Let’s talk about my friend Andy. Or Andrew, if that’s what you’d prefer to call him.

Known him since middle school. I’ve shared a lot of experiences with Andy. We played football together for six years. We were in a metal band called Long Live The King together. We traveled to the Czech Stop in West, Texas to get in touch with our roots because well, we are both of Czechoslovakian descent.

I know Andrew pretty well. And I can only think of less than a handful of things that he hates. He can’t stand feet, Francis Sporting Goods’ t-shirts or fava beans.

OK, he probably doesn’t have a problem with fava beans. I made that one up because it started with an ‘f’ and I ran out of ideas. But you get the point – Andy is a laid-back guy who doesn’t let much bother him.

That’s why a revelation Andy made to me last week was shocking. As the minutes passed and last call crept closer at a Mass. Street bar, Andrew said he disliked Christmas music.



Not a fan of Christmas music? That’s like punching a fire hydrant. It doesn’t make any sense. Not to me.

Andy explained his disapproval with some anecdote from his childhood about how his mother would listen to it for two months while she took him to the dentist or something. Excuse not accepted.

Plainly calling him ‘Scrooge’ or ‘Grinch’ and moving on, however, would have been too simple. I told him I was going to write a blog entry about my favorite Christmas songs.



Which became an entry listing my favorites in four Christmas categories. Which became what you are currently reading.

So here it is, Case Closed’s Best of Christmas in lists. Hopefully, it can even infect Andrew with a little Christmas cheer.

The Top Five Songs

5. Frosty The Snowman- Frosty edges out Rudolph as the best story song of the holidays. It’s impossible not to feel a range of emotions as the snowman entertains the children all the while knowing his melting fate is inevitable.

4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas- Above all else, this holiday season is about family. Judy Garland’s classic does the best job of invoking those feelings.

3. Little Drummer Boy- Pa-rum-pum-pum. People who say that hasn’t been stuck in their heads at some point are lying.

2. Let It Snow- Of course, at least one song on this list just needed to be one that makes people smile. No way “Let It Snow” doesn’t produce a number of smiles every day in December. Even if the weather outside is frightful.

1. Sleigh Ride- A controversial choice, I know. This might not be my favorite of all time but this year, it’s far-and-away the best. The Ronettes’ version has played way too many times on Sirius Radio’s holiday channel, but I can never switch stations. So dang catchy.

The Top Five Movies

5. Miracle on 34th Street- The original was a classic and the 1994 re-make did it justice. A solid Christmas message is at the heart of this one.

4. Christmas Vacation- Clark Griswold is a great character. Chevy Chase is a great actor. What a match. So many memorable moments topped off when Griswold receives his “Jelly of the Month” subscription.

3. Home Alone- Consider the generation if you have a problem with this choice. I grew up watching Kevin McCallister give the Wet Bandits hell at least once a year when the holidays rolled around.

2. A Christmas Story- It’s definitely aided by TBS’ tradition of showing it for 24 straight hours through Christmas. It’s such a simple story executed so well.

1. It’s A Wonderful Life- I’ve probably seen this less than the other four movies on this list. But any respectable Christmas movie list has it on top. It is filled with so many emotions that everyone can find something to relate to.



The Top Five Gifts

5. Atari 2600- Time to come clean. I couldn’t think of a fifth one and had to use the assistance of holidayfads.net. I thought the original game system was a perfect choice because now, every other year the newest game system is the hottest item.

4. Cozy Coop- Click on it and you’ll know what I’m talking about. It seems like every child got a Cozy Coop at some point for Christmas. And they still do.

3. Bubble-blowing bear- Out of nowhere, these became extremely popular one year in the 90s. This is sort of a personal choice because I’ll never forget my dad’s reaction when he opened a gift from his mother – it was a Coca-Cola bubble blowing bear. She obviously couldn’t think of anything else.

2. Red Ryder BB Gun- “A Christmas Story” makes it onto another list. Every Christmas, we’re reminded of Ralphie’s quest for the perfect present. Wouldn’t have it any other way.

1. Tickle Me Elmo- This toy created the ultimate craze in 1996. Now, Christmas can’t pass without thinking about it. I even found myself making a Tickle Me Elmo reference on a final exam last week.

The Top Five Foods

It’s doubtful most of these count as “food.” Oh well.

5. Gingerbread- Do you ever hear about gingerbread at other times of the year? Didn’t think so. It’s not exactly a staple of Memorial Day cookouts.

4. Eggnog- Far from a fan of this beverage, but it is also one of those seasonal treats. It’s a staple at any legitimate Christmas party.

3. Candy Canes- Sometimes, I feel as if these peppermint sticks are overlooked. They are definitely a part of the Christmas culture.

2. Ham- Give the birds a break. Turkey should be reserved for Thanksgiving. Although delicious, it’s never felt right on Christmas. Ham is the primary meat.

1. Cookies- Imagine this as an episode of Family Feud. I’m the host and say, “Christmas Blank.” You would say cookies. ‘Nuff said.



Merry Christmas everyone. You too, Andy.