Christmas 2014: 10 Road Trip Songs For The Holidays

Dec 25, 2014 12:30 PM EST | Matt Mercuro

The holidays are all about spending time with family, friends and loved ones. Unfortunately to get to most of those people you need to travel.

With that in mind, AutoWorldNews has compiled a list of 10 Christmas songs to help get you through your commute, whether you're driving, taking a bus, or flying during the holidays.

1. "Run, Run Rudolph"- Chuck Berry

"Run, Run Rudolph" was written by Johnny Marks and Marvin Brodie. The song was first recorded by Berry back in 1958 and reached #69 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Berry's hit has been featured in holiday films like "Home Alone," and "Jingle All The Way."

2. "Little Saint Nick"- The Beach Boys

"Little Saint Nick" was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love of The Beach Boys and first released as a single on December 9, 1963. Though the song borrows its structure from the rock group's "Little Deuce Coupe" hit, try not to get pumped cruising to this holiday classic.

3. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"- Bruce Springsteen

The song "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" was written in 1934 and first performed on the Eddie Cantor radio show. A number of popular versions are played every year including Fred Astaire's take from the 1970 Rankin-Bass produced television special.

We decided on Bruce's live 1975 version because, well, he's The Boss.

4. "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)"- Trans-Siberian Orchestra

This instrumental tune combines "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and Carol of the Bells," and is unlike any other Christmas song out there. The track is still played all over the world, despite being released almost 20 years ago. It was written by Paul O'Neill and Jon Oliva.

5. "(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays"-

"(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays" is a 1954 Christmas song famously sung by Perry Como. It was written by Al Stillman and the first recording was completed on November 16, 1954, just in time for Christmas. As the song says, no matter how far away you roam you can't beat home, sweet home.

6. "Sleigh Ride"- Bing Crosby

"Sleigh Ride was first released in 1949, though the original recording has never been released on CD. In 1950, The Andrews Sisters added words to the song for the first time, which has been the standard ever since. Bing Crosby released his version four years later accompanied by the Jud Conlon's Rhythmaires and the John Scott Trotter Orchestra.

So this song may not involve a car, but wouldn't you rather be going for a sleigh ride than having to sit through traffic?

7. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home"- Darlene Love

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is a holiday song originally recorded by Darlene Love in 1963. The song was written by Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry along with Phil Spector.

Little known fact: Ronnie Spector was supposed to sing the song but she wasn't able to put much emotion into it so she was replaced, according to Rolling Stone.

8. "Driving Home for Christmas"-Chris Rea

"Driving Home for Christmas" is a single written and recorded by Chris Rea and released back in 1986. The song reached #53 in the UK Single Chart in 1988 and re-entered the chart in 2007, peaking at #33.

9. "Celebrate Me Home"- Kenny Logins

Though this song only achieved marginal success when it was released in 1976, it has become one of Loggins' better-known songs. The song has become a staple of radio stations Christmas music playlists thanks to its holiday lyrics that anyone heading home can relate with.

10. "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"- Elmo & Patsy

We had to include at least one novelty Christmas song. Elmo and Patsy's 1979 hit makes the list because someone was trying to be responsible by not driving home after having too much eggnog. Instead, Grandma is killed by Santa Claus and his reindeer. Good grief. 

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