The holidays bring about thoughts of powdery snow, ripping open brightly wrapped gifts and spending time with family and friends. However, there music that comes around this time of year is practically a requirement in celebrating the season. Here are the top picks for a holiday playlist this year:
8) “Sleigh Ride” by the Ronettes
Originally composed in 1946 by Leroy Anderson, the 1960’s group the Ronettes put their own spin on this song to make the popular winter classic we know today.
7) “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Zooey Deschanel
I would put the entire Elf soundtrack on here if I could, but I’ll settle for just one song from the movie; Deschanel’s version of the 1944 song tops all others.
6) “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms
Although Regina and company did a great job on this song in Mean Girls, Helms does it better. The chime of bells in the background is infectious and the opening chords are immediately recognizable.
5) “The Hanukkah Song” by Adam Sandler
To quote Sandler himself, there aren’t too many Hanukkah songs out there. Thankfully, we have this gem to listen to (and laugh at) while spinning the dreidel.
4) “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
This hit, recorded live in 1978 at one of the band’s concerts, is probably the best rock and roll Christmas songs out there— the live version is incomparable.
3) “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson
I try to stick with the classic holiday songs, but this one off of Clarkson’s 2013 release Wrapped In Red was undeniably catchy and reminded me of Mariah Carey’s holiday hits.
2) “What Christmas Means to Me” by Stevie Wonder
A jazzy and upbeat cocktail of perfection that’s been a staple in holiday radio since 1967.
1) “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
Did you think that I could possibly leave this off of the list? Nineteen years after its release, Carey’s song remains the epitome of all holiday songs and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere soon.
Whether you’re wrapping presents to put under the tree (or menorah) or pulling on snow boots to head out in the cold, now you’ll have a festive soundtrack to go along with whatever your holiday activities may be.
