Santa's Playlist: Unveiling the Holiday Hits and Misses
'Tis the season to be jolly, but not all Christmas songs bring joy to every Santa Claus!
Santa Claus, the beloved figure of the holiday season, has a unique connection to Christmas music. We interviewed several professional Santas to uncover their favorite festive tunes and the ones they'd rather avoid. But be warned, their choices might spark some controversy!
Paul Fessi, a Santa with a heart as big as his beard, adores Eartha Kitt's sultry 'Santa Baby' and the pure joy of 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'. But don't even mention the 1,000th play of Mariah Carey's iconic Christmas hit; he'd rather not hear it again. And when a guinea pig took a dive into his beard, it became a hilarious memory, not a song request!
Green Santa, or Arnold Warneken, has a unique look with his green outfit. He's all about Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', a song with a message. But Spike Jones's 'All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth' is where he draws the line. It's just too cheesy for his taste.
Cleve Freckleton, aka Rasta Claus, brings a unique twist to the Santa persona. His favorite songs are a trio of classics that capture the spirit of Christmas without mentioning it. But he's ready for a change, suggesting a grime Christmas song or a punk twist on a traditional carol. After all, variety is the spice of life, even for Santa!
Joseph Ridgely feels the magic of Christmas through his role as Santa. His favorite song, 'Underneath the Tree', holds a special place due to a memorable dance performance. But when it comes to 'When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney', he jokes about the obvious discomfort it evokes.
For Keith Leech, the jolly Jingle Bells is a favorite, but he's had enough of overplayed classics. The Waitresses' 'Christmas Wrapping' is catchy but not his cup of tea. Imagine being Santa and having to grin through songs that drive you bananas!
Nigel Harvey, a.k.a. Santa Himself, has a soft spot for Jona Lewie's 'Stop the Cavalry', a song with a powerful anti-war message. But Nat King Cole's 'The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot' hits too close to home, reminding him of the heartbreaking moments he's shared with children as Santa.
And finally, Simon Anthony, a Santa with a classical music twist, loves Prokofiev's 'Sleigh Ride'. However, he recalls the challenge of enduring Donny Osmond's Christmas songs as a child, a true test of his dedication to the holiday spirit.
There you have it—a glimpse into the musical preferences of professional Santas. But here's where it gets controversial: Do you agree with their choices? Which songs would you add to the 'naughty' list? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the tunes that make the holiday season magical or maddening!
