Anyssa’s Holiday Mix

    Hey all you music lovers! The holidays are right around the corner and I’m sure you’ve all heard Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas Is You” about a million and one times by this point. If you’re like me and are already sick of hearing the same five songs, then you need to add some new music to your usual holiday rotation. With so many different holiday songs to choose from, making the perfect playlist can seem impossible. Only about five of the massive library of holiday songs are played leaving many great gems ignored and forgotten. 

     Holiday music doesn’t have to be old, boring and repetitive. This time of year brings on its own sets of challenges and stress so don’t freak out trying to put together a new playlist for your festive events. Lucky for you, over the last year I have carefully composed what I consider the perfect holiday playlist. So while you’re busy arranging travel, frantically last-minute Christmas shopping or racing to organize your holiday party, pop on this premade playlist to ease away that stress. A blend of old, new, covers and originals, it has something every generation of the family will love. 

     The playlist includes classic holiday singers like Frank Sinatra, Brenda Lee, and Ella Fitzgerald but also features new surf, indie rap and rock artists putting their spin on favorites. It’s important to have a variety of different genres to keep the mix interesting. Everyone has different musical tastes so I’ve included as many as possible to help and explore all the emotions and feelings that come during this busy time. The playlist does have some of the same songs redone by different artists but each variation is unique, making it feel like new songs all around. 

     While the whole list is very fun and festive, some of my favorites on the lineup include the classic, “White Christmas” by Frank Sinatra. Another favorite old track of mine, “Mele Kalikimaka” by Bing Crosby, because it makes the Cali girl in me feel like I’m on a tropical Christmas vacation. There are also great songs by a duo called The Bird and the Bee. Their album, “Put Up The Lights,” has very soothing, sleek and modern renditions and original songs, you can hardly tell it’s holiday music. In particular, the track “You and I at Christmas Time,” has a jazzy, pop sound that you could listen to anytime of year. The last I want to mention is “Little Saint Nick,” a cover by the California band Best Coast. It’s a fun, surf-pop version of the classic by The Beach Boys that makes you long for a warm West Coast holiday.

      While you’re rushing around this holiday season, pop on this playlist and get in the mood for the fun ahead. Let the music take away the hectic holiday feelings and get whisked away into the happiness that this time of year brings. Got suggestions? Drop some of your favorite holiday songs in the comments so we can check them out. Here’s hoping my humble playlist adds some festive cheer to your event. Have a safe and happy holiday, see you in the new year!

Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RXpVkZ9dNORvdjQrrxe8w?si=872b3504d0fe4a3c