Music is often the thing that triggers most memories. We asked the My Weekly team for their favourite festive tunes!
WORDS: MARIE PENMAN
Although the smell of turkey and the sight of twinkling fairy lights will always make us think of Christmas, sometimes it’s sounds that bring the festive season to life most vividly – just hearing the opening notes of a particular song can take us right back in time.
So, which song does it for you?
Susan – Winter Wonderland by Darlene Love
My dad played the Phil Spector album A Christmas Gift For You every year and this song is featured on the album, so it was the soundtrack to my childhood Christmases. I play the whole album in full on the first of December to signal the start of the Watson family celebrations!
Alex – White Christmas by Bing Crosby
My Grandad Policeman (named after his former job) was a huge Bing fan. He started off a tradition of my sister and I watching Holiday Inn – the 1942 original – on Christmas Eve, which we did together for years before we left home. Who doesn’t yearn for Christmas with Bing and co, surrounded by snow in a cosy Connecticut hotel?
Sophie – Somewhere Only We Know by Lily Allen
Although it’s not technically a Christmas song, this cover version is my favourite because it’s nostalgic for me – I used to hear it all the time when it was the official song of the John Lewis advert one year. Strangely, I wouldn’t listen to it throughout the rest of the year! It makes me feel warm and cosy.
Claire – Walking In The Air (The Snowman) by Aled Jones
When I was young, I sang with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus and each December, we would perform The Snowman in Scotland’s concert halls. For me, it signalled that Christmas was truly here. I still remember the excitement of the stage and the swell of the music, and this song brings it all back.
