A top eleven list is so odd

Before I say anything else, I need to state for the record that I managed to pack everything I need to take to Birmingham in a carry-on bag. And I still managed to bring four different pairs of shoes. Which doesn’t seem excessive at all for a four day trip.

The game changer was my decision to use the White Noise app on my iPhone. And to decide that my hair will be able to achieve enough volume with just my travel-size set of hot rollers. It’s a risky decision, but I have long been known for my ability to live right on the edge.

And for those who asked, I’m going to Birmingham for the Deeper Still conference. If you’re going to be there, I’d love to meet you. I have no idea where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing, but I’m sure it shouldn’t be too hard to find me amongst the other 12,000 women who will be in attendance.

Yesterday I spent most of the day helping decorate our church sanctuary for Christmas. So when I left the church around 2:00 p.m., I was in the mood for some Christmas tunes and turned on the radio and, I KID YOU NOT, that Dwight Yoakam song was on. I caught it just in time to hear “He threw a present really hard that almost hit Mom’s new boyfriend Ray”.

That is a lyrical treasure.

Anyway, several years ago, (three to be exact) Gulley and I each made a list of our favorite Christmas songs. You can find those lists right here. But things change and new songs come along and I’m leaving for Birmingham and still need to make sure I have everything I need before I get all puffed up with pride over my insane packing abilities that allowed me to fit everything in one small bag and one very large purse.

(Too late on that last thing, by the way. I am totally puffed up with pride over my packing expertise.)

My point is I thought it would be fun to make a list of the Christmas songs that are on the top of my listening list this season. The whole thing makes me feel a little bit like Casey Kasem.

(Was I the last person to know that he was the voice of Shaggy on Scooby Doo?)

1. Christmas Tonight by Dave Barnes

I bought this album (downloaded it, whatever) a few weeks ago and have listened to it over and over again. If you haven’t seen the video for this song then your life may not be complete.

2. In the First Light by Travis Cottrell

The first time I heard this song I cried. It is absolute perfection.

3. O Holy Night by Glee Cast

Whatever your feelings about Glee, they make some good music. I love this version.

4. River by Sarah McLachlan

Okay. So kind of a downer song. But I love this entire album so much and there’s not much that makes me happier than a cold day, a warm fire, and listening to this song. It’s a nice kind of melancholy.

I doubt that makes sense to anyone but me.

5. Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Taylor

It’s James Taylor.

6. I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Harry Connick, Jr.

There is just so much right about this entire album and, honestly, my favorite song on it changes with my mood. Which means it changes pretty darn frequently. Kind of like a roller coaster.

7. Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant

Christmas isn’t Christmas to me without Amy Grant music.

8. Hallelujah (Light Has Come) by Barlow Girl

I just heard this for the first time a few days ago and fell in love with it. So beautiful.

9. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Kelly Willis

There are so many good versions of this song, but I adore this one by Kelly Willis. It has a Christmas in Texas feel to it.

10. Merry Christmas from the Family by Robert Earl Keen

This will be on any list of Christmas favorites that I ever compile. Amen.

11. Christmas in Hollis by Run-DMC

I realize this doesn’t really fit with the rest of my choices, but I added it to my workout playlist the other day and it has made me so happy.

So, what about y’all? What are the Christmas songs you can’t live without right now?

And, remember, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.