1984)

Written in 1984 by George Michael.

You knew it was coming, the incomparable George Michael (the better half of Wham!) will always be a mainstay in my top 5.

Last Christmas synthpop sound is undeniably 80's and that is what adds to this songs charm; however, publishing company Dick James Music thought that the songs sound was undeniably theirs. In 1985 Dick James Music sued George Michael for plagiarism claiming Michael ripped the melody from "Can't Smile Without You" (a song popularized by Barry Manilow).

The case was settled out of court and it is obviously now a Christmas classic as it has been covered numerous times. The most popular cover is probably Taylor *puke* Swift's 2007 version off of her "Sounds of the Season" album.

Last Christmas was released the same year as my #10 Christmas song, Band Aid's Do They Know it's Christmas?, which had Michael's Band Aid effort battling Michael's Last Christmas for the coveted Christmas #1 spot on the UK Singles Chart. Do They Know it's Christmas? and Last Christmas finished 1 and 2 respectively.

However, Last Christmas actually made more money than Do They Know it's Christmas? in the Ethiopian famine appeal (the famine which cause Bob Geldof to create Band Aid and Live Aid) after Wham! donated all royalties from the sale of the Last Christmas/Everything She Wants single to that effort.

Why does everything have to be a contest?

#6: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by U2 (1987)

Written in 1963 by Phil Spector (yeah crazy hair guy), Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich.

The song was originally recorded by Darlene Love in 1963 for the Christmas compilation album, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector (what a nice guy that Phil Spector is).

Darlene Love actually sang back up in U2's 1987 version which, itself, appears on the widely successful Christmas album A Very Special Christmas. This is the second time Bono lends his voice to my list, the first being on the Band Aid song Do They Know it's Christmas?.

I wondered if I should place this song as high as I did, but ultimately this is a wonderful song that is so great that it can be enjoyed anytime of the year.

#7: Merry Christmas Darling by The Carpenters (1970)

Written in 1970 by by Richard Carpenter & Frank Pooler

In my humble opinion, Karen Carpenter has one of the most beautiful voices of all time and the 4th song on side two of The Carpenters 1978 Christmas album "Christmas Portrait" is a perfect example of how stunning it is.

Originally released in 1970 as a 7" single, Merry Christmas Darling is the epitome of what a warm Christmas song should be. Granted, the song is sung from the perspective of a person who is missing their #1 loved one on Christmas but so are half of the song s that I have written about on my list.

Merry Christmas Darling by The Carpenters will never be missed by me on Christmas ever again.

#7 Christmas Movie of all time: Gremlins (1984)

Those of you who don't think this is a Christmas movie, think again. Firstly; Gizmo (voiced by Howie Mandel) was originally a Christmas gift given to Billy (Zach Galligan) by his Grandfather; secondly, the movie takes place at Christmas time; and lastly, Phoebe Cates was and will be forever the eternal Christmas gift to humanity.

#8 Christmas Movie of all time: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Boris (Frankenstein) Karloff narrating and as the Grinch, Chuck (Looney Tunes) Jones directing, and an amazing soundtrack (including You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch and The Who Song) make for an unforgettable experience and my #8 favourite Christmas movie of all-time.

#8: I Believe in Santa Claus by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers (1984)

Written in 1984 by Dolly Parton and Cristi Cary Miller.

The newest addition to my list may be a surprise to some; however, when I was recently introduced to this song by a friend I instantly fell in love and I don't know how I could go another Christmas without it.

I Believe in Santa Claus from Dolly and Kenny's 1984 Christmas album "Once Upon A Christmas" brings a needed country accent to my list. With lyrics like "I believe in viewing life as a journey that we're on and looking at our troubles as another stepping stone" this song is more than just a song about believing in ol' Saint Nick is actually taps into Dolly's existential views on life.

Furthermore, when Dolly tells the little children to sing and the children's choir breaks out into the "I believe in Santa Claus" chant I know this song is worthy of its high ranking.

I believe in Dolly and Kenny

#9 Christmas Movie of all time: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

This classic stop-action version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was originally released in 1964 as an NBC Christmas special and has been a favourite Christmas movie of children (and adults) ever since; in fact, it is Isabel's "all-time favourite movie".

The greatest thing about this version is how dated it actually is; however, it holds up against current CGI Christmas movies like Polar Express (2004) and A Christmas Carol (2009).

I always look forward to hearing Yukon Cornelius sing the goldrush/Christmas anthem "Silver and Gold" but Hermey, the elf that dreams of becoming a dentist, leaves much to be desired and is almost unwatchable at times. However, Rudolph is main man of the hour (or more specifically 52 minutes) and the unique "ringing" of Rudolph's nose every time is glows is why I keep coming back for more every holiday season.

#9: Here Comes Santa Claus by Elvis Presley (1957)

Written in 1946 by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman.

And here comes Elvis again, with his second appearance on my list. The third song off of his hugely popular 1957 record Elvis' Christmas Album is one of the few "traditional" Christmas songs left on my list, so enjoy it while you can.

#10 Christmas Movie of all time: A Christmas Carol (1951)

Released in 1951 A Christmas Carol, the third adaptation of Charles Dickens's censure against industrial capitalism of the same name, was directed by Brian Desmond Hurst and starring the perfectly cast Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge.

This 1951 version was not the first adaptation of Dicken's classic, others include A Christmas Carol (1938); Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983); The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), featuring Michael Caine as Scrooge, Scrooged (1988); and most recently Robert Zemeckis' CGI A Christmas Carol (2009).

The 1951 version is available to watch in black and white and colour but I strongly suggest watching it in b&w if you have the choice as it adds to mid 19th century gritty Victorian feel that this story deserves.

Everyone is over-familiar with this story; however, families still flood to the television at Christmas to watch this holiday mainstay. Younger children most likely are not interested in the 1951 version, but for us oldies we can appreciate the classics once and a while.

#10: Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid (1984)

Written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure.

Unbelievably, Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid has brought up major controversy as I had eluded that this song, written to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia, would crack my elusive top 10. Comments like "no way is that playing at my house at Christmas" or "are you kidding me?" are typical responses to me mentioning of Geldolf's classic being on my list.

I even struggled with putting it on my list at all; in fact, at one point in the preliminary construction process of my list I had Do They Know It's Christmas? as high as # 2. I settled by placing this song at # 10, giving it the credit I believe a contemporary song deserves but not putting it atop where "the classics" belong.

With Adam Clayton on bass, Phil Collins on drums and many of the top Brit/Irish artists of the early 80's lending their vocals including; Bono, Sting, Boy George (in his prime), and the incomparable George Michael I believe this song transcends time and country and grounds us at a time of year where a great deal of overindulgence occurs. This is a time of year to reach out to the less fortunate but many find Geldof's message depressing and not representative of the ideal Christmas that they want to lead, as Bono contemptuously points out in the haunting lyrics "well tonight thank God it's them instead of you."

In fact, Bob Geldof would tend to agree with the distractors that argue this song has no merit being on any list, unless that list involved the worst songs of all time. Earlier this year, Geldof told Australia's The Daily Telegraph that "[he is] responsible for two of the worst songs in history. One is Do They Know It’s Christmas? and the other one is We Are The World." He follows it up by saying "Any day soon, I will go to the supermarket, head to the meat counter and it will be playing. Every fucking Christmas."

Well Bob, I think that is exactly the reason I regard it so highly and have placed it on my list.

Black Swan

Black Swan is not your typical psychological thriller as it most likely takes place in director Darren Aronofsky's mind, and that is a frightening place my friends.

Those of you who are not familiar with Mr. Aronofsky's past work (Pi, 1998; Requiem for a Dream, 2000; The Fountain, 2006; and The Wrestler, 2008) you are in for a treat, or more eloquently put, a mind fuck.

Black Swan and its (almost) all female cast is completely captivating for its demented 108 minutes in duration; in addition, Mr. Aronofsky will leave your mind stained for the following 1008 minutes after you leave the theater.

Natalie Portman (even more skinny than normal) plays Nina Sayers, an apprehensive yet determined young woman who dreams of becoming a star in her own trade at the New York City ballet company where she has maintained an ardent dedication to for years. When company director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) announces he will be replacing prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) with a new lead to portray both the White Swan and the Black swan in his production of Swan Lake this leads Nina into a twisted reality where she is unable to discern reality from fiction.

Adding to the confusion is Nina's overbearing mother (Barbara Hershey), fellow company dancer Lily (Mila Kunis), and Nina's doppelgänger (in the truest sense of the word) who all appear to be in Nina's corner just long enough to rattle her into hysteria. Black Swan is extraordinarily similar to 2008's The Wrestler and in a August 2010 interview with MTV Mr. Aronofsky explains "at one point, way before I made The Wrestler, I was actually developing a project that was about a love affair between a ballet dancer and a wrestler, and then it kind of split off into two movies." He now considers The Wrestler a companion piece to Black Swan.

Clint Mansell wrote the frightening score to Black Swan based on Tchaikovsky's original Swan Lake. The score to this movie is a undoubtedly what makes this movie so masterful, adding to to the intense drama significantly. It is no doubt that Mansell's score works so well with Aronofsky's plot as this is the fifth time the duo has worked together.

Ultimately this movie is not the most original or unpredictable movie in recent memory; however, Arinofsky's ability to invoke the emotions of his actors and audiences is brilliant and his film will certainly be on many top 10 lists this year.

9.5/10 (will be at the top of the list come Oscar time)

Tenga a un amigos buenos de día

#11: (There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays by Perry Como (1954)

Written in 1954 by Robert Allen and Al Stillman.

The Perry Como classic Home for the Holidays is undoubtedly the most popular version of this Christmas staple. There is something about Perry Como's velvetty voice that transcends Christmas and that feeling of being "home" for the holidays that makes this song a must come late December.

While Home for the Holidays is a very special Christmas song, it doesn't crack my elusive top 10.

Stay tuned for that manana.

#12: Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley (1964)

Written in 1948 by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson

Elvis can sing can sing rock n roll, Elvis can sing country, Elvis can sing blues, and Elvis can sing Christmas. My top 25 favourite Christmas songs would not be what it is without the King of Rock and Roll.

Originally recorded in 1957 by Elvis, but was not released until 1964, and appeared in Elvis' 1965 movie G.I. Blues . Elvis first performed Blue Christmas as part of his 1968 television special.

Like a few other songs on my list Blue Christmas does not contain the merriest of lyrics; however, Elvis' song of unrequited love on Christmas surely would make most top 25 lists.

Martina McBride miraculously showed up in 2008 to join Elvis for a pleasant "countried up" version of the song giving the song an un-needed resurgence.

#13: Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono (1971)

Written in 1971 by John Lennon

It would appear that John Lennon originally wrote Happy Xmas (War is Over) as an anti-Vietnam song; however, with over 50 artists (including the brilliant Jessica Simpson) covering this song for Christmas albums one would wonder if it is still thought of as an anti-war song??

John and Yoko's song is played extensively on the radio at Christmas time therefore, I am led to believe the masses consider it to be a Christmas song...and I am definitely a lamb so that is why it is my #13.

*This song should never have been covered, especially by Jessica Simpson and Celine Dion

#14: I'll Be Home For Christmas by Michael Bublé (2003)

Written in 1943 by Buck Ram, Kim Gannon and Walter Kent.

This treat off of Michael Bublé's (David Foster produced) 2003 Christmas album "Let It Snow" is easily my favourite version of one of North America's most popular Christmas songs. In fact, all five songs (Let It Snow, The Christmas Song, Grown-Up Christmas List, I'll Be Home For Christmas, and White Christmas) off of Bublé's Christmas album are worthy of being in my top 25.

The Burnaby Crooner's voice is the perfect compliment to a cozy late December night and if it were not for the high caliber of songs above #14 I would have no problem placing I'll Be Home For Christmas by Michael Bublé in my top 10.

#15: Let It Snow by Dean Martin (1966)

Written in 1945 by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne

The second Dean Martin song on my list is, once again, not specifically a Christmas song (as it never mentions Christmas once). In fact, rumor has it that Cahn and Styne wrote this well known "Christmas" song in Hollywood on the one of the hottest days on record. Cahn and Styne wrote their song as a romance and most likely never prepared for it to blow up into the holiday classic it is today.

The first version of Let it Snow, recorded by Vaughn Monroe, actually reached number one on Billboard's music chart in 1945 prompting many artists to follow suit and record their own versions of Let it Snow.

*NOTE* Stay far, far away from Jessica Simpson's 2004 version of this song (and the video). The only surprising thing about the Simpson's video is that she is able to keep her winter clothes on.

#16: Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano (1970)

Written in 1970 by José Feliciano

"Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad" or "Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year". It sounds so much cooler en español.

Feliz Navidad is probably José Feliciano's most well known song and for good reason; in 1995 this song was voted as the greatest and most recorded Spanish Christmas song by The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Furthermore, this song is so popular that it has been covered numerous times by artists that have no right to tread on José's territory. Un-noteworthy contributors to this club of imposters include; Celine Dion, El Vez, Jon Secada, Fenix TX, Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Wiggles, Julliana Hough, David Hasselhoff, and a disgraceful version by Disney girl group The Cheetah Girls.

Needless to say there is only one version of Feliz Navidad that must be heard during the holidays, and that is my #16 favourite Christmas song of all time.

Feliz Navidad.

#17: You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch by Thurl Ravenscroft (1966)

Written by Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel and Albert Hague in 1966

With lyrics like "Your brain is full of spiders" and "You're as cuddly as a cactus" this 1966 classic doesn't initially scream Christmas at you; however, this gem is the most recognizable song from a movie that (at the heart of it) is about the good, non commercial aspects of Christmas.

You would be hard pressed to find someone who does not look forward to watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) if they happen to stumble upon it around the holidays. Thurl Ravenscroft's "Grinch" is so iconic by itself that it now stands alone as a Christmas standard and is a must at Christmas parties.

Mr. Grinch, you’re a three decker sour kraut and toad stool sandwich with arsenic sauce; but we still love you.

#18: All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey (1994)

Written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff in 1993

Not to get confused with the 1989 Country hit of the same name by Vince and his Valiants. Mariah Carey's Christmas ode to an unnatural obsession with Kriss Kringle instantly became a Christmas classic when it was released off of Mariah's 4th studio album Merry Christmas.

Oh, and there was something about Mariah Carey circa 1993 wearing a Mrs. Claus costume in the video...

Yeah...the video.

Okay, what I appreciate about the song is that is was written by Mariah (and Walter Afanasieff)and not just another recycled "classic". Back to the costume, who we really need to thank for Mariah's wardrobe in the video is the ultra-greasy Tommy Mottola (her ex-husband) as he was played "greasy" Santa Claus in the video and there can be no Santa Claus without a Misses.

Merry Christmas Mariah

#19: Backdoor Santa by Clarence Carter (1968)

Written by Clarence Carter in 1968.

With sexually suggestive lyrics that have nothing at all to do with Christmas, my #19 favourite Christmas song of all time is surely one that one that will shock. In addition, you probably will not be hearing Backdoor Santa anytime soon on your local 24 hour Holiday music station (Vancouver has two.)

Carter's Sexmas classic has been covered by many including; The Black Crowes, Jet, and Bon Jovi. Backdoor Santa's riff may be very recognizable to many as it was sampled by Run DMC in 1987's Christmas rap Christmas in Hollis (spoiler alert)which is conspicuously missing from my top 25.

The shock factor alone helps Clarence "Strokin" Carter's Backdoor Santa with its inappropriate misuse of Saint Nicks name a member of my elusive top 20 for years to come.

#20: Donde Esta Santa Claus by Augie Rios (1958)

Written by Gordon Rod Parker, Alvin Greiner, and George Scheck.

Donde Esta Santa Claus, or in English where is Santa Claus, just sounds better in Spanish. In addition, I love a song (in this case Christmas song) that teaches you and is sung en español. Y en honor a este escribiré la porción restante de esto en español también.

Este clásico olvidado de 1958 no no es el más sabe bien canción de Navidad y el mejor pero merece definitivamente de ser en mi primero 25. Como un niño que nosotros siempre nos preguntamos donde Santa Claus estuvo en Nochebuena como examinamos nuestras ventanas (bien por lo menos yo hice hasta que fuera 15) y esta hermosa canción por Augie Ross nos recuerda.

Disfrute de

#21: Silent Night by The Temptations (1969)

Written in 1818 by Father Joseph Mohr, Franz Xaver Gruber, and John Freeman Young.

Original writers; Austrian priest, Father Joseph Mohr and Austrian headmaster Franz Xaver Gruber probably could not have imagined their Christmas Carol "Stille Nacht" would ever become the international success it is now.

The Temptations sing my favourite version of the song that has been translated into over 44 languages and is undoubtedly a Christmas staple that is synonymous with a yule tide fire and egg nog.

I will certainly be sleeping in heavenly peace.

#22: Winter Wonderland by Fleming and John (1996)/Vanessa Hudgens (2009)

Written in 1934 by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith.

I expect a little controversy with my number 22 favorite Christmas song(s) of all time especially with much more popular versions of this song done by artists such as Karen Carpenter, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Eurythmics, Elvis Presley, Johnny Mathis, Ozzy Osbourne, Dolly Parton, Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, Dean Martin, and Harry Connick Jr.

Fleming and John Misty Mountain Winter Wonderland

The musical husband and wife team called Fleming and John take this classic Christmas song and change the tune to Led Zeppelin's Misty Mountain Hop and instantly made the most unorthodox yet completely satisfying renditions of Bernard and Smith's Christmas tune I have ever heard

Vanessa Hudgens Winter Wonderland

Once again, not the most well know version of this song; however, the Vanessa Hudgens version from the Christmas album "A Very Special Christmas 7" brings a sexiness to that had previously been missing.

The lyrics "In the meadow we can build a snowman and pretend that he is parson brown. He'll say are you married we'll say no man, but you can do the job when you're in town" screams sexy...doesn't it?

Email your complaints to milesjackson21@gmail.com

#23: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Luther Vandross (1995)

Written in 1944 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane.

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASAP) have ranked my 23rd ranked Christmas song as the third most performed Christmas song;in fact, Martin and Blane's unforgettable classic has been recorded from many artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Twisted Sister.

Even though I have not listened to all of the 400 plus recordings of this song the Luther Vandross version is undoubtedly my favorite version of this song. Judy Garland sang the original which was first released in the 1944 musical "Meet Me in St. Louis".

Ultimately it is the smooth soul that LV brings to this song that allows his version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to creep into my top 25.

Honorable mentions to the She & Him (Zooey Deschanel & M Ward) version

#24: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings (2004)

by Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan

With lead vocals by Ed Robertson and Sarah McLachlan this brilliant Christmas song is the first "mash" on my top 25 favourite Christmas songs of all time.

At first "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" sounds like an extra annoying Christmas version of "One Week"; however, once Sarah McLachlan adds her angelic Nova Scotian voice to this song it instantly becomes a radio friendly staple (at least in Canada).

#25: Baby It's Cold Outside by Dean Martin (1959)

Written in 1944 with words and music by Frank Loesser

This particular Christmas gem never specifically mentions Christmas; however, the premise of the song does in fact offer us is a constant reminder of the less than optimal weather conditions late December brings us (sans Vancouver of course).

Dean Martin has one of the greatest voices of all time and I definitely do not have a problem listening to him while relegated to my house due to the cold winter weather. Thank you Dino.

25 Greatest Christmas Songs of all time

Starting December 1st I will be celebrating the 25 day countdown to Christmas with my 25 GREATEST CHRISTMAS SONGS OF ALL-TIME.

My countdown will certainly be void of annoying "Christmas" songs like Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer or I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and include some songs that reflect heartache, although Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer is quite grim (for many reasons)...but I digress.

For me, these songs do not only represent Christmas, Winter, and joy to the world they represent a timeless quality that transcends Christmas. The songs I pick are songs that undoubtedly could be enjoyed any time of the year and do not necessarily carry a Christmas connotation with them.

I hope you enjoy my Countdown to Christmas that includes MY top 25 favourite Christmas songs of all time.

Feliz Navidad

Inception for Oscar

Inception is the latest installment in writer/director Christopher Nolan's relatively short, yet brilliant, career. Inception stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, an extractor who enjoys aspects of his job a little too much. As an "extractor" Cobb would enter a dream to obtain information that can not be obtained by any other means. Cobb is slightly addicted to inducing himself into a dream then chasing (or being chased by) his deceased wife Mal, played by the dauntingly beautiful Marion Cotillard. After Cobb and his partner Arthur(Joseph Gordon-Levitt)are exposed while trying to extract a file from Japanese energy mogul Saito, played by Ken "subtitles needed" Watanabe he hits them up with an offer Cobb can't refuse. However, this offer involves the nearly impossible task of inception.

Inception is essentially the opposite of what Cobb and Arthur have been doing with extraction, inception is creating an idea in the mind of the victim. When Cobb suggests inception to his new recruits which includes Earnes, the dream shape-shifter(Tom Hardy); Ariadne, the architect(Ellen Page); and Yusef, the pharmacologist (Dillep Rao)they half heartedly accept. Subsequently the group is told by Saito that Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), Saito's corporate competition, is the target of their sensational plan.

This is the area of the plot that has received some criticism from critics due to the dream within a dream within a dream premise. Inception would be difficult to watch if you are half-cut, stoned, or even tired during the movie due to the "specificity" of the plot; however, if you simply pay attention the movie will blow by with ease. Typically many viewers of summer blockbusters like to be spoon fed their plot points. Nolan does not subscribe to that formula. In fact, most of the movie is presented as an axiomatic truth.

Once the agenda is laid out Cobb and his counterparts ensue upon the most enjoyable 5 action movies in 1 I have seen in my life, well it is actually the only 5 in 1 I have ever seen in my life, but I digress. This movie runs 2 hours and 28 minutes and if you think this movie is too long, frankly you must have the attention span of a gnat because it flies by quicker than Michael Cane's amount of screen time.

The cast as an ensemble is phenomenal, which is to be expected due to Nolan's recycling of actors from movies past. However, Marion Collitard and Tom Hardy were standouts in this cast. Collitard must have known that originally Nolan had depicted his movie to be a horror as her countenance provides for some very terrifying scenes (it's no coincidence "Mal" is Latin for evil). Tom Hardy, who must be seen in 2008's Bronson, was a wonderful complement to Gordon-Levitt's strait man and coincidentally provide some needed comic relief with their tension towards each other.

The editing done by Nolan favorite, and two-time Academy Award nominee, Lee Smith was perfection as it needed to be to keep up with Nolan's brilliant script and sometimes frantic direction. However, some may be disappointed with Smith's untimely editing at the end of the movie which leads to a humorous lack of resolution.

Even though Memento (2000) will undoubtedly remain as the crowning achievement of Nolan's career, Inception has propelled him into new territory. Inception WILL win the Oscar for editing, should win the Oscar for cinematography, and if this lackluster year of movies continues, Inception may even win best picture. And yes, it is that good.

9/10 (see it more than twice)

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Robin Hood Begins

If you are expecting a swashbuckling Errol Flynn, a debonaire Douglas Fairbanks, an assortment of singing animals from around the globe, or a Bryan Adams ballad you are shit out of luck. However, what Ridley Scott offers the audience in his 2010 installment of Robin Hood is (overall) enjoyable.

The movie begins on an opaque day, with arrows flying towards a French castle during the Third Crusade, as England is reeling from their devastating losses of life. Well, the movie actually begins with medieval "Tusken Raiders" ambushing the Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett)and her hometown of Nottingham in the dead of the night. Nevertheless, what is not known at this point in the movie is that Robin Longstride, played very Irishly by Ridley Scott's wonderboy Russell Crowe, has yet to become (who English folklore commonly refer to as)Robin Hood. This film is what would be referred to as a prequel.

Screenwriter, Bryan Helgeland has intertwined many (somewhat) confusing story lines into the movie with a copious amount of characters; it is obviously presumed that the audience should know in advance a majority of them. However, the characters are brilliantly cast starting with Robin's (soon to be) Merry Men; Little John, played by Canadian cyborg Kevin Durand; Will Scarlet, played by Scott Grimes; and Allan A'Dayle, played by Great Big Sea's frontman Alan Doyle (undoubtedly got the role due to his ability to play the mandolin and being rock buds with Mr. Crowe). Comical moments are contributed by The Merry Men and Friar Tuck (Mark Addy)who provides humorous lines like "if I were not a Friar, I would surely be the town drunkard". The main antagonist is a spiteful man named Godfrey...Godfrey? Yes Godfrey, not the Sheriff of Nottingham or even King John. Godfrey, played by Mark Strong, is King John's henchman with alterior motives.

During the film, Scott wonderfully juxtaposes the picturesque Nottingham forest shots to the the tension felt by the citizens of England who believe they are being fleeced by the newly appointed King John. In fact, up until the final fight scene (which I will get into), Scott has constructed a nearly perfectly fluent film. Occasionally the score, done by German composer Marc Streitenfeld (Scott's new Hans Zimmer), seems a little out of context; however, we do get to hear the obligatory mezzo-soprano wailing in the background that we are used to in this genre of movie.

The film took a turn for the worse after a crowd pleasing inspirational speech (by Robin) that would even make (the Scottish) William Wallace proud. I do not know whether Scott felt obliged to throw in a final fight scene to please his producers or whether he just wanted to get his rocks off but the 15 minute battle on the south of England was one of the most unnecessary, uninspired, and anti-climactic fight scenes I have seen in recent memory. When the supposed leader of the English army first identifies the armada of French approaching on the English Channel he remarks, "that's a lot of French". Well, it certainly was, it certainly was.

6/10 (see it, but if you have to take a pee break wait for the fight scene...I wish I had)

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"Iron Man 2"

With an opening weekend of just over $128 million in sales, Iron Man 2 eclipsed it's predecessor by $28 million. However, where Iron Man 2 makes up in sales, it lacks in ingenuity.

Robert Downey Jr. returns as Tony Stark the boyishly narcissistic CEO of the military contracting company, Stark Industries and Gwyneth Paltrow, his reluctant assistant, returns as Pepper Potts. Unfortunately, other than the director Jon Favreau (in a supporting role), Downey Jr. and Paltrow are the only two carry overs from the first installment. This is significant as Don Cheadle now replaces Terrance Howard as Stark's confidant, Lt. Colonel James Rhodes/War Machine. Unfortunately, Cheadle's acting makes certain scenes in Iron Man 2 laughable (when they are not supposed to be). During Stark's birthday party (donning the Iron Man suit sans helmet) an inebriated Stark's is confronted by Rhodes and who has just broken into Stark's secure basement suite that contains all the "spare" Iron Man uniforms and thrown on the "War Machine" version. The two suit bearing warriors precede to throw each other around Stark's mansion while an aghast crowd watches in disbelief, even though they seemed to be enjoying the boozed up billionaire exploding watermelons over their heads five minutes previous to the confrontation. This fight scene could have been enjoyable if it wasn't paused every seven seconds with the obligatory "Tony, you have to stop this!" said by Rhodes. If Paramount had swallowed its pride and paid the man (Terrance Howard) his money, I believe this would have been a much more enjoyable scene and even movie.

However, it was not all doom, gloom, and bad Don Cheadle quotes. The chemistry between Downey Jr. and Paltrow has obviously carried over from the first installment and is quite enjoyable to watch. Sam Rockwell as rival weapons manufacturer Justin Hammer is phenomenal as always; Mickey Rourke as Stark's primary antagonist, Ivan Vanko, is enjoyable with his constant Russian snickers; and Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff the undercover spy from S.H.I.E.L.D. is not only aesthetically wonderful but definitely fit perfectly into her leather suit errr role.

The cast as an ensemble was excellent (other than Cheadle); however, Favreau took away from the believabilty that was present in the first. Unlike the first Iron Man where Favreau mixed in the right amount of humor with the right amount of drama and action, he barrages the viewer with an overabundance of uneccessary action/fight scenes. Despite its weaknesses, Iron Man 2 is worth watching in theaters once, if not only for Downey Jr., Johansson, and Stan Lee's "Where's Waldo" impression that he seems to be doing in all the new breed of Marvel produced movies.

6/10 (see it)

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