As the days get shorter and Halloween draws closer, there’s a group of people itching to start celebrating the most magical time of the year: Christmas (It’s me, I’m people). Snow on the ground, cups of hot cocoa, and seasonal flavors at coffee shops are right around the corner, and the best thing to get someone into the spirit has to be the music. From Michael Bublé to Kelly Clarkson, I personally believe my Christmas playlist is top-notch. So, let me share some of my favorite songs!
“All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey
I mean come on, it’s the Christmas song. Mariah completely revolutionized music with this (not actually, but you get the point). The sleigh bells, the vocals, the track — tens across the board. I love the Big Time Rush version too, which also happens to land a spot on my playlist. So, in the words of Mrs. Carey, “It’s time.”
“Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber
This is another class of the 2010s. It’s so quintessentially “pop star made a Christmas album.”  but it’s so good nonetheless. I remember listening to this in the car with my parents all the time, and it brings back so many good memories. All in all, it’s so nostalgic.
“December” by Ariana Grande
Now, I know that “Santa Tell Me” is Ariana’s most popular holiday song (it’s on the playlist, don’t worry), but “December” is so good. Her entire Christmas album is good in general, but “December” has a different feel than most songs on the album, adding something sultrier and flirtier. I honestly love this song!
“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson
I will never leave Queen Kelly off of any playlist, so you know that “Underneath the Tree” was going to be on here. It’s so fun and bouncy, adding a different element compared to the slower, softer songs. Also, vocals. She could sing the phone book and I would listen to it on repeat. This song always puts me in the spirit.
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael BublĂ©
Michael BublĂ© is the King of Christmas music, period. The smooth jazz vocals accompany the music well and give it that old-time holiday feel. The entire album encompasses what Christmas feels like, and I can listen to it over and over again. This song in particular is my favorite and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I also have “I’ll be home for Christmas” on my playlist, which gives the same vibe. I give it an 11/10.
“Last Christmas” by Wham!
This is the best Christmas song. No further questions. I love Wham! to begin with, but this song is top-tier. George Michael vocals over an ’80s synth, what more could you ask for? The lyrics, the memes that came along with it, the video; everything about this song is superb. I will die by this opinion.
“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by NSYNC
NSYNC really did something with this one. I love the boy-band energy this has that makes it so much fun to listen to. Also (again), vocals. We all knew Justin Timberlake could sing so it’s no surprise how good they all sound together. The song is sure to put me in the spirit for the holidays every time.
“Cuddled Up” by John Lindahl and Pia Mia
Okay, this is a hidden gem. I absolutely love this song. I discovered it last Christmas and it has solidified itself as one of my favorite songs. It is very jazzy and upbeat, a different vibe from a lot of the songs on the playlist, but still super festive. I highly recommend listening to all of John Lindahl’s Christmas albums if you haven’t yet.
“This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway
This is such a good song, it had to close out my playlist. Donny Hathaway’s voice is so smooth and soulful. It has a different feel than the other songs on the playlist but in the best way possible. The chorus is catchy too, and I find myself singing it all the time. It’s one of my favorite Christmas songs and it really rounds out the playlist, wrapping it up with a big red bow.
Happy Holidays!
Hopefully, these songs help you feel the holiday spirit and set the mood for Christmas 2024! Now I’ll be here counting down the seconds until it’s finally socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music!