“In Dulci Jubilo” – Mike Oldfield

This is one of those traditional tunes with a modern twist. “In Dulci Jubilo” or “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” (I’m neither Christian nor male so it doesn’t apply to me) is a twelfth century German carol originally written in Macaronic verse (basically it was written in a mixture of languages and even occasionally has a few bi-lingual in jokes – early intellectual snobbery). He of Tubular Bells fame, seems to have taken great joy in Christmas with his mixture of instruments rejoicing exuberantly but with gently restrained fervour. What makes this the best of all versions for me is simply the instrumentation, the perfect mixture of acoustic and electric instruments. Old and new dancing together in festive delight, I’m convinced that if sugar plum fairies do dance, this is what it will sound like.

“Every Day is Christmas” – Webb Brothers

I’ve never heard anything else by the Webb Brothers, but I know this is a jewel in the crown of alt Christmas indie rock music. From the sons of legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb, “Every Day is Christmas” is a sweetly longing love song, that seems only to have been contributed to the greatest alt Christmas album ever It's a Cool Cool Christmas, from Jeepster Records. Released only in the UK (2000), it’s the greatest Christmas compilation album ever and now a cult classic.

“White Christmas” - Bing Crosby

How could I not? It is the most famous Christmas song of modern times. It even spun its own film. No this Irving Berlin classic isn’t from the film White Christmas it’s from the film Holiday Inn (1942) and originally sung as a duet between Bing and Marjorie Reynolds. The simple, heart-felt lyrics and the better-in-the-old-days sentiment appeals to all ages and social classes. This is truly the perfect festive song, and it wouldn’t be Christmas without it.