Whether you’re traveling near or far this holiday season, it helps to have a favorite tunes playlist to keep you company and to drown out the noise from those plane engines or a chattering seatmate.
Here’s the music (in no particular order) that never fails to get me in the holiday spirit every year. Some are upbeat, a couple more wistful, but just try to read this list without starting to sing along:
Rocking around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
You’ll be tapping your toes and making plans to swing your partner once or twice around the tree when you get home after listening to this classic.
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
Another rollicking good tune to get the festivities off to a fun start.
Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
“Simply having a wonderful Christmastime . . . ” What could be better than that?
Happy Xmas – John Lennon
“Let’s hope it’s a good one without any tears.” Amen.
Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
With her trademark sauciness, Ms. Kitt is the only one who can carry the mood of this song in my book.
Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano
Listen to this when you want to brush on on your holiday Spanish!
A Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives
The unmistakable voice of Mr. Ives which Alan Lomax once described as “sweet and full, high and clear, like a bird singing in the woods on a sunny morning. The song rolls out like water bubbling out of a mountain spring.” Wow.
Silver Bells – Johnny Mathis
With a voice characterized as “pure,” and “mellifluous,” Johnny Mathis’ singing evokes the timelessness of the holidays which is why I wouldn’t have a Christmas playlist without him on it.
Mele Kalikimaka – Bing Crosby
If you’re planning on traveling to Hawaii over the holidays (What!? And miss out on the chance for snow??), impress the locals by saying “Merry Christmas!” the Hawaiian way.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Lady Antebellum
Lady Antebellum is one of my favorite groups and the chemistry between lead singers Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley on this song comes through loud and clear. This is a tune to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night . . .
What’s on your playlist over the holiday season, Wanderboomers? What are your favorite holiday tunes?
I love Christmas music! Mele Kalikimaka is my and my kids favorite!
I’m sure there are more a few people out there rolling their eyes at my selection of holiday tunes, so I’m glad you enjoy at least one of my choices as much as I do, Jodi! Thanks for stopping by ~
Your list hits the music spot and I already have most of these on my playlist. I especially love, Baby, It’s Cold Outside, sung by just about anyone. I haven’t heard Antebellum’s version so will look for that ASAP since I love that band.
Thanks for sharing!
I always smile hearing The Barenaked Ladies “Elf’s Lament”. Because of my HR background, it hits a nerve!
“I make toys, but I’ve got aspirations,
Make some noise, use your imagination!” …
I do so love all the ones on your list too!
Love holiday tunes by Brian Setzer. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Loreena McKennitt is a belly-danceable tune, probably my all-time favorite, outside of O Come O Come Emmanuel, as performed by just about anybody. (Peter Paul & Mary have a great version, so does Enya.)
And how about the Beach Boys, Little Saint Nick?
Thanks, Monica! I’m not surprised to find that our playlists are similar, especially considering our love for the Beatles and PAUL!
Thanks, Astra! “Elf’s lament” is a new one for me. I’ll be sure and check it out soon ~
Of course, how could I forget Little Saint Nick!? I’m going to add that one to my playlist today, Beverly. I’m not familiar with your other suggestions so I’ll check those out at the same time. Happy Holidays!
Its amazing as I got older I became very interested in Christmas tunes. I really like Mary, did you know? great post that really gets you in the Christmas spirit! Merry Christmas!
And a very Merry Christmas back to you, Samantha! I always appreciate your comments ~