25 Songs on My Christmas Playlist

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" The Christmas Season is officially here. It is that time of the year where we feel free to indulge in sweets and good eats free of guilt (for some of us). A time when we reconnect with family and friends and a time to enjoy all the festivities of the season. Christmas by itself is awesome, but you know what makes it better? Music. I believe it was Plato who said: "Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." (I definitely read that philosophically).

Christmas music has the power to evoke feelings of joy, love, hope and even amusement regardless of the genre or period. Can you really have a Christmas function without Christmas music? ...  Didn't think so. I suppose from my prior ramblings you've figured that this post is about music. Today I'm sharing songs from my Christmas playlist. FYI I've been told that my music choices are older than I am, so prepare to see a lot of old hits. Here are 25 songs from my Christmas playlist.

1. Brenda Lee - Rockin Around the Christmas Tree

The first time I heard this song it was in Home Alone. The scene where Kevin fooled the thieves into thinking his family was still home having a party. I've been hooked ever since. Listening to this song makes you want to rock around the tree.

2. Carla Thomas Gee Whiz its Christmas

This was my mother's favourite Christmas song and I must admit that it has grown on me. The singer's voice is extremely cheery and makes you feel the Christmas spirit. These days time goes by so quickly that it genuinely makes you say, 'Gee whiz'.

3. Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock

I also heard this song in Home Alone. This song gives us good vibes throughout the season. It puts a twist on the more traditional song "Jingle Bells" and I can definitely rock to this.

4. Dean Martin - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

It certainly doesn't snow in Jamaica, at least not to my knowledge, however, the temperature may drop drastically in some areas. This song makes me feel warm inside since it literally talks about being cozy indoors while it snows outside.

5. Neville Willoughby- Christmas JA

This is a Jamaican Christmas song. It is an invitation for all to enjoy sun, sea and fun in Jamaica. The song also points out the pros of coming to Jamaica at Christmastime.

6. The Stage Crew - Christmas in the Sun

Another Jamaican Christmas song (there are several in this list). This is a very fun and upbeat song. It describes the general vibe of a Jamaican Christmas.

7. Unique Vision - Christmas Jamaican Style

I referred to this song in a previous post about Christmas in Jamaica. It seems to be a common theme for Jamaican Christmas songs to describe what Christmas is like here. I don't mind it as Christmastime in Jamaica can be exciting.

8. Fab 5 - Welcome Home For Christmas

This song is dedicated to Jamaicans abroad who come home for the holidays. In the song they mention opening a barrel, whenever the travellers arrive they usually come bearing gifts for family and friends and this is usually shipped in a barrel. With this song they receive a warm welcome.

9. Fab 5 - Christmas Breeze A Blow

It's impossible to hear this song and not dance. The mento rhythm (at least I think it's mento), puts you in the mood to dance. The festive season in Jamaica comes with a change in temperature as well as some chilly winds. This is what we refer to as 'Christmas Breeze'. You know Christmas is near when you start feeling the Christmas Breeze.

10. Chris Brown - This Christmas

The Stevie Wonder version of this song is great, but I prefer Chris Brown's. This version was also featured in the movie of the same name. I enjoyed the movie and this song was just the icing on the Christmas cake.

11. A Few Good Men - Silver Bells

The harmonies, the tone and the voices, what's not to love about this song. Leave it to a 90s R&B group to make a Christmas song sound like a love song. The group took this song and made it their own and I love it. Not a year passes without this being on my playlist.

12. Pentatonix - Carol of the Bells

I appreciate the fact that this song is done in acapella. This melodious piece gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it. I'm a sucker for great singing and this rendition is amazing. The best part is the only musical instruments used are their voices.

13. Michael Bublé - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

I heard this in a Coca Cola ad and thought it had a really great hook. It certainly gives off that cheery Christmas vibe even though the lyrics might not be the most cheerful.

14. Ariana Grande - Santa Tell Me

This is a fun, dance like no one's watching kinda song. The song is about finding love at Christmas. It's an Ariana Grande song so you know it's a whole vibe.

15. Boney M - Mary's Boy Child

This song tells the story of the birth of Jesus. It was performed by a Euro-Caribbean group, so you know it has a nice Caribbean feel to it.

16. Frank Sinatra Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

People always tell me that my taste in music is beyond my years, but you know what? I like what I like. I don't think I need to say much about this one... I mean really, it's Frank Sinatra.

17. Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire)

This is another song by a musical legend Nat King Cole. In this feel-good song, he describes the activities that take place at Christmastime. The 'Christmas Song' is truly a Christmas classic.

18. The Joe Gibbs Allstars - Let Christmas Catch You in A Good Mood

This song is popular at any Jamaican Christmas gathering. The moment this song comes on everyone is either dancing, singing along or rocking to the beat. This song will put anyone hearing it in a good mood.

19. Carlene Davis - Give Love on Christmas Day

This song puts a Jamaican twist to the Jackson 5 song of the same name. The lyrics emphasize the importance of showing love.

20. Stevie Wonder-Someday at Christmas

This beautiful song speaks of a Christmas in the future when the world is better than it is now. It gives us hope for a brighter future.

21. Whitney Houston - Do You Hear What I Hear

This is hands down my favourite version of this song. In fact, it is one of my favourite Whitney Houston songs. Her voice was amazing and she gave this song the justice it deserved.

22. Ernie Smith - All for Jesus

This song delivers the true reason for the season. Listening to this song warms my heart. It is also a favourite at many church Christmas concerts.

23. The Drifters - White Christmas

No, I've never experienced a 'White Christmas', but a girl can dream. This is another song from Home Alone, no wonder it's my favourite holiday movie. This is a fun song and I enjoy listening to it even if I constantly fail at my attempts to mimic the lead singers.

24. Carlene Davis - Santa Claus (Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto)

This song highlights the not so bright side of Christmas for persons who reside in the inner-city areas of Jamaica. It is very impactful as it encourages us to not only think of ourselves during the festive season but to help others where possible as not everyone is as fortunate to always have a 'Merry Christmas'.

25. All the songs from Mariah Carey's Christmas Album

No Christmas playlist is complete without Mariah Carey. I recently learnt that her song ' All I want for Christmas is you' has topped the Billboard Holiday chart this year. Mariah's songs are a must each holiday season. I doubt these songs will ever get old.

Bonus: Frank Kelly-Christmas Countdown (12 days to Christmas)

This is not a song, but it is hilarious and I can't help but put it on this list. This is a parody of the '12 Days of Christmas'. If you've never heard it, I highly recommend you give it a listen.

Conclusion

There you have it 25 songs on my Christmas playlist. There are a lot of songs that weren't listed here but if I were to list them all I wouldn't be finished till next year. Good music and holidays go hand in hand. Playing or listening to Christmas songs during the festive season will lift your spirit and transform your mood.

Do you see your favourite on this list? Tell me in the comments below which song I missed. Thank you for reading.

Happy Holidays and see you next post!

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