I'm late on this, as I'm sure you've had thousands of Christmas playlists in your face since November 1, but I'm not too late for the actual holiday!
The truth is: I listen to Christmas music all year long (that's what headphones are for, guys!). But I never enjoy it more than November 1st, when I start playing it nonstop, get super sick of hearing the same variations of the same songs, stop, then start back up again on December 1st.
I have exactly 79 Christmas songs in my aptly titled, "Christmas Playlist" playlist. Why not 80? I had to stop myself from going on a complete holiday music binge.
Here are my top 10 (You'll see some of the same songs, but the arrangements make them different and special all in their own way):
1. Baby It's Cold Outside Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan
Nothing will ever stop me from loving this song. It's one of those holiday tunes that you can get away with all year, just so long as there's even the teeniest chill in the air. It will always be relevant, and it will always be wonderful.
2. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow Frank Sinatra
What can be said? The man LOVED the holidays! He's got a ton of Christmas songs, and this is just one of my many favorites. His voice is so smooth, and his singing, if it's possible, always seems so conversational, so personal. I'm guilty of playing this whenever it's cold out.
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Francesca Battistelli
If you don't know who she is, you are totally missing out! For almost three seasons, it's Francesca I hear on all the Christmas playlists. She's got a great voice, her arrangements of classic holiday songs are fresh and catchy, and okay, yeah, I play this one all year as well (with headphones, or I'm judged by my roommates).
4. Winter Wonderland Darlene Love
I first heard this song in The Holiday (one of the BEST HOLIDAY MOVIES EVER), and knew that it belonged on my playlist. It's upbeat, it's fun, and it's got the Motown 60s formula that I can't say no to.
5. Eartha Kitt and Henri Rene
HOW COULD I NOT HAVE THIS ON HERE? This version is EVERYWHERE, ALWAYS during the holiday season. Honestly, how amazing was Eartha Kitt? This song is everything. This song is my everything.
6. What Christmas Means to Me Stevie Wonder
Fun. Original. Upbeat. Motwon.
7. Sleigh Ride Ella Fitzgerald
No one. I repeat. No one does Christmas and holidays in general like Ella Fitzgerald. When I hear her sing, and it usually doesn't matter what, it just puts me in a good mood. I cook with Ella, when I've got music on.
8. What Christmas Means To Me Cee Lo Green
If you haven't listened to Cee Lo's new Christmas album, Cee Lo's Magic Moment, do it! There's no denying his talent, and my personal favorite track of his is "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch." So...
9. You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch also, Cee Lo Green
The truth of the matter is: I would love to have a bedtime story read to me by Cee Lo Green. He's such a theatrical person anyway, so this type of song is right in his element. Backed by a GREAT A Capella group, this rendition is unique, and a personal new favorite.
10.This Christmas Donny Hatthaway
It's really this tune, more than anything. No matter who sings it, I will always, always love this song.
Listen to these ten on repeat, and you're set for a great holiday season!!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITES? (Eh, I could use a few new holiday tunes to add to my list!)
Answer in the comments below!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!