To continue my musing on Christmas, here is the post from yesterday. No, that isn’t contiuning, but whatever. It’s my blog, and I’ll do whatever I want. For many years, perhaps even over a deacde, I have done a post about my one and only true Christmas carol, O Holy Night. I did a quick search and I did not do a post last year (but I did one in 2021). Apparently, last year around this time, I did two weeks’ worth of posts about Elden Ring instead as part of my GOTY posts. Or rather, in place of my GOTY post.
I am not sure I will have a GOTY post this year, either, because while I have played more new games this year than last, I’m not sure I want to call any of them my GOTY. I might just do a ‘state of my gaming’ post again instead. Or just gush about Elden Ring again. That’s always something I can do at the drop at a hat.
Anyway. More on games later. This is about Christmas and how much I love it! I do not love it, obviously, but I don’t hate it, either. In fact, to my surprise, I feel vaguely warm about it. Not about Christmas in general, but about love and community and being alive.
Here are some of my favorite versions of O Holy Night. In no particular order. first up is Andy Williams with a very classic version. I heard this a few years ago, and I really dug it–much to my surprise. I’m not usually one for old-timey musicians. for whatever reason, though, this version hit my sweet spot.
Next up is one I found just this year. It was filmed two years ago, and it’s by the Mav City Gospel Choir, featuring Melvin Crispell III. It’s soulful and earnest, without veering into saccharine. It’s really, really good.
Next is Carrie Underwood with a very clean version of the song. Very little frill and no filler. Sometimes, stripped down is the best.
Next is a version sung in Navajo by Jana Mashonee. I chose it because it’s just lovely, and I like hearing it sung it different languages.
Now, we have a combination of my favorite Christmas carol and my favorite instrument–the cello. Apocalytica is the band.
Here is an a cappella version by Martina McBride that sends chills down my spine. Her voice is such a glorious instrument.
This is a darker and grittier version of the song by Ben Caplan. He did it three years ago, and I was obsessed with it that year. It’s just so, so good.
As is my wont, I am listening to new versions to see if there are any I like. I have noticed that in general, I like the ones that acoustic, stripped down, and simple. With that in mind, here is a new version that is all of that and really heartfelt. It’s by Boyce Avenue and really knocks it out of the park.
Oh wow. Lindsey Stirling (violinist) did a new version last year. I did not know this, and you know I have to include it. I love Lindsey ever since I saw her playing the theme song from Skyrim. Ok. The video is a bit more, ah, syrupy and overtly Christian-y than I care for, but the music is top-notch.
Another clean version, this time by Jordan Smith. It’s just really good. The way he just effortlessly glides into his upper register is perfection.
And, quite possibly, my favorite version of the song by the unparalleled Jennifer Hudson.
I will end this post by adding the two atheist Christmas songs that I love so much. The first is Tim Minchin’s White Wine in the Sun.It’s a surprisingly sweet song from a man more known for his acerbic wit. It’s a loving homage to his (then) baby girl and family. This was the version he did last Christmas.
Finally, it’s Vienna Teng, whose parents are also from Taiwan. It’s called The Atheist Christmas Carol, and it’s an oldie but good about what this time of year can mean to those of us who are not believers. (Mostly love.)