Snowflakes in the air and music everywhere, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And one of the most beloved timeless traditions is gathering around and taking in a classic Christmas movie. There are tons of Christmas-themed musicals out there, from the live-action and animated to even those on stage, and so many musical numbers, like "We Need a Little Christmas," have practically been branded into the public consciousness this time of year.
But then there are those unsung heroes of the genre that don't get nearly as much respect -- the often-skipped numbers on the soundtracks that only true Christmas musical junkies know about. Don't be too dazzled by the rest of the movie to miss out on these holiday hits.
"Welcome Christmas" (How The Grinch Stole Christmas)
Chances are when people think of the Dr. Seuss classic movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, their thoughts immediately go to the titular character and his theme song, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." While they wouldn't necessarily be wrong, they're also missing out on the other portion of the original special's soundtrack.
"Welcome Christmas" does more than just prep the audience for the story to come, it also shows off Dr. Seuss's underappreciated skill as a lyricist. It isn't easy to make up a new language and fit it into an original Christmas song.
"Put One Foot In Front Of The Other" (Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town)
The stop-motion Rankin/Bass specials were loaded to the brim with great musical numbers, and it's difficult to pick just one favorite. However, there are plenty of enjoyable numbers that definitely need a second listen. While some might consider tracks like "Put One Foot In Front of the Other" a filler song, others consider it one of the most uplifting tracks in the special.
Santa, surprisingly, makes a good motivational coach, and he certainly pulls the Winter Warlock out of his icy depression. A couple of more verses and he might have even had some viewers dancing in front of the TV set too.
"There’s Always Tomorrow" (Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, while a short affair, has several great songs to fill its run time. But this slow, romantic song is seemingly glossed over. Those who grew up listening to "There's Always Tomorrow" in its entirety, however, know what a beautiful number it is.
It's slow, but it's optimistic. Plus, its heartfelt lyrics really strike a chord with those audience members old enough to pay attention. It's also refreshing to see the female love-interest serenade the male protagonist once in a while.
"The Golden Gold Of Ireland" (The Leprechaun’s Christmas Gold)
The Leprechaun's Christmas Gold is a very strange production from Rankin/Bass. But considering they also brought viewers The Hobbit, it's no surprise that they handle the fantasy elements so well. While the special does feature "Christmas in Killarney," the true undersung ditty is "The Golden Gold of Ireland."
It's like someone put an Irish drinking song in the middle of a Christmas special. Appropriate, since most of the cast is made up of leprechauns. And there is perhaps no better-fitting song that best sums up the entire viewing experience than the display of green and gold in this odd mix of holidays.
"It Feels Like Christmas" (The Muppet Christmas Carol)
For a story so steeped in tradition, it's honestly quite remarkable how many times A Christmas Carol has made it into the musical format. Case in point, The Muppet Christmas Carol. The production is already loaded with wonderful songs, but if there was one that urns the underrated title, it's "It Feels Like Christmas."
To be fair, this is a song that comes right off the heels of "When Love is Gone" and is soon to be followed by "A Thankful Heart." Even so, it deserves much more attention than it gets. Especially since it features the distinguished Michael Cain dancing with a Muppet giant.
"We’re Despicable" (Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol)
Before the Muppets got their fuzzy mitts on the story, Mr. Magoo had his near-sighted gaze on the tale. It might seem strange making A Christmas Carol a musical within a musical, but this special makes it work wonderfully. Its soundtrack really isn't anything life-changing, but it does feature a critically under-listened villain song.
Sung by the trio of miscreants dividing up Scrooge's valuables after he dies, it's basically a song about how irredeemably evil they are. Simple yet effective, it's one of those villain songs that reiterates the old adage of "sometimes, it's good to be bad."
"Link By Link" (A Christmas Carol: The Musical)
Based on the musical of the same name, this adaptation of A Christmas Carol is weird, and that's putting it nicely. However, one of its most memorable moments features Jason Alexander as Marley's Ghost. The song "Link By Link" features Marley and a host of wandering spirits performing some synchronized suffering while singing about their sins.
Both the visuals and the performance are unforgettably creative, yet they still match the unintended strangeness of the rest of the movie. For a TV-movie-musical, this was undoubtedly one of its most impressive highlights.
"Thank You Very Much" (Scrooge)
If there was an award for the most infectious Christmas song, "Thank You Very Much" has to earn some sort of medal. Once more, a Scrooge-centric musical earns a mention. But this number isn't about ghosts, greed, or mourning, but rather about a celebration of the death of Mr. Scrooge.
A song about someone's agonizing demise should not be as happy and uplifting as this stage-worthy number ends up being. Though Scrooge's death is only hinted at with visual cues, the lyrics themselves could translate to a song of congratulations, which it does before the credits roll. Either way, there's still a refreshing splash of dark humor to it.
"Walking In The Air" (The Snowman)
Although this isn't a musical, The Snowman does feature a musical number that's absolutely haunting and beautiful. If anyone has ever heard the song, "Walking in the Air," it's either from the animated short or from the covers by either Celtic Woman or Nightwish. Either way, it's a criminally underappreciated piece of music.
There are several elements of Christmas that are considered magical to millions and if that sentiment were given a song, this would be the result. This retelling of Frosty the Snowman offers easily one of the most enchanting stories kids of all ages are sure to enjoy around the holiday season.
"Put A Little Love In Your Heart" (Scrooged)
Technically, this number shouldn't count, as the Richard Donner movie is not a musical, but considering the entirety of the film's cast joins in and sings along, it gets a pass -- especially considering that all the ghosts get involved in the act.
Anyone who's seen Scrooged knows it's one of the darkest Christmas movies around, making it all the more relieving when everyone unites in song by the end. Although, it is a bit unusual to see Christmas Future and his ribcage demons joining in with such gusto.