Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas (if you celebrate) and if not happy holiday to whichever you do observe (and if you don't observe any Happy Hump Day!).

We are in the midst of a heat wave here in Eastern Iowa, 22 steamy degrees in the Clinton metro-area.  Hopefully the temperature is friendly where you are and you are surrounded by family and friends.

I know you're busy, full, or sleepy today so I'll keep this post very approachable and brief.  This is my first annual 1800MPG Christmas Top Five Countdown.

Without further ado...

Best Christmas-y Movie Film 

5.  Home Alone
Never mind the multiple times Kevin could have escaped or called the police.  This movie made every little kid set up booby traps and think of ways to act if the situation depicted ever came about.  Another movie with a great lesson, however this lesson is camouflaged in sadistic self-defense.

4.  Elf 
Will Ferrell in elf gear prancing through Manhattan looking for his father.  You can't draw it up any better.  SANTTAAAA!

3.  It's a Wonderful Life
A story of redemption and thoughtfulness.  I remember being in high school and watching it closely for the first time (I usually scoffed at it due to the black and white color and it was old) and got teared up (shhh).  What a cool story, great acting, with an amazing message.

2. A Christmas Story 
The hilariously narrated story of a kid in pursuit of his Red Rider BB gun.  Bullies, getting a tongue stuck to a light pole, the famous lamp, and the cover up.  It's on repeat for a reason.

1. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
The pinnacle of the Christmas big screen experience.  It's beloved by the Schneeberger side (as we emulate many of the traits) and it's Chicago/Midwest influence.  If you don't quote this movie during the season you suck (kidding, you just don't know any better because you've lived in a cave and never have seen the movie).

Best Christmas Song (Original composition or cover)

I love Christmas music, but some songs (many originals) are worse than hearing someone throw up, a dog whining, someone is scratching a chalkboard, and a baby whaling in the background. These songs have been screened by our panel and analyzed regarding their contribution to the Christmas holiday.

5. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Does anyone have more fun playing this song the Bruce?  He's talking with the crowd, joking with "Big Man" and the band all while nailing the song.  Listen close and you can even here him laughing.  Bruce, man of the people, playing for the people's Christmas.

4.  Run Run Rudolf - Chuck Berry
He wrote Johnny B. Goode and he is the man.  This song is a little Christmas shuffle with Chuck's great slant rhyme.  Play this in the car and crank it up (helps drown out unwanted talk and lowers Christmas frustration).  You're welcome.

3.  Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Ms. Lee has a classic voice and the tune has been used in countless Christmas movies and shows.  A timeless tune that never seems to get old.

2.  Santa Clause is Back in Town - Elvis Presley
The King doing Christmas.  My all-time favorite Christmas song, but due to nostalgic reasons I can't put it as number one.  But really how many people can talk about a big black Caddy in a Christmas song and still sound be in the spirit of the season.  The drums are awesome (feel free to air drum or play on the steering wheel!).  Biggest regret is my band didn't play this at our only Christmas gig (we went with a Petty song instead), oh well enjoy!

1.  The Christmas Song 
This song is on repeat during the Lueders' family Christmas and immediately takes me back to my childhood.  Nat King Cole is the man and he hits a walk off with this rendition.  No one should try to cover this song again...ever.  His voice is a cross between Fergie and Jesus, but less commercial and biblical.  I bet after laying dow this track Nat lit a smoke, had some scotch, and drifted off into the snowy night with a  grin.

There you go my top ten favorite Christmas movies and songs.  I'd extend the awards some more, but I've got getting moving and help out around here.  You know the saying happy Mom, things stay calm (that's not real, I just made that up).

Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season!  Hope Santa brought you some fun stuff.  Keep spreading the Christmas spirit of giving.

Here is a little parting gift for you.  This is one of my favorite bands and I love this song:

Until next time,

KRS

Bonus links: http://deadspin.com/the-best-version-of-every-important-christmas-song-1476324669
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/23/christmas-songs_n_4490707.html