What I’m about to say may make some of you dislike me for a minute or two. I don’t like holiday songs. Specifically, I don’t like the holiday songs that are played, nonstop, on mainstream radio. They are awful, irritating and annoying. That applies to all of them, regardless of artist, and with a specific emphasis on Winter Wonderland, Baby It’s Cold Outside (I think this one is the worst offender), and anything sung by Mariah Carey.
That is not to say all holiday songs are awful. Dominick the Donkey is acceptable. The original version of The Hanukkah Song is fine (only the original version. The rest might as well be sung by Mariah Carey). And the only one I actually enjoy and will actively listen to is Do They Know It’s Christmas by Band Aid.
What I like about this song is that it was written, produced, and creative to bring awareness to a real issue and to raise money for that cause. This song, to me, is what the holiday spirit is supposed to embody. It also reminds me that when a lot of people come together to help, it makes a huge difference but as individuals, we can help, too. And while the song was intended to bring about awareness of hunger in Africa, let’s not forget that it’s an issue here in the United States and around the world.
I’m including this song for Money Tune Tuesday because of the fact that the proceeds of this song went to the cause it was created to help and the fact that the cast of Glee has rerecorded the song with 100% of the proceeds going to charity as well. I like when celebrities (or, in the case of the Glee cast, quasi-celebrities who are sure to end up on Dancing With the Stars) actually take part in a cause without expecting something back.
Also, the mullets in this video are AMAZING!!! I think Bono’s is my favorite.
Side bar: If you’re in the mood for giving, head on over to DollarVersity. Tragedy hit close to home for Eric when the sister of a high school classmate was murdered by her husband who then committed suicide, leaving their 2 young children with no parents. A fund has been set up for the girls, and the information to donate is available on his site.
Interestingly my theme in this week’s best of money carnival was Christmas songs.
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It makes sense as a theme. And I’m probably in the minority of people who can’t stand them.
Thanks for sharing – i’ll go check out DV – eric is a nice guy, and that’s a terrible thing to have happened.
Jeff @ Sustainable Life Blog recently posted…Homemade Personal Christmas Gifts
I feel I must stick up for Feliz Navidad. As hokey as it is, it always puts me in a good mood.
101 Centavos recently posted…Retiring Abroad — A Few Things to Ponder
I don’t begrudge anyone his admiration for holiday songs. But they drive me crazy.
I never saw that music video before…so sad! I did hear that song on Glee though and am glad it’s still helping charities.
I like fun Christmas songs and one depressing one – Christmas Shoes
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I had never heard Christmas Shoes until a few weeks ago. It made me miserable. And it reaffirmed the fact that I really can’t stand those songs.
It is a great thing what the Glee cast is doing. I like the idea of continuing the song’s legacy.
That’s a sad story. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the heads up.
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I LOVE churchie (that is totally a word right?) Christmas songs like Hark the Harold Angels Sing Glory to the Newborn King and all the other ones like that because well for us that is what Christmas is about after all. The rest, eh not so much!
Although I do agree with 101 Centavos, Feliz Navidad always, always brings a smile to my face. Especially when my 4yo sings it with a pretend accent!
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