I Have a Little Playlist

Christmas is December 25th this year (and every year). But sure enough, as soon as no more holidays stand in the way between the present day and nativity celebration, Christmas music is sure to be played on radios and laptops everywhere. With no Thanksgiving here in the U.K., that means we've been listening to it for weeks. Well, Hanukkah is December 8th this year (the 25th of Kislev, just like every year, my Dad reminds me), which means I say it's about high time we start blasting the Hanukkah music. And I'm not just talking about Hebrew prayers; there's a whole world of Hanukkah pop out there. Presenting: Peacelight's Favorite Hanukkah Tunes, 2012.

When Hanukkah comes early, are Christmas plans foiled?

Candlelight (The Maccabeats)

Yeshiva University's Jewish a capella group does an incredible job with this parody of Taio Cruz's "Dynamite."

Light Your Lights (David Brody)
This quirky spoof on "Live Your Life" by T.I. brings some variety to a collection otherwise favoring male voices, featuring male and female vocals.

Miracle (Matisyahu)
An original work, Jewish pop artist Marisyahu presents this Hanukkah composition, redone soon thereafter by the Maccabeats.

Light Up the Night (Fountainheads)
This Israeli group has created a variety of original holiday pieces. With a great mix of English and Hebrew lyrics, their Hanukkah piece is another excellent production.

I Light It (Six13)
Finally, a variety of parodies from NCSY, working with such musical masterpieces as "Baby" by Justin Bieber, "Heartless" by Kanye West, and "I Like It" by Enrique Iglesias.

Not enough for all eight nights? A fun sampling of parodies can be found in the Jewish Rock of Ages, and what Hanukkah collection would be complete without Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song (covered by Neil Diamond)?

Charity Opportunity: Want to share the light this holiday? Hope 4 Hanukkah is organizing toys, donations, and messages to be sent to children in Israel this Hanukkah. Donate, or at least write a quick online message (click "Where You Can Send Your Toys") - they'll put it on a card and send it to the holy land!