Although I’m currently stressing about my upcoming finals, one thing keeps me motivated throughout this busy time of year: music. It’s not just any kind of music, but Christmas music. Christmas music helps remind me of the coming holiday season, which is full of fun and enjoyment just over the horizon. Here are some of my favorites to listen to!
1. “Skating” by Vince Guaraldi Trio
Anyone who knows me knows that I love Peanuts. I’m not kidding when I say that every year, without fail, I watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. This song plays in the scene where Charlie Brown and his friends are all going ice skating, which is my favorite from the movie if I had to choose. The sweet, jolly little piano instrumental is the perfect backdrop to do anything to. It helps make even the mundane moments feel a little more special.
2. “Christmas wrapping” by the waitresses
This campy tune about being excited about Christmas but also too tired for it has never been more relatable than it is now in college. With an upbeat tempo, this song has such a playful feel to it. It’s not overly sentimental but still captures the spirit of Christmas!
3. “WONderful christmastime” by Paul Mccartney
This song holds some of the fondest memories for me, as it’s my dad’s favorite as well. One of the main things I’m looking forward to when I go home is being able to listen to this with him. Aside from my sentimental feelings, this song often gets a bad rep as a “bad” Christmas song, but I personally love it. It’s a quirky track, with fun synths that you can’t help but dance to. Plus it’s an earworm. Who doesn’t love a good catchy Christmas song?
4. “all i want for christmas is you” by mariah carey
I couldn’t not include this timeless classic! From the intro to the chorus, everything about this song is perfect! It has never gotten old for me, and I happily await Christmas every year just to see how Mariah Carey announces that it’s time for this song to reign supreme on the radio once more. In my humble opinion, it is the Christmas song of all Christmas songs!
5. “last christmas” by wham!
I could listen to this song year-round. It’s only due to my impeccable self-restraint that I don’t. George Michael’s vocals were terrific and are especially great in this song. Paired with the synths, some of my favorite things to hear in songs, this song perfectly captures the longing