12 Days of Christmas Music: Tunes From Holiday TV Specials

Do you hear what I hear? 

During the holidays, Christmas-themed TV specials are as ubiquitous as fruitcake and eggnog. So, too, are the memorable songs made famous in the specials. 

We've compiled a playlist of some gems from TV Christmas specials, the first of 12 straight days of holiday-themed playlists. Highlights include selections from the classic animated and stop-motion Rankin & Bass Christmas specials (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Year Without a Santa Claus), the memorable theme from A Charlie Brown Christmas and some spectacularly creative collaborations (Bing Crosby and David Bowie; John Denver and the Muppets). Also included is Darlene Love's "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," a staple of The Late Show With David Letterman each season. 

You'll need Spotify to listen to the songs, but don't worry: The free account will work just fine. After today, we still have 11 days of Christmas songs. Tomorrow's theme is songs from Christmas movies. If you have additional song or playlist suggestions, we're all ears.