Fa-la-la-la-la, La Friday Five

From RevGalBlogPals... seems I can't give just one answer to each of these this time around:

1. A favorite 'secular' Christmas song.
The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."). I liked it even more when I learned that it was written during a summer heat wave in an effort to think about winter, with the hope of cooling off through the power of suggestion.
Another favorite: Christmastime is Here, from the Charlie Brown special. I got to sing it at two parties last year -- one as official entertainment, the other an impromptu with a jazz pianist friend!

2. Christmas song that chokes you up (maybe even in spite of yourself--the cheesier the better)
What Sweeter Music by John Rutter. Except I'm not allowed to get choked up if I'm in the choir that's singing it.
Also, the last verse of Once In Royal David's City, but a different last verse than the one brought up by Quotidian Grace:
Not in that poor, lowly stable with the oxen standing by
We shall see him, but in heaven, set at God's right hand on high.
Where, like stars, his children crowned
All in white shall wait around.

3. Christmas song that makes you want to stuff your ears with chestnuts roasted on an open fire.
Santa Baby (with apologies to Songbird for dissing her answer to #1, but really... it's just creepy, folks...).
Also, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, for its blatant bring me stuff message.

4. The Twelve Days of Christmas: is there *any* redeeming value to that song? Discuss.
Yes, I think there is. While not on my personal top 10 list, it's easier to sing if it can be acted out with gusto (especially the Lords a'Leaping part).

5. A favorite Christmas album
I spend so much time rehearsing music for Christmas that I seldom buy a Christmas album just for listening to. But Barenaked Holidays (from the Barenaked Ladies, of course) is a pretty good one in our collection, as is Trans-Siberian Orchestra's big popular release from a few years back.