The two of us have listened to hours of Christmas music of the years together. Even though we are two of the worst singers you will ever hear, we both have been playing Christmas music on Pandora since October and have anxiously waited until it was socially acceptable to embrace the carols. Stephanie’s expertise is in the classics- The Rat Pack, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, while Tori specializes in Justin Bieber, Glee, and Michael Buble. Together we create a dynamic duo spanning 3 schools (Kogod, CAS and SIS) with a loving, humble respect for SOC and a limited knowledge of SPA. Each day we will be visiting a new school around the Quad giving our picks for holiday songs that best represent the schools.
So our dear collegiettes, grab your hot cocoa in your Davenport mug and plug in your headphones on the silent floor of the library, and join us for a week of Christmas (and one Hanukah song) music. If you have any other suggestions tweet at @HerCampusAU with the hashtag #AUplaylist.
College of Arts and Sciences
Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby
Meaning “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian, this will be one of those songs not often heard at a Christmas party. But those foreign language majors will enjoy a good international song, even if it is sung by Mr. Christmas himself, crooner Bing Crosby.
The Chanukah Song by Adam Sandler
How can you have a list of the best Christmas songs and not include something about Chanukah. Adam Sandler’s rendition about the eight crazy nights—no, not your spring break trip—is beloved and often updated for the times. And let’s face it: you would rather play dreidel to this than the actual Dreidel Song.
Marshmallow World by Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin
For all those environmental science majors out there, this one is for you. Best friends Frank and Dean do their famous rendition, in which we are pretty sure they are drunk (it was acceptable back then to do a live show with a spiked eggnog in your hand). So for your next paper, we encourage you to describe the snow as a “marshmallow world.”
Christmas Cannon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Philosophy or religion majors can relate to the overall message in this song, while music majors can appreciate the complex musical talents. Play this zen tune to de-stress during the holidays while Mom is preparing the house for the family to visit, Dad is trying to shovel the driveway and the dog is trying to eat the Christmas tree.
Little Drummer Girl by Alicia Keys
This is the first version of the “Little Drummer Boy” featured in our series. With a slight tweak to the lyrics, songstress Alicia Keys turns this holiday favorite into a new, soulful classic. Women’s studies majors may enjoy the new twist. It’s also one of the first songs she ever performed.