Nothing screams holiday spirit more than festive lights, snow (depending on which side of the earth you live on), and a cringe-y collection of Christmas carols. But the same old, tired songs our grandparents used to listen to don’t cut it anymore.
It’s time to upgrade the holiday playlist with something that suits everyone’s mood at home, whether at a party or just casual listening at home. If you still love timeless classics, that’s fine. I listen to them, too, and I don’t judge. I’ve also compiled a list of all kinds of songs to make this Christmas one to remember.
Traditional Christmas Classics
I know we said we’re switching up the Christmas playlist this year, but old-timers love them. Who can resist the charm of the smooth melodies and simple lyrics? They are guaranteed to make you tap your feet and hum along, no matter how many times you’ve heard them in the past.
1. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” is a slow holiday song about the joy of spending time with someone special during cold winter weather. It contrasts the chilly weather outside with the warmth and coziness inside, where a couple is enjoying each other’s company. The track has a lighthearted tone with repeated phrases in its title, and it challenges you to embrace the atmosphere instead of letting it ruin your mood.
2. The Merriest of Christmas – Frank Sinatra
The first time I heard Frank Sinatra’s music, I was six, if I remember correctly. I recall how soothing his deep voice was and how safe it made me feel. I knew almost all the songs by heart. Writing this list and remembering that feeling made me want to share it with someone else.
“The Merriest of Christmas” might not even be his best song, but it fits the Christmas mood perfectly with a boppy jazz vibe you just have to dance to. This track is an upbeat celebration of the season, with a strong focus on spreading happiness and cheer.
3. All I Want For Christmas – Mariah Carey
Who can forget the iconic Mariah Carey and her vocal cords? She has made “All I Want for Christmas” a worldwide anthem. It’s a straightforward expression of love, placing romantic affection above material gifts or festive traditions.
Mariah makes it clear that, despite the typical Christmas trappings of presents, snow, and decorations, the only thing she truly desires is the presence of her loved one. I can’t fully relate because I still want my wrapped presents at the same time. But maybe you can.
Pop Christmas beats
You’ll find that I focus more on women in this section. But It’s because of the significant impact and dominance women currently have in the genre. Historically, pop music has been feminine, with female artists like Madonna, Beyoncé, and Whitney Houston and modern stars like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish shaping its direction. I wish I could mention all their songs, but alas, I can’t.
1. Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande
I’ve been a fan of Ariana Grande since her days on the “Victorious” and “Sam & Cat” shows on Nickelodeon. Honestly, her voice is incredible. Alongside Mariah, she has a high vocal range, unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Even when it’s not Christmas, I sing “Santa Tell Me” in a ridiculously off-key note.
In the track, Ariana voices what most people fear when falling in love during the season. She asks Santa to tell her if the guy she’s interested in really cares, saying that if he won’t be around next year, she’ll end up heartbroken. I love how the playful tone doesn’t send you into a depressed state but makes you ponder the lyrics and enjoy the sound overall.
2. 1Wish – Ava Max
Ava Max is the queen of bold, empowering pop anthems from “Sweet But Psycho” to “Kings & Queens”. Her latest single, “1Wish,” paints a picture of a perfect Christmas day, filled with sleigh bells, reindeer, mistletoe, and the carefree feeling of making angels in the snow. We often associate these things with the traditional Christmas, but Max’s version sounds more modern.
3. A Nonsense Christmas – Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter has truly evolved from her role as a young star in Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World” to a full-fledged adult artist who confidently expresses herself, both musically and personally. Contrary to how her title sounds, Sabrina is not trash-talking Christmas. Instead, it’s a playful, flirtatious celebration of the season. The song combines classic imagery with adult humor. Admittedly, the lyrics are for mature audiences, but it brings a sassy twist.
Indie Christmas Playlist
Back in the day, it would’ve been unusual for me, as a Black person, to be into indie music. White audiences mainly dominated the scene, and there wasn’t much representation of Black artists or fans. Indie music, especially certain sub-genres like indie rock or pop, didn’t reflect the cultural influences I grew up with. But there’s a shift happening, and it’s becoming more mainstream. I find myself frequently, and unapologetically, listening to more indie songs.
1. Walking in the Air – The River Indigo
“Walking in the Air” is a dreamy, slow song that describes the sensation of flying through the sky as if walking on air. It’s not about Christmas, but I like how the lyrics describe this magical experience where the singers pass over villages and people stare in childlike wonder.
The fact that The River Indigo is a husband-and-wife duo makes their music even more special. There’s something deeply personal about Seth and Jenna Herlich’s bringing their idea into this one creative idea.
2. Christmas Song – Will Knox ft. Néomí
Will Knox’s “Christmas Song” is a contemplative track with a peaceful yet bittersweet acoustic soundscape. In his lyrics, Knox addresses distance, longing, and the unexpected challenges that pop up during Christmas. He shares a personal story of spending the holiday in Lisbon, far from where he intended to be, following “the stars above Alfama” (a historic Lisbon district).
The “little angel in his cradle” part is likely talking about his child, but it’s open to interpretation. He calls this angel a “symbol of salvation” and implies they are the reason to keep going, even during difficult times. The collaboration with Néomí was the best decision for the song. Her gentle harmonies enrich the song and make it sweeter.
3. Baby Jesus Is Nobody’s Baby Now – Julia Jacklin
Not everyone’s holidays are filled with happiness, laughter, and picture-perfect moments. For people with dysfunctional families, the season can be a painful reminder of loss, tension, and loneliness. This song is not a reason to mope but a reminder that you’re not alone in your situation. It gives a voice to the reality not everyone likes to talk about.
In the song, someone loses a baby, and the singer’s uncle causes tension at a gathering, making the singer wish he would stop talking. The grandmother is also distressed and begs for peace. Then there’s the singer herself, facing pressure to perform a song for the family, even though it’s clear that the atmosphere is strained.
Rock and Roll Christmas
I’ll confess and say I hate rock music. But lately I’ve come to see how raw and real it can be sometimes. It’s not just about loud guitars and screaming vocals. Rock music doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of life: the anger, the frustration, the heartbreak. It taps into a kind of honesty that other genres might avoid, and for that, I’ve come to appreciate it a little bit more.
1. I Won’t Be Home For Christmas – blink-182
Blink-182’s early albums like “Enema of the State” and “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket” became anthems for teens navigating the frustrations of adolescence. Their songs have also transitioned with them into adulthood with tracks like “Stockholm Syndrome” and my personal favorite, “I Miss You”, dealing with more complicated emotions.
“I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” is the song for you if you feel disconnected from the Christmas season, especially when you’re forced to smile, socialize, and battle consumerism all around. You might enjoy the humor, satire, and rebellion infused into the lyrics.
2. Who’s Gonna Hear Their Wish? – Goo Goo Dolls
Maybe it’s a song about appreciating what you have. Maybe it’s a call out on how comfortable in our celebrations we are that we forget the less fortunate. But Goo Goo Dolls urges us to look beyond the festivities and be a blessing to someone else for a change.
A warm home, safety, and companionship. These are the things we take for granted every day. Christmas can be a time of transformation, where we take a step toward making the world better, starting with how we treat others.
3. Mistress for Christmas – Halestorm
I didn’t know you could make adult puns out of Christmas, but here’s one song proving it’s possible. The speaker expresses a desire for a “mistress for Christmas,” turning the season of giving into a rather self-indulgent wish.
You should listen to it if you’re in the mood for an energetic alternative to the usual mellow Christmas tunes. It’s the kind of track that invites you to let loose and have a good time. You can jam out, play an imaginary air guitar on a bar table, or rock your head to the upbeat tempo.
Soul and R&B sounds
R&B and Soul genres have produced some of the greatest artists ever and broken serious barriers. Most especially, it helped people see Black artists as real people during times of unfair treatment and racism and gave them a way to share their struggles and stories.
1. Just Ain’t Christmas – Neyo
Ne-Yo is a top African American artist because of his amazing voice and great songs like “So Sick” and “Miss Independent”. He has even written songs for other stars, including co-writing Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable.” Of course, as R&B songs usually go, heartbreak is the theme here.
Neyo’s Christmas spirit has gone down the drain because his partner left him on Christmas Eve. Now, everything is a bitter reminder of what he lost and rubs salt on his wounds.
2. I Want You This Christmas – Saweetie
Saweetie has been around since 2017, and it’s impressive to see her still thriving in an industry mostly dominated by men. She’s still here not just because of her talent but because she’s part of a larger movement of women breaking into the rap scene and is a big inspiration.
Her latest song, “I Want You This Christmas,” is more of a rap track, but it showcases her glamorous lifestyle and brings a vintage feel. The song is part of a two-track holiday drop, “Dear Big Santa”, which also includes another track called “Big Santa”.
Saweetie stresses the effort she wants to put into her relationship in the music video, treating her man like royalty, showering them with love, and making the season special by being together. Her message is straightforward: she wants her partner this Christmas and every Christmas after that.
3. Santa’s got a sweet tooth – The Dip
“Santa’s Got a Sweet Tooth” is a funny song because it takes a lighthearted approach to redescribing Santa. Most people associate him with delivering presents, but the song turns the jolly old man into a mischievous character with an insatiable craving for sweets.
The humor comes from the absurdity of the situation, where Santa is sneaking down the chimney, eating all the cookies, cakes, and pies, while the singer is left confused and somewhat frustrated. He even has a dream where his partner becomes so obsessed with baking for Santa that she ends up flying off with him in the end.
Children’s Christmas Playlist
Children are incredibly important this Christmas because they remind us of the true heart of the holiday: the birth of Jesus. Jesus came into the world as a child, bringing hope, love, and a new beginning for humanity. Christmas is a time to celebrate that innocence, wonder, and promise of a better future.
1. Together This Christmas – Mini Mix
“Together This Christmas” is about having loved ones together. For kids, it’s a pretty big deal. They need to have a sense of warmth, security, and belonging. When children can share these moments with their loved ones, it fosters emotional connection and creates lasting memories.
2. Star of the Morning – Hillsong Kids
Hillsong Kids is the children’s ministry of Hillsong Church, known for producing worship music specifically geared toward younger audiences. Their music often features uplifting, easy-to-understand lyrics that teach biblical truths and encourage kids to engage in worship.
Hillsong Kids’ songs are designed to introduce children to the message of Jesus in a fun and accessible way. This particular track’s lyrics celebrate Jesus’ birth and His eternal significance, praising Him as the “Star of the Morning”.
3. O Come All Ye Faithful – Bethel Music Kids
This version of “O Come All Ye Faithful” by Bethel Music Kids comes with a slow Electronic Dance Music (EDM) style. The lively beats and modern sound can capture kids’ attention and make the message of the song feel fresh and fun. The song is about worshipping the newborn King and is a perfect way to familiarize children with both the classic hymn and contemporary worship in a way they can enjoy.
We wish you a merry Christmas
There you have it. We’ve mixed the familiar with the new. You’ve got timeless classics that everyone can sing along to, modern pop hits that make you want to dance, and a touch of Indie songs, plus more you can discover on your own. Feel free to explore what Spotify and other music streaming apps have to offer.
