Would the holidays be nearly as marvelous without the magic of Christmas music? I think not! Every year, I make a new playlist chock full of classic Christmas songs and new tunes alike, and this year I'm sharing. Here's my holiday playlist, with a focus on the classics (and a few modern tunes at the end).
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1. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
This is far and away my very favorite classic Christmas song, because it is utter perfection in every way. The lyrics, the music, the orchestration, and of course, NKC's marvelous voice.
2. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
If you've never seen the movie, it's time - but til then, enjoy this classic song, and love it like I do. LOVE IT.
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3. Winter Wonderland - Michael Buble
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I'm sure you've heard this song 1,000 times already this season, but if you've been listening to any other version, you've been missing out.
4. Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
Celebrate the season in more than one language with this fantastically upbeat tune. I love it, especially the little cheers mixed it. It is impossible to be in a bad mood whilst listening to this song.
5. The Chipmunk Song - Alvin & the Chipmunks
Listening to this song as an adult, I realize two things: Dave is somewhat verbally abusive, and Alvin might send me over the edge, too. But this song isn't made for adults. It's made for children, so as much as it irritates you, your kids will love it.
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6. Jingle Bell Rock - Brenda Lee
I cannot deny it: I love dancing in my living room, in front of the tree, singing this song (loudly). It's now as much of a holiday tradition as putting up the tree and drinking cocoa.
7. Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives
This earworm will be stuck in your head til June, and you'll hum/sing it at odd times without even realizing it. Yes, it will be May, and you'll be stuck in traffic, telling the moronic drivers in front of you to "have a holly jolly Christmas this year."
8. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Death Cab for Cutie
I adore this version of this Christmas classic, even more than the original or the Bono remake. It's so much more... emotional, maybe?
9. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson makes this song his own with his unique style, of course, but also that last (new) verse at the end - those other reindeer WERE jerks, weren't they?
10. The Christmas Song - the RAVEONETTES
This isn't the song you think it is, and it's wonderful. A new classic, perhaps? I love it. The guitar work is fab!
11. 30 Days - NEVERSHOUTNEVER!
This song is so, so sweet! It's romantic and adorable and wow, I wish someone would write a song like this for me... *le sigh*
12. Christmas Wrapping - the Waitresses
The story this song tells — of a year full of near-misses with Mr Right — is so relatable. And I had to throw in a song from the '80s that wasn't by Wham, right?
13. Shake up Christmas - Train
I had to include this one... it's the only holiday song my boyfriend likes. I know, right - what a Scrooge!
Bonus: in 2010, Target put out an indie Christmas album that is quite spectacular - if you can get your hands on it, you must check out Jenny O's "Get Down for the Holidays," Natalie Hemby's "Perfect Gift," and Little Jackie's "Mrs. Claus Ain't Got Nothin' on Me." FIND IT. NOW. You won't be sorry!
Which of these songs do you already have on your own Merry Xmas playlist? Is there anything I missed? Do tell!
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