Best and worst Christmas songs

After living in different parts of the state I returned home to Beaumont (Texas) seven years ago and found that it really isn’t Christmas ’round my neck of the woods without hearing the soulful Charles Brown classic: “Please Come Home for Christmas.” Brown grew up in Southeast Texas between Houston and Beaumont and his record soared up in the charts a number of years during the holidays. Other artists recorded the song as well, including the Eagles. Even as much as I like the Don Henley (a northeast Texas boy) vocals, I still think Brown’s version is the one that makes me remember listening to the song on jukeboxes this time of year in little cafes from Bon Wier to Buna.

With that said, here are a few picks for my faves and not so fave Christmas tunes.

EFD’s It’s Christmas time ya’ll

“Please Come Home For Christmas” — Charles Brown; Numero Uno

“Merry Christmas From The Family” — Robert Earl Keen; For all those dysfunctionals, Feliz Navidad

“The Story of Santa Claus And His Old Lady” — Cheech and Chong; “He had a suit on with black, patent leather choos … ” Not really a song, but, it’s a holiday classic.

EFD’s Most Despised Christmas Songs

“Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” — If you want to find the You Tube version, be my guest. What an awful song!

“Little Drummer Boy” — “Pa rumpa pom pom,” or however you spell it. This song makes me want to be locked in a room listening to Led Zeppelin. “Me and my drum. Rumpa pom pom.” Okay, got it. Thank you. Got it a long time ago.”

“Jingle Bells” — The Dog Version. I got to admit, it was pretty cute the first time I heard it played on a TV car dealership commercial. After awhile though, it makes you want to be locked in a room listening to Led Zeppelin.