(By: Nikki Ianniello) Few songs are better known or more beloved to us than our favorite Christmas carols. Which one do you have stuck in your head right now? If you gave in to your impulses and unabashedly belted the tune out for all within earshot to hear, it would likely be a dead giveaway as to what sign of the Chinese Zodiac influences and embodies your particular flavor of holiday cheer. After reading this article, when next you hear one of those infectiously catchy jingles, you’ll surely be reminded of your favorite astrological signs.
  
Who better to party with Lords a Leapin’ and Maids a Milkin’ than our friend the Rat? Her need for constant stimulation and entertainment makes for the “12 Days of Christmas” to be her tune. Only she would require each day’s gift leading up to Christmas to be more spectacular than the last. If you’re still at a loss for what gift to get your Rat friend or family member for the holiday season, perhaps all they need is a fifth golden ring to complete their repertoire of shiny things.

“You can count on me,” says the Ox, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” being his carol. It has been said that the only time of year the Ox can rest is during winter, when the months of plowing and harvesting are over. After his seasons of diligence, the Ox’s homecoming will be welcome. This is his time to relax and recuperate under the mistletoe, “where the love light gleams.”    

The Tiger’s on the prowl--he knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for Christmas’ sake! Few signs get into the holiday season like that of the Tiger. He will spoil you with gifts and treasures, so naturally “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” befits this feline. Much like St. Nick, the Tiger is an unparalleled performer where the spirit of giving is concerned.

When all is calm, look for the shy Snowshoe Hare beneath the bright winter’s moon, where all is bright. On any given “Silent Night”, the Rabbit’s tender and mild disposition makes her a friend to all the animals in the manger. Just as this song is undoubtedly the most beloved carol, the hare too, makes for a dear friend during the holiday season.

Whom amongst Santa’s famous team would let the Dragon join in on their reindeer games? As the only mythical creature featured in the Chinese Zodiac, wouldn’t you also laugh and call him names? “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is a fitting story to keep in mind as we realize the Dragon’s uniquely energetic and spiritual gifts are just what Santa needs to guide his sleigh tonight.

Undeniably one of the deepest and most moving songs of the season, “O, Holy Night” has both an intensely passionate melody and meaning. This piece of music, wise with experience beyond its years, is much like the Snake sign. Underneath the serious-yet-joyful notes, still waters run deep as this calm song proclaims the “thrill of hope” with which the concernedly humanitarian Snake can relate.

“What fun it is to laugh and sing a sleighing song tonight!” Only the skillful and cheerful Horse sign could make spirits as bright during the holiday season. “Jingle Bells” describes perfectly this popular sign, who loves to entertain. It is undeniable that you will be chomping at the bit to enjoy the festivities after hearing this catchy carol.

The theatrical yet domesticated Sheep will be found “decking the halls with boughs of holly” this time of the year. This creative little lamb enjoys bringing beauty to her surroundings and will probably have the holiday decorations up before Thanksgiving is even over. So strike the harp and join the chorus, Baaaa la la la la, la la la la!

Just like “Frosty the Snowman”, the Monkey is a jolly happy soul. This fun and original yuletide song embodies the innately inventive and sociable characteristics of this clever sign. To a group of easily enchanted children, playing with a real live snowman would be more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Who would be more likely to be a caroler than the outspoken sign of the Rooster? Only he would have the audacity to demand figgy pudding while wishing you holiday cheer. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a bold and eccentric jingle, befitting the sign of the cock. A sure frequenter of many holiday parties, they will always wish you good tidings and won’t forget to throw in “and a Happy New Year!”

Being a popular and domesticated animal, even in the most urban of environments, the sign of the Dog would surely notice that “it’s Christmas time in the city”, complete with busy city sidewalks and rows of green and red lights. You don’t have to have a dog’s fantastic hearing to get “Silver Bells” stuck in your head this winter.

What better place for a pig than his pen? “There’s No Place like Home for the Holidays” is befitting of all swine, who finds their holidays best spent indoors with family and friends. There, one can relax and kick back, because you “can’t beat home, sweet home.”