Speaking of bad versions of "O Holy Night," Paul Shafer's annual over-the-top imitation of Cher's rendition, which he has performed for at least twenty consecutive Decembers of the Dave Letterman late-night show, is my favorite so-bad-it's-good Xmas number. It's even worse than listening to Cher herself, if you can believe that.

Also on the same show once very year, you can see and hear Ronnie Spector wail her own masterful and little-known Christmas rock-n-roll single, whose title escapes me at the moment (This is something I classify as *good,* now, not one of the bad ones.)

Other favorite offbeat seasonal numbers:
"Santa Baby" (especially Earth Kitt's rendition)
"Please Come Home for Christmas," Charles Brown
and this 12-bar blues -- I should know the artist, but don't:

Merry Christmas baby / Yes you sure did treat me nice (2X)
Gave me a diamond ring for Christmas / Now I'm livin in Paradise.

I'm feeling fine and mellow / Got good music on my radio (2X)
I wanna kiss you baby / Underneath the mistletoe

Merry Christmas baby / Yes you sure been good to me (2X)
You know I haven't had a drink this morning/
But I'm all lit up like a Christmas tree.

****

And, oh yeah, one more vote against "Little Drummer Boy." And I'm not too crazy about "The 12 Days.." either.