I have actually turned off Steve Wright in the afternoon so that I can do my Christmas Eve tune pick and I thought seeing as though its Christmas - I have put in seven songs to help you prepare for the big day. Sorry not to write more today, but I have presents still to wrap! Being freelance, you would think I have all the time in the world. The tracks today help sum up the last hours before Father Christmas.
1. Driving Home for Christmas - Chris Rea - this song never really meant much to me until I started living away from home because there was no anticipation of packing up and getting everything ready to go home. I know many people will be heading home and I hope that everyone gets where they need to be safely and that they are able to enjoy Christmas Eve with their families.
Driving Home for Christmas was released by Chris Rea in 1986, and peaked at number 53, but has had a brief chart appearance every year since at this time of year.
Driving Home For Christmas by Chris Rea
2. Ruldoph the Red Nose Reindeer - for the kids and for those who have never given up on the magic of the idea that Santa is flying around the world tonight with presents with his sleigh. I am still a big kid and even though I wear adult clothes there is still a piece of my heart who believes in Father Christmas; even though one year Santa seem to have shoes just like my Dad!!!
Written by John Marks based on the 1939 story about Rudolph published by the Montgomery. It was Gene Autry's recording of the song in 1949, that took the song to number one. Autry's version sold 1.75 million in its first Christmas and has become one of the biggest-selling song of Christmas, second only to White Christmas.
Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer, sung by Dean Martin
3. I wish it could be Christmas Ever Day by Wizzard - had to have this song. If listened to too many times, yes, it can become slightly annoying but if you limit the intake of this song over the build up Christmas and just play it on Christmas Eve. It is like a cracker of happiness - you can tell I am having a stress free Christmas Eve.
Released in 1973, Wizzard only reached number 4 with this song, which is hard to believe considering its long-lasting popularity. Written and produced by Roy Wood, it was peaked by Slade for the Christmas number one. The song was spoofed by the Wombles in 2000.
Wizzard "I wish it could be Christmas every day"
4. Winter Wonderland - who needs snow when you can have the smooth vocals of Frank Sinatra singing this never out of fashion. You can feel the snowflakes around you and the icy snowball that had been thrown at you. It is a classic.
Recorded by over 200 artists, the song was written in 1934 by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith.
Frank Sinatra's Winter Wonderland
5. It was a bad idea cracking open the Frank Sinatra because how can put Winter Wonderland without Let it snow. You're right, I can't. Again this song does the trick and I love the idea of locking the world outside and just sitting with family and enjoying the Christmas lights and Food.
Frank Sinatra's Let it snow
6. River by Joni Mitchell. Okay, I know this is a sad one but I think for me, this song makes me remember all the people who may not enjoy Christmas and may not even celebrate Christmas tomorrow. I am very thankful for everyone I have around me, who look after me and support me. I know even without any presents tomorrow; I am blessed by the people who I have in my life and I will remember the ones who aren't with us tomorrow.
From Joni' Mitchell's Blue Album released in 1971, this track was never released as a single by Joni, but has been used in countless television shows and films. I think for me it was Ally McBeal when I first heard Robert Downey Junior sang it and his performance of it made it one of those songs that you went away to find the original of. Also Jingle Bells is featured during the end of the song.
Joni Mitchell's River
7. Let's up the tempo with Mariah Carey with All I want for Christmas is you. I think this is one of those songs that have just grown on me. It has the excitement beat, it was immortalised by Love Actually and it catches the magic of Christmas. I am swaying listening to it.
On November 1 1994, Mariah Carey released All I want for Christmas is you, a song where the narrator does care about presents or Christmas trees, they just want to be with their partner. It must be Carey biggest hit. It wasn't number 1 in the UK in 1994, as it was pipped by East 17, but the song has spent over 50 weeks in the UK chart since 1994 and often re-enters the chart at this time of year due to downloads.
Mariah Carey - All I want for Christmas is you
8. I have to end the Christmas Eve Jukebox with Santa Claus is coming to town. The song was first written in in 1934 and has been a hit ever since then. Let the magic of Christmas Eve make us all smile.
Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus is coming to town
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