It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and an easy way to celebrate the upcoming holidays is by listening to holiday music. Whether you listen to classics, covers, or new songs, a good holiday playlist can make the month of December extra festive.
Some classic Christmas songs include “Jingle Bells” by Frank Sinatra, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, “Santa Baby” by Ertha Kitt, “Last Christmas” by Wham!, and Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms. “I listen to Christmas music all of December, and it always puts me in a good mood,” senior Jessica Penry said.
Michael Bublé is a popular singer, making many famous covers of Christmas songs like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Winter Wonderland,” “White Christmas” and “Holly Jolly Christmas.” “I love listening to Michael Bublé’s Christmas music during the holidays,” junior Sean Kim said.
Although the best Christmas songs are classics or covers of those classics, a few pop artists have recorded new Christmas songs that approach the holiday season in a new, creative way. Singer, songwriter and actress Ariana Grande has written and recorded a couple original Christmas songs, including one called “Santa Tell Me.” Singer and songwriter Justin Bieber released an album in 2011 called Under the Mistletoe, which included covers like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and original songs like “Mistletoe.” “My favorite Christmas song is Justin Bieber’s song ‘Mistletoe.’ I’ve liked that song since it came out,” junior Ella McGrath said.
Since Christmas is not the only holiday celebrated in December, there are Hanukkah songs, too, although there are not nearly as many. Actor Adam Sandler has made a lot of memorable Hanukkah songs, including his most famous, “Chanukah Song.” Another Hanukkah song that most people are familiar with is “I Have a Little Dreidel” (also known as “The Dreidel Song”). Originally a children’s song, this song has been re-recorded, adapted and covered by numerous artists and bands. “I don’t really listen to holiday music, but I’ve known ‘the Dreidel Song’ since I was a kid,” sophomore Sophie Friedman said.
In addition to Christmas and Hanukkah songs, there is also winter themed music that does not pertain to a particular religion. Although non-Christmassy wintery music is much less common than summery music, there are still some good songs out there to get you through the cold months following the holidays. A few examples of wintery songs are “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” by Dean Martin, “Sweater Weather” by The Neighborhood and “Winter” by the Rolling Stones.
