It’s that time of year again: the time of year I take a moment away from movies (and just a moment, there are a lot of movies this time of year) and put some of my attention into music. Specifically, holiday music. A genre I love only slightly less than show tunes.
I’m proud of each playlist I’ve made over the years, but I really like this one. It took me a few weeks of exploring new releases and digging for lesser-known classics, but I was eventually able to craft together twenty festive songs I hope will help get you in the spirit of the season.
Per usual, the playlist includes a broad spectrum of artists and styles. This year, you’ll find the likes of Hanson (yes, that Hanson) next to LCD Soundsystem (still kicking myself that I didn’t go to that show this month); there’s an ABBA song in there that sounds depressing at first pass but really, it’s not; and you’ll find a touch of soul with holiday favorites by The Temptations and Stevie Wonder. You won’t find anything from Gwen Stefani’s new holiday album (it’s not good), but you will find a gem from one Francesca Battistelli, a lovely new discovery of mine.
It’s going to be a crazy month, friends. The holidays always seem to add a layer of intensity to even the simplest plans. Hopefully somewhere in the frenzy you’ve got some time to queue up this playlist, pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate and take a few deep breaths.
Oh, and if you’ve made it this far, I thought I’d share some bonus links (all will open in Spotify):
Here is a link to my Christmas SuperCut – every playlist from the last six years (!) in one long, wonderful mega-playlist.
And here are links to 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012. I was making annual playlists before that, but they only exist on actual CDs I burned and sent off to friends and family as presents. Lucky them!
