This year I have set myself a challenge: to write a Christmas song. This is harder than I’d thought, especially to come up with something that’s musically and lyrically original. I’m still working on it, but in the meantime I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite Christmas songs. This is me singing one of my all time favourite Christmas classics.

I grew up listening to Jim Reeves’ “Twelve Songs of Christmas” LP and have the Christmas Hits CD out as soon as December 1st arrives. But my favourite seasonal album at the moment is Tori Amos’ “Midwinter Graces”. It’s a beautiful merging of pagan and Christian imagery, reimagining some old carols and adding original songs. This is one of my favourites, “A Silent Night with You”. If you enjoy I really recommend checking out the whole album.

I’ve sang in choirs for most of my life and have been part of Belfast Operatic Company’s Christmas concert in the Ulster Hall for many years. This year’s was another sell out crowd and “Christmas Bells” was my favourite of the pieces we performed. On this recording you can also hear the Belfast Pops Orchestra and we’re all conducted by Colin Scott.

Everyone loves “Fairytale of New York”, myself included. It’s some great writing, capturing character voices to tell a darker, bleaker story than we usually hear in Christmas pop hits. In a similar vein, Paul Kelly’s “How to Make Gravy” creates a character – a guy phoning home from prison just before Christmas, exploring his feelings about being away from family. I can’t listen to this song without a tear in my eye! I think everyone who’s spent a Christmas away from home, for whatever reason, can relate. Having spent 3 Christmases Down Under I love the sunny Aussie vibe to the music too.

I hope I’ve introduced you to some new festive favourites. I’d love to hear what you think of them in the comments.

Merry Christmas!