I love Christmas, even though I’m Jewish. I celebrate both holidays (in a way) because most of my friends are Christians and I like the traditions. I even like the music, although by now I’m over it. They started playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving, and I can’t take it any more.

That said, I have a few favorites that you don’t often hear on the radio or at the supermarket (a few of them you do, but they’re still awesome). Some of them you might like, some…you get the idea.

Here they are, my favorite Christmas (and a couple of Hannukah) songs.

Merry Christmas From the Family–Robert Earl Keene

A beautiful slice of redneck life. It’s warm, endearing, and hilarious.

The Dreidel Song–South Park

The layered lyrics in this song are perfect. Parker and Stone have a talent for songcraft (and dick jokes)

You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch–Sung by Tim Timebomb and Friends

I inherited my late girlfriend’s love of Tim Armstrong. The song is a classic, and there’s something about Tim’s graveled, broken voice that I freakin’ love. Merry Christmas, Valerie.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town–Sung by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

This is Bruce in all of his glory. If you haven’t seen Bruce in concert, make it happen.

Christmastime For the Jews–Darlene Love on SNL

I never get tired of this. It’s so true (I’m having Chinese food tonight)

River–Joni Mitchell

This is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever. It captures the sadness that so many of us feel during the holidays, so far away from our loved ones or having none at all.

O Holy Night–South Park (Cartman)

This is brilliant. I know I posted a South Park one before, but I can’t resist. I also thought about adding “It’s Hard to be a Jew on Christmas,” but two songs is enough.

Ok, I think that’s all for now. Merry Christmas everyone!