12 Days of Christmas Music: “A Very Special Christmas” (1987)

I know that this album is nothing new, and that by now a lot of the songs on it are considered cheesy or stale. But I think it’s an important landmark in the history of Christmas music, and besides, it has a legitimate Christmas rap song! The 1987 album was the first in a regular series that supports the Special Olympics ($55 million raised). Although the other albums have their own merits, the original is still the best. 

Some of the tracks have become radio classics of their own, including Madonna’s awesome (my opinion) “Santa Baby” and Bryan Adams’ really obnoxious “Run Rudolph Run.” If you can sift through the bad stuff, you’ll find all the gems are worth it. Run-D.M.C.’s “Christmas in Hollis,” The Eurythmics’ “Winter Wonderland,” even Bruce Springsteen’s “Merry Christmas Baby” (and this is coming from somebody who isn’t a fan of The Boss).

You can still buy the compilation on iTunes or at Amazon or pretty much wherever else music is sold. 

Run-D.M.C. – “Christmas in Hollis” (MP3)

Madonna – “Santa Baby” (MP3)

Oh, and who wouldn’t love to see Run-D.M.C.’s awesome 80’sd-out video for “Christmas in Hollis?”