We’ve officially reached the five week countdown to Christmas, meaning it is now acceptable to not only watch Love Actually, but also to listen to the soundtrack. The music behind the staple film of Christmas time is one of many albums you should be playing on repeat throughout this festive season. Over the years there have been multiple attempts at releasing tracks exclusively for the holiday season, from artists such as Justin Beiber to Coldplay and even Michael Bublé seemingly covering every Christmas song ever written. Twice. Despite these yearly new releases it’s often worth having an essential Christmas playlist to whip out at a moments notice.
There’s nothing quite like Mariah Carey singing All I want for Christmas to put you in the festive spirit and when you begin to hear that track on the radio, you know the big day must be close. The school disco classic from Wham! of Last Christmas is a go-to party tune and brings back all the best memories and excitement of the Christmas countdown. Another bittersweet classic is Fairytale of New York as performed by The Pogues and the late Kirsty MacColl, a track that I believe should be held in as high regard as White Christmas or Jingle Bells for its fantastically un-PC lyrics and Irish charm. A personal favourite of mine is Judy Garland’s, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. This song is timeless and beautiful, with poignant lyrics and all the magic of the 1940s, it is one I will continue to hold close to my heart.
Whilst there will inevitably be scrooges objecting to the playing of Christmas music before December 24th, those of us who have been waiting for this moment since the clock struck midnight on Halloween should feel no guilt in indulging in these songs with all the joy and excitement we remember from being a kid.