Hello, friends! Christmas is just days away and I’m finally sharing a Christmas playlist with you.
It used to be a tradition: in November I’d start building a new playlist each year and I’d share it mid-December. A few years ago I created my playlist… and I fell in love with it. So much so that I haven’t made a new one since. I’ve made tweaks to this one each year: sometimes adding a song, sometimes swapping one out. But other than that it has basically stayed the same. As always, this playlist is designed to lead you into Christmas and take you through New Year.
I have two versions for you: a full version and an abridged version. Both have a mix of religious and secular songs. A few standouts for me:
Sleigh Bells by Harry Connick Jr.: I think everyone has a musician who they have to listen to at Christmas otherwise they haven’t listened to Christmas music. Harry Connick Jr. is that musician for me. I could listen to his albums on repeat throughout this season and be content. I could listen to only one of his albums (When My Heart Finds Christmas) and be content. It’s the first Christmas album I reach for and this song is always the first Christmas song I listen to each year.
Christmas Canon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra: I don’t know what it is about this one but I love it. I’ve loved it since I first heard it. I try to make my niece play this on the piano every year and sometimes she grudgingly agrees.
Silent Night, Holy Night by Mahalia Jackson: The first time I heard this song my dad had just picked me up from a night class when I was in college. He worked at a church near campus and would schedule his meetings for the nights I was on campus so that he could pick me up afterward. We’d drive through the city listening to the jazz station on our way home. This song came on as we were nearing the house and we were halfway through the song when he pulled into the garage. We stopped and sat in the car until the song had ended. It’s the most beautiful version of this song that I have ever heard.
What Child Is This? by August Burns Red: My mom objected to this version when she first heard it because it’s not “quiet and peaceful” as the song should be. But really, a lot of versions of this song that we hear on the radio or find on Christmas albums take out a verse that isn’t so peaceful. I like that this version is a little different take on a familiar Christmas carol/hymn.
Auld Lang Syne by Pink Martini: Don’t worry, this isn’t the somewhat depressing version you typically hear. Pink Martini livens things up for a song worth ringing in the new year!
Here’s the abridged version:
What are your favorite Christmas songs?
