It’s tiiiiiimmmme. The Holiday Season is upon us! Despite what the Texas weather would have you believe, your next Holiday gathering is just around the corner. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to the perfect festive sleepover or aesthetic dinner party, I need my playlists to be unforgettable. Sometimes you need a little more than Mariah Carey and Kelly Clarkson to get you in the mood. So I’ve compiled a list of 10 thoroughly amazing songs that will give you a break from the same five they play on the radio. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
- Snow – Leslie Odom Jr.
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Pardon me, is this Aaron Burr Sir? Why yes, it is the angelic voice of Leslie Odom Jr. indeed. A man of many talents, Leslie Odom Jr has two Christmas Albums to his name. From his second album, the song Snow is a creative and fresh single that you can’t help but snap your fingers to.
- Make You Mine this Season – Tegan and Sara
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Do you remember the ending of Hulu’s The Happiest Season? Did you even make it to the end of Hulu’s The Happiest Season? While the quality and storytelling choices of this movie are a debate for another day, I’d love to bring your attention to the song that plays at its heartfelt end. As someone who still holds some harsh critiques of this well-intentioned Christmas film, I can’t help but find myself tearing up at its conclusion. Tegan and Sarah’s simple lyrics about the pure joy of having someone to call yours are beautifully synced with a catchy melody that shoots serotonin into my veins. Needless to say, I highly recommend it!
- If I Can’t Love Her – Roman Banks
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If you’ve had the pleasure of watching High School Musical The Musical: The Series, then you might recognize this song from its season two soundtrack. While this song isn’t inherently a Christmas song, it reminds me of the ones I listened to when I was younger. Roman Banks sings in such a way to where you feel as if you are in a sacred space, acknowledging the beauty and power love can hold. It’s a rendition that warms my heart with the fuzziest of feelings.
- Winter Song – Leslie Odom Jr. and Cynthia Erivo
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The holidays for many can be a season for yearning. As someone who has spent many Christmases in desire for another, I must confess that sometimes Last Christmas just isn’t enough. Ingrid Michelson and Sara Bareilles’ lyrics are brought to another level in the rendition of the song. It’s a raw, authentic conversation full of feelings of sadness and love. This cover will also give you some more Cynthia Erivo in case the Wicked For Good Soundtrack just wasn’t enough.
- All My Bells Are Ringing – Lenka
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All My Bells Are Ringing is another song that plays with the metaphor of gifting your heart to another. It provides a cute and whimsical take on an idea that can often be quite vulnerable. Lenka’s soft vocals speak to the butterflies that come with being in love. It’s a calm love song that will leave you blushing.
- Little St. Nick – She and Him
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When I found out that Zooey Deschanel had a band and a Christmas Album, I almost lost it. As arguably one of the biggest fans of the sitcom New Girl, I was so excited to hear more from the comedic force that is Zooey Deschanel. The entire She and Him Christmas album adds ambience to any playlist. The band puts a calm and delightful twist on Christmas classics. This is my favorite song, but I think the entire album is definitely worth a listen.
- You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch – Tyler the Creator
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Regardless of how you feel about the 2018 remake of The Grinch, I think we can all agree that Tyler, the Creator, outdid himself with his reinvention of the classic villain theme song. When I first listened to it in the movie, I really vibed with it and have continued to do so every Christmas since.
- El Burrito Sabanero – Various Artists
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This one is for all my fellow Latinos. El Burrito Saberneo tells the story of a boy and his donkey on his way to see baby Jesus in the manger. My parents had it on repeat on Christmas when I was growing up, so it holds a special place in my heart. Every version of this song is different, but I can guarantee that regardless of what version you listen to, it will leave you with the desire to get up and dance. It’s loud, rhythmic, and fun. If you want to spice up a Holiday Playlist, this song is a must.
- Do You Want to Build a Snowman? – Disney Circle of Stars
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I can’t be the only one who was obsessed with this cover when it first dropped in 2013. If you’re down for a little cringe and in need of a little Disney Channel nostalgia, I highly recommend adding this song to the queue. Also, Jordan Fisher’s vocals alone are reason enough to be blasting this song at max volume.
- White Winter Hymnal – Pentatonix
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I feel like it would be a disservice to have a Christmas playlist without Pentatonix on it. This song was my introduction to Pentatonix, and the song has remained one of my favorites of theirs to this day. I really enjoy the use of body percussion, and the chorus of perfectly harmonious voices always transports me to another dimension.
So there you have it: a creative mix of songs to add some color to your festivities. I’m obviously no music expert, but I do think that being nicknamed the Christmas Queen by my family and friends warrants a little street cred when it comes to decking the halls. Listen to your heart’s content, and Happy Holidays!