With the holiday season upon us, holiday music is quickly defrosting. While I love a good holiday song, some are a bit harsh on the ears, and it’s not hard to understand why. Once these songs start serving to commodify the holidays by driving consumption in stores, they become less of the serve we want. It’s important to remember that they create a strong sense of community, as is the case for most themed music, and I’ve got tunes to show you that will do just that.
- “Snow” – Peggy Lee, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Trudy Stevens
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Starting easy, this song perfectly encompasses an upbeat, secular, but not overplayed classic. These four talented singers bring this song together in perfect harmony, setting the mood for a night of baking some Pillsbury cookies and dancing. It won’t be snowing here in Florida, but that’s all right; a girl can dream.Â
- “It’s A Marshmallow World” – Jo Stafford
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On the topic of oldie classics and outdoorsy fun, this song is also amazing for getting in the holiday spirit. Stafford’s version knocks it out of the park with her groovy, velvety voice. After adding this to your playlist, you’ll make the world your snowball in no time!
- “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” – Vince Guaraldi Trio
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Every song on the Charlie Brown Christmas album is perfect for the holiday vibe, and this catchy tune in particular leaves a big impression on the holiday season. It may be more of a Halloween or Thanksgiving song, but there’s a reason why media that blends the spooky and holiday themes is so well-loved: some of us don’t want to part with the Halloween spirit just yet. This song creates a perfect atmosphere for closing out a holiday party in the late hours of a December night, especially if you play It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on TV!
- “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole
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This song is one of the more popular ones on the list, and despite that, it remains immune to capitalism. You’ll recognize it instantly when you enter any place where it’s playing, but it has a hidden superpower that songs like “All I Want For Christmas is You” and “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” got stolen from them: it’ll never get old. No matter where you are, this song will have you floating on a scented cloud of roasting chestnuts towards the nearest open fire like you’re in a Christmas cartoon.
- “Little Christmas Tree” – Kadhja Bonet
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If you’re feeling a bit on the bluer side this holiday season but have heard “Blue Christmas” one too many times, this song’s got your back. The relaxing melody accompanied by Bonet’s talented vocals will help lean into the creative side of that melancholy feeling one can experience around the holidays. The California Holiday EP is uniquely festive with a strong message, and this song is my favorite.
- “Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney
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Now this is one of those 10 songs you hear on rotation in every store. McCartney’s rent was due when he recorded this. Down to the synths, the layout of the song is so unserious and infectious that every time I hear it, I put it on repeat. Kadhja Bonet had the right idea by including a cover of this song on her EP. Some may find this song overplayed (and it is), but that’s just fine — I’m too busy fighting earworm to hear anyone out.
- “Come Out and Play” – Billie Eilish
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I know this isn’t technically a Christmas song, but listen carefully and you’ll see my vision. I always thought this song had a bit of a holiday feel, whether it’s because the album cover shows a festive Ferris wheel in the snow or the sweet and nostalgic lyrics encourage the listener to be more present in their daily experience.Â
- “The Chipmunk Song” – Alvin and the Chipmunks
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How could the last song on the list not be the goofiest? There’s nothing funnier than putting this song on as a joke at a holiday party just to see how everyone would react to the chipmunks’ high-pitched singing. The parts of the song where Dave Seville yells at Alvin to follow along with the choir are bound to crack anyone up.
Everyone’s been in a situation that demands quality holiday music, whether shopping to find the best gifts for loved ones or planning a get-together before leaving town for the break. I hope my suggestions will pumpkin spice up your playlist this winter!
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