15 holiday songs that are super weird but we somehow still love
When it comes to holiday music, there's always that one song you and your family can't help but gravitate towards, no matter how weird or terrible it may be.
Songs like "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," and "Dominick the Donkey" get stuck in the holiday music rotation, and there's just no getting rid of them. They're strange, but you love them anyway — and that's totally cool.
We put together a list of the 15 weirdest holiday songs that our families are oddly obsessed with, so that you, too may enjoy them this season.
1. "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Destiny's Child
The weirdest thing about Destiny's Child's rendition of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" isn't the song itself, but the song's music video — which happens to be very important aspect of experiencing this Christmas magic.
2. "(It must've been 'ol) Santa Claus" by Harry Connick Jr.
Harry Connick Jr.'s velvety smooth voice isn't just for Starbucks patrons — it's for everyone, especially around the holiday season.
There's nothing super unconventional about this song, but Connick Jr.'s holiday album has slowly become a cult favorite, worthy of a mention on our list.
3. "The Chipmunk Song" by The Chipmunks
Nothing quite compares to high-pitched and somewhat synth-y sounds of three chipmunk brothers singing about their favorite time of year: Christmas time!
4. "Dominick the Donkey"
An Italian-American favorite, "Dominick the Donkey" tells the tale of a donkey whose best buds with Santa Claus. How they came to be friends? Who knows, who cares. All you need to know is this song slaps.
5. "Mistletoe and Wine" by Cliff Richard
An emotional Christmas ballad? A very bizarre music video in which Cliff Richard holds a tea candle for far too long? Check and check.
6. "Fairytale Of New York" by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl
If you're interested in listening to a heart-wrenching Christmas song that begins in the drunk tank of a police precinct, oh baby, you're in luck, "Fairytale of New York" is just the song for you.
7. "Cherry Cherry Christmas" by Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond is his most Neil Diamond-y self as he sings his somber "Cherry Cherry Christmas," complete with a saxophone interlude. My advice to you: enjoy and rewatch this music video laden with special effects all holiday season.
8. "Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer" by Elmo & Patsy
A darkly funny holiday classic, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" describes in detail the story of how a grandmother was literally run over by a reindeer.
Sort of sad, but mostly great!
9. "Last Christmas" by Wham!
"Last Christmas" has become one of the holiday season's go-to songs — as any mall-goer can tell you. Catchy '80s pop music combined with a somber holiday message, what's not to love?
10. "How Do You Spell Channukkahh" by The Leevees
This song perfectly encapsulates the frustration felt when posed with the same question nearly every holiday season: What is the right way to spell Hanukkah?
11. "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano
This adorable version of "Feliz Navidad" features some high-pitched vocals from a precocious youngster, sure to brighten your holidays.
12. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Mr. Hankey
This interpretation of the Christmas classic "Have Yourself a Merry little Christmas" sung by Mr. Hankey is South Park's contribution to the holiday season.
And if we're being honest, it's not half bad.
13. "Oi! To The World" by The Vandals
If you're interested in having a particularly punk Christmas this year, you're going to want to blast this song by The Vandals. A great song for any time of year, truthfully.
14. The theme music from Pee-Wee's Playhouse's Christmas Special
Leave it to Pee-Wee to craft a holiday theme song so enjoyable that it's worthy of being put in the Christmas music rotation.
Most of the theme song includes introductions to Pee-Wee's numerous special guests, but about two minutes in, that's when the real magic happens.
15. "Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley
While "Blue Christmas" is historically among one of the saddest holiday songs, but Elvis suavely updated this classic, so that you don't immediately feel depressed upon listening to it.
