The Best Christmas Music and Videos on YouTube

I am one of those people who won't play, or listen to Christmas music until AFTER Thanksgiving. Let November be the month of thanks and being grateful, I believe in not rushing Christmas, we have enough rushing around to do every day of the year. They holidays should be savored, enjoyed and be a reflective time of the year.

So on the day after Thanksgiving I set my Pandora Christmas channel on my Android phone and play Christmas carols every day until January 1st. All over Facebook are postings of the most recent viral videos of the holiday season and YouTube videos get millions of views as people share and get into the Christmas spirit.

(image created in Adobe Photoshop)

I know Flashmobs are so 2010, but every now and then one comes out that just gives you goosebumps and is so powerful it brings a tear to your eye.

The members of the United States Air Force band surprised visitors at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC with a Christmas treat few will ever forget and it is my favorite Christmas video of the season.

I have been to Washington DC several times and every visit is special. I can't imagine the thrill I would get watching an impromptu concert develop in front of my eyes.

Jon Schmidt has been one of my favorite pianists ever since I downloaded and printed off All of Me in the late 1990s. I'm amazed at his talent and their latest Christmas YouTube video is just as fun to watch as it is to listen.

The Piano guys is an eclectic blend of talented performers, each with a different speciality. Yes, they all play the piano, but Paul Anderson is also a videographer and very aware of the viral video phenomenon on YouTube and the social media marketing potential.

Their goal, to make music that inspires, uplifts and makes an impact with people.

It's a toss up on which Christmas video is more popular right now, the USAF or the a Capella voices of Pentatonix singing Little Drummer Boy. Because my sons are both United States Marines I'm partial to the military tribute to the holidays.

But, The Little Drummer Boy was my Mom's favorite Christmas carol and it seems everyone is sharing this video on Facebook. The talent required to not only sing the tight harmoney is amazing. No wonder this group won The Sing-Off on NBC. When they start their 2014 tour I'm definitely going to get tickets.

The group from Arlington Texas includes: Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola, Kirstie Maldonado, and Avi Kaplan.

Their YouTube channel has over 1.8 million subscribers and their unique sound of pop and rock does not include any musical instruments, other than their voice and the beat box talent of Kevin “K.O.” Olusola.

Listen to the tried and true classic Christmas carols sung in a modern and new way that still maintains the traditional sound, but refreshes it for a new generation.

When Flash mobs are done right they seem spontaneous, although in reality they are tightly choreographed and rehearsed. Another requirement of a properly done flash mob should also be the quality of voices, acoustics, and last but not least the "big impression" that leaves the audience with wide eyed wonder and amazement.

Enjoy these popular viral holiday flash mobs of years past, pass them along, share them, and enjoy the Christmas Holiday season.

How much fun would this of been to see Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the whole gang dancing in the heart of Manhattan during the holidays. I think I would have started dancing myself. This flash mob was short, and low key. Get in and get out, leave the audience and public wondering.

Now for something a little different, and a little silly. The Muppets singing Christmas songs from their TV Christmas Special a Muppet Christmas and the movie a Very Muppet Christmas Carol.

John Denver and the Muppets singing the 12 Days of Christmas. Who sings "% Gold Rings"? Miss Piggie of course.

You can't resists Animal singing, or screaming "Ding Ding, Ding Dong" in the Carol of the Bells. I know this video doesn't fit with the rest, but it's hilarious and I dare you to watch it just once.

John Denver really loved the Muppets and guest starred in several holiday specials and was a regular guest on the Muppet Show. Here the Muppet gang sing the 12 Days of Christmas. Who do you think sings "5 Gold Rings"? Miss Piggie of course.

Joy to the World, clucked by the Muppet chickens, silly, fun and just what every child at heart needs during the Christmas season.

A Muppet Family Christmas, starring Fozzie Bear and the snowman.

Jim Henson was a creative genius when he brought Kermit from Sesame Street to the nighttime screen of the Muppets.

The Muppet Show aired from 1976 to 1981 and I looked forward to each Christmas special. I love all the Muppet characters from Kermit and Miss Piggie to Gonzo and Rowlf the Dog.

Which video is your favorite, and which Christmas Carol is your favorite? Tell me about your Christmas traditions in your family and paste a link to your favorite YouTube videos and shows.