Check Your (Play)List Twice

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It’s the most wonderful time of year — the season of Christmas music! Now, I’m an admitted Scrooge, and we don’t listen to Christmas music in my house until after Thanksgiving dinner. However, once the seal is broken, we go big or go home when it comes to merry music-making. It’s non-stop Christmas music from there on out.

Songs like Mele Kalikimaka are great to add to a holiday playlist.I have a few out-of-the-box favorites that might not make your typical 10 ten list, but they’re amazing all the same and can be perfect additions to your favorite holiday activity. 

  1. “Carol of the Meows” – Guster // Listen to this with children present at your peril. It may suddenly play on repeat, or as in my house, inspire several other “meow” versions of carols. Regardless, it’s sure to make you giggle during a cookie making session. 
  2. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – Small Town Titans // My kids adore this story-telling song, and this rock version really amps up the creepy and musicality of the classic. I think it’s perfect for the heavy lifting while you put up Christmas lights, or do a deep clean before company comes (or a superficial one because let’s be honest, time is at a premium!)
  3. “Mele Kalikimaka” – Ingrid Michaelson // Another family favorite here, it’s a surefire tune to get stuck in your head, but once again, brings a smile and laugh whenever I hear the first few bars. It’s great background music for Christmas crafting (code for making a mess with tinsel and glitter).
  4. “Mary’s Boy Child” – BoneyM // Similar to number three, I like the variety this song brings to the season. The calypso rhythms are a completely different sound than the normal carol. I love exposing my kids to different types of music.
  5. “Santa Baby” – Macy Gray // This version of the classic materialistic tune is bluesy and perfect for when it’s time to wrap presents solo with your favorite choice of hot (or adult) beverage to buoy your spirits. 
  6. “Oi to the World” – No Doubt // This alternative hit brings back classic Gwen Stefani and is a perfect seasonal mix-in for your workout playlist. Whenever you get to sneak in that run or trip to the gym, it’s sure to get you in the sweating mood. 
  7. “Joy to the Mountain” – Hanson // The ideal tune for a clap happy trip in the car, complete with beating on the steering wheel, armrests, or brother’s head, depending on your seat in the car. 
  8. “Be Your Santa Claus” – Keith Sweat // This one tops my list for any conspiring by the fire that might go on after the kids are sleeping with the sugar plums.
  9. “Run Run Rudolph” – Kelly Clarkson // Impromptu kitchen dance parties are a staple in my house year-round, but we definitely add some Christmas cheer to the line up with an upbeat song like this!
  10. “Dominick the Donkey” – Lou Monte // When in doubt, go for the donkey. This Christmas ditty, complete with donkey noises, makes you want to clap, kick up your heels, and dance a little jig. Perfect for toddlers to teenagers, it’s just the right amount of whimsical and obnoxious to round out your Christmas party playlist.

What’s on your Christmas playlist?

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Emily H
Although born in Austin, Emily grew up on the Eastside of Fort Worth. After marrying her high school sweetheart, and following the military's whims for a few years, the lovebirds wound up back in the Fort, with their three children in tow. Currently, Emily shares her love of books and writing with both her children and her middle school students. On the weekends, you'll find her outside running local streets and trails, as well as being her kids' biggest fan at whatever sport may be in season.

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