Popular Christmas Songs

[Nell]

December Challenge: Billboard Best Christmas Songs
Duration: December 1 to 31



Sweet and melancholy songs that linger in the pine-scented air... Christmas music has a wavelength entirely its own ... It evokes a visceral sentimentality, one fortified and strengthened by a lifetime’s worth of associated holiday memories — personal, familial, romantic, nostalgic. It’s music for the most wonderful time of the year, even if it makes you cry.
Billboard, Dec 2023

Billboard's Top 25 Christmas Songs are listed below, ranging from ballads to rap.
This is a one month challenge. Pick 3 to 5 songs - or more if you're an over achiever! 😊

🎄Top 25 Countdown - Popular Music:

25. A Holly, Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives (1964)

24. What Christmas Means to Me, Stevie Wonder (1967)

23. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, NSYNC (1998)

22. Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt (1953)

21. Happy Christmas (War is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono with the Harlem Community Choir (1971)

20. Run Rudolph Run, Chuck Berry (1958)

19. Jingle Bell Rock, Bobby Helms (1957)

18. Christmas Wrapping, The Waitresses (1981)

17. River, Joni Mitchell (1971)

16. Little Saint Nick, The Beach Boys (1963)

15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland (1944)

14. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams (1963)

13. Santa Tell Me, Ariana Grande (2014)

12. Blue Christmas, Elvis Presley (1957)

11. Christmas Time is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas), Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)

10. This Christmas, Donny Hathaway (1970)

9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Bruce Springstein (1982)

8. Christmas in Hollis, Run-D.M.C. (1987)

7. Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano (1970)

6. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee (1958)

5. White Christmas, Bing Crosby (1947)

4. Last Christmas, Wham! feat. George Michael (1984)

3. The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting..."), Nat King Cole (1961)

2. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home), Darlene Love (1963)

1. All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey (1994)

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

TASKS:

🎄Author's or MC's first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters.

🎄Number of pages in the book include the last two nos. of the song's release date.

🎄A word in the song title is in the book title (not: 'a', 'an', 'and', 'the') OR "Christmas" is in the book title - and many of the songs.

🎄Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.

🎄Word in the song title is pictured on the book cover. Post the cover.

[Nell]

POPULAR CHRISTMAS SONGS CHALLENGE


To Play:
🎄Copy and paste the task list on this thread.
🎄Read 3-5 books (or more) that fit any task.
🎄Post the song title along with the book's title and author.
🎄Post the book cover when required.
🎄If a task has options, tell us which one you picked.


Holiday Un-Rules:
🌟Tasks can be completed more than once.
🌟No page limit. Can be a novella.
🌟Read 3-5 books that match any task.

You can repeat tasks for this challenge. Choose which tasks to do (or not) as long as you read 3-5 books.


TASKS:

🎄Author's or MC's first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s).
Can be in any order. Any Capital letters (for NYSYNC - N, Y, S or C)

5. White Christmas, Bing Crosby
Nightshade for Warning by Bailey Cattrell

24. What Christmas Means to Me, Stevie Wonder (1967)
Sarah Winston in Tagged for Death by Sherry Harris


🎄Number of pages in the book include the last two nos. of the song's release date. Numbers can be in any order.

1. All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey (1994)
Just Killing Time by Julianne Holmes, 294 pp

14. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams (1963)
Daisies for Innocence by Bailey Cattrell, 326 pp


🎄A word in the song title is in the book title (not: a, an, and, the) OR "Christmas" is in the book title - and many of the songs.

16. Little Saint Nick, The Beach Boys (1963)
Little Shop of Homicide by Denise Swanson

7. Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano (1970)
Fleece Navidad by Maggie Sefton


🎄Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.

Duck the Halls by Donna Andrews

A Slay Ride Together With You by Vicki Delany

I'll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost


🎄Word in the song title is pictured on the book cover. Post the cover.

6. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee


2. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home), Darlene Love (1963)


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

BONUS:
🎄Enjoy a little holiday cheer. Here is a link to all 100 songs:

https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-...

All but one of the songs in the top 25 on Billboard's list came out before 2000.

Where are your favorites on the list of 100?
Did you know a song, but not it's name?
What songs are new to you?

[Nell]

Players:
Your name is a link to your challenge post.

CassieCruel

Helen

Jonquil

Julesy

Linda R

Meg

Nell

Sallie (GeorgiaGirl)

[Meg]

Billboard Best Christmas Songs
December 2024

🎄Top 25 Countdown - Popular Music:

25. A Holly, Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives (1964)
Holly Homicide 12/27

24. What Christmas Means to Me, Stevie Wonder (1967)
Murder at the Christmas Carols|63251193] 12/15

23. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, NSYNC (1998)
A Murder Before Christmas 12/14

22. Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt (1953) ==> Santa on cover
Mince Pies, Mistletoe and Murder 12/12

21. Happy Christmas (War is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono with the Harlem Community Choir (1971) ==> 173 pages
Holiday Hangover 12/17

20. Run Rudolph Run, Chuck Berry (1958)==>Connie Berry, author initials
A Legacy of Murder 12/18

19. Jingle Bell Rock, Bobby Helms (1957)
Silver Bells at Moonglow 12/27

18. Christmas Wrapping, The Waitresses (1981)
The Knife Before Christmas 12/19

17. River, Joni Mitchell (1971)
Madness in Christmas River 12/26

16. Little Saint Nick, The Beach Boys (1963)
In the Nick of Time 12/29

15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland (1944)
Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas 12/20

14. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams (1963)
The Most Awfullest Crime of the Year: Gawd Almighty and the Corn 12/29

13. Santa Tell Me, Ariana Grande (2014)
Secret Santa Scandal 12/29

12. Blue Christmas, Elvis Presley (1957)
Blue Christmas 12/23

11. Christmas Time is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas), Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)
Bubba and the 12 Deadly Days of Christmas 12/21

10. This Christmas, Donny Hathaway (1970)
Twas the Bite Before Christmas 12/20

9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Bruce Springstein (1982)
Christmas Santa Chaos 12/28

8. Christmas in Hollis, Run-D.M.C. (1987)
Bloody Christmas 12/28

7. Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano (1970) ==> CS: Cindy Sample, author
Dying for a Decoration 12/16

6. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee (1958)
Rockin' Around the Chickadee 12/09

5. White Christmas, Bing Crosby (1947)
Like a Bad Penny at Christmas 12/26

4. Last Christmas, Wham! feat. George Michael (1984)
The Bark Before Christmas 12/23

3. The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting..."), Nat King Cole (1961)
The Christmas Baby 12/24

2. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home), Darlene Love (1963)
I'll Be Home for Mischief 12/21

1. All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey (1994)
Ale I Want for Christmas is a Clue 12/28

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

TASKS:

🎄Author's or MCs first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters.

🎄Number of pages in the book match the last two nos. of the song's publication date.

🎄A word in the song title is in the book title (not: 'a', 'an', 'and', 'the') OR "Christmas" is in the book title - and many of the songs.

🎄Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.

🎄Word in the song title is pictured on the book cover. Post the cover.

[Sallie(GeorgiaGirl)]

Billboard Best Christmas Songs
December 2024

🎄Top 25 Countdown - Popular Music:

25. A Holly, Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives (1964)

24. What Christmas Means to Me, Stevie Wonder (1967)

23. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, NSYNC (1998)

22. Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt (1953)

21. Happy Christmas (War is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono with the Harlem Community Choir (1971)

20. Run Rudolph Run, Chuck Berry (1958)

19. Jingle Bell Rock, Bobby Helms (1957)

18. Christmas Wrapping, The Waitresses (1981)

17. River, Joni Mitchell (1971)

16. Little Saint Nick, The Beach Boys (1963)

15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland (1944)

14. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams (1963)

13. Santa Tell Me, Ariana Grande (2014)

12. Blue Christmas, Elvis Presley (1957)

11. Christmas Time is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas), Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)

10. This Christmas, Donny Hathaway (1970)

9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Bruce Springstein (1982)

8. Christmas in Hollis, Run-D.M.C. (1987)

7. Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano (1970)

6. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee (1958)

5. White Christmas, Bing Crosby (1947)

4. Last Christmas, Wham! feat. George Michael (1984)

3. The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting..."), Nat King Cole (1961)

2. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home), Darlene Love (1963)

1. All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey (1994)

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

TASKS:

🎄Author's or MCs first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters.

🎄Number of pages in the book match the last two nos. of the song's publication date.

🎄A word in the song title is in the book title (not: 'a', 'an', 'and', 'the') OR "Christmas" is in the book title - and many of the songs.

🎄Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.

🎄Word in the song title is pictured on the book cover. Post the cover.

[CassieCruel]

Billboard Best Christmas Songs
December 2024

🎄Top 25 Countdown - Popular Music:

25. A Holly, Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives (1964)

24. What Christmas Means to Me, Stevie Wonder (1967)

23. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, NSYNC (1998)

22. Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt (1953)

✅21. Happy Christmas (War is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono with the Harlem Community Choir (1971) - Heather G. Harris - Glimmer of Hope - 20/12

20. Run Rudolph Run, Chuck Berry (1958)

19. Jingle Bell Rock, Bobby Helms (1957)

18. Christmas Wrapping, The Waitresses (1981)

17. River, Joni Mitchell (1971)

16. Little Saint Nick, The Beach Boys (1963)

15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland (1944)

14. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams (1963)

13. Santa Tell Me, Ariana Grande (2014)

12. Blue Christmas, Elvis Presley (1957)

11. Christmas Time is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas), Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)

10. This Christmas, Donny Hathaway (1970)

9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Bruce Springstein (1982)

✅8. Christmas in Hollis, Run-D.M.C. (1987) - Jingle all the Slay - Dakota Cassidy - 7/12 - DC

7. Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano (1970)

✅6. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee (1958) - - 12/12 - trees on the cover

5. White Christmas, Bing Crosby (1947)

4. Last Christmas, Wham! feat. George Michael (1984)

3. The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting..."), Nat King Cole (1961)

2. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home), Darlene Love (1963)

✅1. All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey (1994) - Tattered Huntress - 15/12 - 294 pages

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

TASKS:

🎄Author's or MCs first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters.

🎄Number of pages in the book match the last two nos. of the song's publication date.

🎄A word in the song title is in the book title (not: 'a', 'an', 'and', 'the') OR "Christmas" is in the book title - and many of the songs.

🎄Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.

🎄Word in the song title is pictured on the book cover. Post the cover.

[Nell]

Billboard Best Christmas Songs
Books read: 1/5

TASKS:

🎄Author's or MCs first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters.



🎄Number of pages in the book include the last two nos. of the song's publication date.

9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Bruce Springstein (1982)


🎄A word in the song title is in the book title (not: 'a', 'an', 'and', 'the') OR "Christmas" is in the book title - and many of the songs.

1. All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey (1994)
Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills


A Killer's Christmas in Wales by Elizabeth J. Duncan

Corpus Christmas by Margaret Maron


🎄Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.

"Tis the season to be jolly" Deck the Halls
'Tis the Damn Season by Fiona Gibson 12/8/24


O' Holy Night
O' Artful Death by Sarah Stewart Taylor


🎄Word in the song title is pictured on the book cover. Post the cover.

11. Christmas Time is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas), Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)
Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh

[Nell]

Edited Task:

🎄Number of pages in the book include match the last two nos. of the song's release date.

Numbers can be in any order.

[Helen]

I’m in, even though I much prefer traditional Christian Christmas carols to most of those in the list.

5/5

🎄Author's or MCs first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters.
by Dinuka McKenzie for #8, D.M.C.
for #1, Mariah Carey.
🎄Number of pages in the book include the last two nos. of the song's release date.
181 pages. Christmas Wrapping (1981)
🎄A word in the song title is in the book title (not: 'a', 'an', 'and', 'the') OR "Christmas" is in the book title - and many of the songs.
, for #1. All I want for Christmas is You.

🎄Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.

🎄Word in the song title is pictured on the book cover. Post the cover.

[Jonquil]

December 2024 Challenge: Billboard Best Christmas Songs
Author initials are in Musician's name

25/25 DONE

25. Burl Ives Wyoming Wildcat Elizabeth Lane 12/9
24. Stevie Wonder Joy to the Wolves Terry Spear 12/12
23. NSYNC The Oddling Prince Nancy Springer 12/18
22. Eartha Kitt The Marlow Murder Club Robert Thorogood 12/10
21. John Lennon Lethal Lily Joyce Lavene 12/12
20. Chuck Berry The White Picket Fence Karen Rose 12/8
19. Bobby Helms Midlife Demon Hunter Shannon Mayer 12/3
18. The Waitresses The Bartender Between Worlds Herman Steuernagel 12/6
17. Joni Mitchell Orange Blossom Way Jan Moran 12/4
16. The Beach Boys Wake Shelley Burr 12/5
15. Judy Garland Kiwi Killer Gretchen Allen 12/11
14. Andy Williams Right Behind Her Melinda Leigh 12/5
13. Ariana Grande The Little Lost Library Ellery Adams 12/5
12. Elvis Presley Merry Kissmas Piper Rayne 12/3
11. Vince Guaraldi Trio Hole in One Deany Ray 12/8
10. Donny Hathaway Cables and Conjurers Nancy Warren 12/6
9. Bruce Springstein Murder at Blackrock Castle: Greta Sinclair 12/3
8. Run-D.M.C. Oh Say Can You Fudge Nancy CoCo 12/5
7. Jose Feliciano Fudgy Christmas Murders Nancy CoCo 12/6
6. Brenda Lee Notorious Allison Brennan 12/4
5. Bing Crosby A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe Grace Burrowes 12/2
4. Wham! feat. George Michael Six Stunning Sirens Lynn Cahoon 12/6
3. Nat King Cole Cranberry Blend Kennedy Layne 12/3
2. Darlene Love What the Dead Know Laura Lippman 12/7
1. Mariah Carey You Can't Hurt Me Emma Cook 12/2

[Nell]

Helen wrote: "I’m in, even though I much prefer traditional Christian Christmas carols to most of those in the list. ..."

You're right. Billboard's list is pop music.

There are no Christmas carols or hymns on this list. I miss them too!!

[Linda]

🎄Top 25 Countdown - Popular Music:

25. A Holly, Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives (1964)
As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles by Leslie Budewitz 12/11/24

24. What Christmas Means to Me, Stevie Wonder (1967)

23. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, NSYNC (1998)
Fruit Baskets and Holiday Caskets by Gayle Leeson 12/23/24

22. Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt (1953)

21. Happy Christmas (War is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono with the Harlem Community Choir (1971)

20. Run Rudolph Run, Chuck Berry (1958)

19. Jingle Bell Rock, Bobby Helms (1957)

18. Christmas Wrapping, The Waitresses (1981)

17. River, Joni Mitchell (1971)

16. Little Saint Nick, The Beach Boys (1963)

15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland (1944)

14. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams (1963)

13. Santa Tell Me, Ariana Grande (2014)
Peppermint Barked by Leslie Budewitz (214 pages) 12/3/24

12. Blue Christmas, Elvis Presley (1957)

11. Christmas Time is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas), Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)

10. This Christmas, Donny Hathaway (1970)

9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Bruce Springstein (1982)

8. Christmas in Hollis, Run-D.M.C. (1987)

7. Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano (1970)

6. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee (1958)

5. White Christmas, Bing Crosby (1947)
White Colander Crime by Victoria Hamilton 12/23/24

4. Last Christmas, Wham! feat. George Michael (1984)

3. The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting..."), Nat King Cole (1961)

2. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home), Darlene Love (1963)
I'll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost 12/20/24

1. All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey (1994)

Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley 12/13/24

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

TASKS:

🎄Author's or MC's first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters.

🎄Number of pages in the book include the last two nos. of the song's release date.

🎄A word in the song title is in the book title (not: 'a', 'an', 'and', 'the') OR "Christmas" is in the book title - and many of the songs.

🎄Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.

🎄Word in the song title is pictured on the book cover. Post the cover.

[Barb, Co-Moderator Challenge Expert]

Nell wrote: "🎄Author's or MC's first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters."

So could I use Ellie Alexander to match the musician's name for song #21, Happy Christmas (War is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono with the Harlem Community Choir?

[Nell]

Barb wrote: "Nell wrote: "🎄Author's or MC's first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters."

So could I use Ellie Alexander to match t..."

For #21, you can use an author with initials - J L Y O H or C.
Ex: J H: Julie Hyzy; C H: Carolyn Haines or O Y: Ovidia Yu

Not Ellie Alexander.

[Barb, Co-Moderator Challenge Expert]

Thanks for the clarification :)

[Julesy]

Popular Christmas Songs
Dec. 1-31

Progress: 5/5 COMPLETED
Author's or MC's first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters.
🎄Number of pages in the book match the last two nos. of the song's release date. Numbers can be in any order.
🎄A word in the song title is in the book title (not: 'a', 'an', 'and', 'the') OR "Christmas" is in the book title - and many of the songs.
🎄Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.
🎄Word in the song title is pictured on the book cover. Post the cover.

25. A Holly, Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives (1964) A Second Chance Road Trip for (Christmas) by Jackie Lau - Dec. 28
24. What Christmas Means to Me, Stevie Wonder (1967)
23. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, NSYNC (1998)
22. Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt (1953)
21. Happy Christmas (War is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono with the Harlem Community Choir (1971)
20. Run Rudolph Run, Chuck Berry (1958)
19. Jingle Bell Rock, Bobby Helms (1957)
18. Christmas Wrapping, The Waitresses (1981)
17. River, Joni Mitchell (1971)
16. Little Saint Nick, The Beach Boys (1963)
15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland (1944)
14. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams (1963)
13. Santa Tell Me, Ariana Grande (2014)
12. Blue Christmas, Elvis Presley (1957)
11. Christmas Time is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas), Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)
10. This Christmas, Donny Hathaway (1970)
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Bruce Springstein (1982)
8. Christmas in Hollis, Run-D.M.C. (1987) Best in Snow by (D)avid (R)osenfelt - Dec. 6
7. Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano (1970)
6. Rockin' Around the (Christmas Tree), Brenda Lee (1958)
5. White Christmas, Bing Crosby (1947)
4. Last Christmas, Wham! feat. George Michael (1984)
3. The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting..."), Nat King Cole (1961) We Served the People: My Mother's Stories by Emei Burell - 160 pages - Dec. 3
2. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home), Darlene Love (1963)
1. All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey (1994) The Squad by Christina Soontornvat - 294 pages - Dec. 4

Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.
Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay - based on The Nutcracker: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies song by Tchaikovsky - Dec. 14

[Jonquil]

December 2024 Challenge: Billboard Best Christmas Songs
Author initials are in Musician's name

25/25 DONE

25. Burl Ives Wyoming Wildcat Elizabeth Lane 12/9
24. Stevie Wonder Joy to the Wolves Terry Spear 12/12
23. NSYNC The Oddling Prince Nancy Springer 12/18
22. Eartha Kitt The Marlow Murder Club Robert Thorogood 12/10
21. John Lennon Lethal Lily Joyce Lavene 12/12
20. Chuck Berry The White Picket Fence Karen Rose 12/8
19. Bobby Helms Midlife Demon Hunter Shannon Mayer 12/3
18. The Waitresses The Bartender Between Worlds Herman Steuernagel 12/6
17. Joni Mitchell Orange Blossom Way Jan Moran 12/4
16. The Beach Boys Wake Shelley Burr 12/5
15. Judy Garland Kiwi Killer Gretchen Allen 12/11
14. Andy Williams Right Behind Her Melinda Leigh 12/5
13. Ariana Grande The Little Lost Library Ellery Adams 12/5
12. Elvis Presley Merry Kissmas Piper Rayne 12/3
11. Vince Guaraldi Trio Hole in One Deany Ray 12/8
10. Donny Hathaway Cables and Conjurers Nancy Warren 12/6
9. Bruce Springstein Murder at Blackrock Castle: Greta Sinclair 12/3
8. Run-D.M.C. Oh Say Can You Fudge Nancy CoCo 12/5
7. Jose Feliciano Fudgy Christmas Murders Nancy CoCo 12/6
6. Brenda Lee Notorious Allison Brennan 12/4
5. Bing Crosby A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe Grace Burrowes 12/2
4. Wham! feat. George Michael Six Stunning Sirens Lynn Cahoon 12/6
3. Nat King Cole Cranberry Blend Kennedy Layne 12/3
2. Darlene Love What the Dead Know Laura Lippman 12/7
1. Mariah Carey You Can't Hurt Me Emma Cook 12/2

[Nell]

Jonquil wrote: "December 2024 Challenge: Billboard Best Christmas Songs
Author initials are in Musician's name

25/25 DONE

25. Burl Ives Wyoming Wildcat Elizabeth Lane 12/9
24. Stevi..."

Wow!! That's amazing Jonquil!! 🙌🏽🥂

[Meg]

Finished 25! Thanks, Nell, for letting us read novellas; I was able to finally wipe out some of of my stockpiled short holiday books!

Billboard Best Christmas Songs
December 2024

🎄Top 25 Countdown - Popular Music:

25. A Holly, Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives (1964)
Holly Homicide 12/27

24. What Christmas Means to Me, Stevie Wonder (1967)
Murder at the Christmas Carols|63251193] 12/15

23. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, NSYNC (1998)
A Murder Before Christmas 12/14

22. Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt (1953) ==> Santa on cover
Mince Pies, Mistletoe and Murder 12/12

21. Happy Christmas (War is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono with the Harlem Community Choir (1971) ==> 173 pages
Holiday Hangover 12/17

20. Run Rudolph Run, Chuck Berry (1958)==>Connie Berry, author initials
A Legacy of Murder 12/18

19. Jingle Bell Rock, Bobby Helms (1957)
Silver Bells at Moonglow 12/27

18. Christmas Wrapping, The Waitresses (1981)
The Knife Before Christmas 12/19

17. River, Joni Mitchell (1971)
Madness in Christmas River 12/26

16. Little Saint Nick, The Beach Boys (1963)
In the Nick of Time 12/29

15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland (1944)
Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas 12/20

14. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams (1963)
The Most Awfullest Crime of the Year: Gawd Almighty and the Corn 12/29

13. Santa Tell Me, Ariana Grande (2014)
Secret Santa Scandal 12/29

12. Blue Christmas, Elvis Presley (1957)
Blue Christmas 12/23

11. Christmas Time is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas), Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)
Bubba and the 12 Deadly Days of Christmas 12/21

10. This Christmas, Donny Hathaway (1970)
Twas the Bite Before Christmas 12/20

9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Bruce Springstein (1982)
Christmas Santa Chaos 12/28

8. Christmas in Hollis, Run-D.M.C. (1987)
Bloody Christmas 12/28

7. Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano (1970) ==> CS: Cindy Sample, author
Dying for a Decoration 12/16

6. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee (1958)
Rockin' Around the Chickadee 12/09

5. White Christmas, Bing Crosby (1947)
Like a Bad Penny at Christmas 12/26

4. Last Christmas, Wham! feat. George Michael (1984)
The Bark Before Christmas 12/23

3. The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting..."), Nat King Cole (1961)
The Christmas Baby 12/24

2. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home), Darlene Love (1963)
I'll Be Home for Mischief 12/21

1. All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey (1994)
Ale I Want for Christmas is a Clue 12/28

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

TASKS:

🎄Author's or MCs first and last initials are initials in the Musician's name(s). Can be in any order. Any Capital letters.

🎄Number of pages in the book match the last two nos. of the song's publication date.

🎄A word in the song title is in the book title (not: 'a', 'an', 'and', 'the') OR "Christmas" is in the book title - and many of the songs.

🎄Book title is a "play on words" based on a popular Christmas holiday song - title or lyric. The song does not have to be on the top 25 list for this task.

🎄Word in the song title is pictured on the book cover. Post the cover.

[Nell]

Congrats Meg! Great job 🥳🍾

[Meg]

Thanks, Nell, It was fun!