#145 - The Best Versions of the Best Christmas Songs (with Amanda White)

Did you know the song, “White Christmas,” has been covered more than 100,000 times? And while you might think Mariah Carey’s version of “All I Want for Christmas is You” is the only version, it has actually has been recorded by other artists more than 13,000 times!   Christmas covers are a big thing—so big, in fact, that we sometimes don’t even realize the version of a song we’re most familiar with or like the most isn’t the original version. See exhibit A: me and “Please Come Home for Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing).” Apologies to Charles Brown, who actually wrote and originally released the song 17 years before the Eagles sang it.   With so many different versions of Christmas songs (which, by the way, just making a list of the so-called biggest or most-loved or famous Christmas songs is daunting), I knew we needed to help you narrow down the options. And to do this, I knew I needed someone with a lot of opinions about music. So obviously I called on my good friend (and good friend of the show) Amanda White.   Amanda and I have created a festive, fun, and meaningful playlist for you, and I suspect you’re going to love listening to our process. After all, it does involve some awkward music clips and even more awkward singing, not to mention my decision to seize the day and mention once again my disgust for bonnets and my deep affection for both ska music and Gloria Estefan. Meanwhile, Amanda brings us a version of “Let It Snow” via a bizarre and twisty walk down the memory lane of old-school blogging.   Yes, this episode is a ride, and you will not regret it. After all, you know and love the way we welcome side notes and rabbit trails here at The Couch, so you know (and will love) what you’re in for. Get ready for a good time, friends! It’s time to get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Spotify playlist with our favorite versions of our favorite Christmas songs Truth in the Tinsel (Advent activity book by Amanda) David Phelps singing O Holy Night The Star (movie) “Blood harmony” discussed in this podcast The Twelve Days of Christmas by Hilary Knight (picture book) My Christmas Love (Hallmark movie) Most recorded holiday songs according to Billboard   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Kindle Unlimited (get your first month free with this link) What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon Reading different genres Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer The Martian and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir   DON’T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It’s so much fun! Find Amanda on Instagram or at ohamanda.com., and buy her book (Truth in the Tinsel) today. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.