By now, we’ve probably all heard our fair share of Christmas music—it’s on the radio, coming through the loudspeaker at the grocery store, and on the soundtrack of every commercial. By the time Christmas actually rolls around, hearing “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” one more time can be enough to frustrate even the most festive among us. If you’re looking for some seasonal tunes to lift your spirits but you’re tired of hearing the same songs every year, try our playlist below. We’ve curated a spirited mix of holiday songs that express the true meaning of the season.
Bells of Love (Isabelle’s of Love) by Erasure (Snow Globe)
Message: This is the perfect season to extend a little kindness. “It’s only love that sets us free!”
I Remember Christmas by the Drifters (Rockin’ Blues Christmas)
Message: You’re not the only one feeling a little nostalgic about Christmases past. “If I could capture laughter/in the good old-fashioned style I used to know/Hold in my heart, never let it part/I’d have Christmas every day.”
Christmas Love by Rotary Connection (Peace)
Message: It’s not about the presents, “’cause all the world needs on Christmas/is love.”
Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight) by the Ramones (Brain Drain)
Message: If the Ramones can get along at Christmas, so can you, “’cause Christmas ain’t the time for breaking each other’s hearts.”
Christmas Waltz by She & Him (A Very She & Him Christmas)
Message: Heartfelt season’s greetings are appreciated no matter how often you hear them. “Every song you hear seems to say/‘Merry Christmas, may your new year’s dreams come true.’/And this song of mine/In three-quarter time/Wishes you and yours/the same thing, too.”
Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Band Aid (Now That’s What I Call Christmas!)
Message: Now is the time to think of those less fortunate. “And there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmastime/The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life/Where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow/Do they know it’s Christmastime at all?”
Christmas Is Coming Soon by Blitzen Trapper (Blitzen Trapper)
Message: It’s the little things that become our fondest memories. “Carefully she climbs up into the tree/Her radio sits below in the snow/Fill the night with songs/as she waits for dawn/Christmas is coming soon.”
A Change at Christmas (Say It Isn’t So) by the Flaming Lips (Gift Wrapped – 20 Songs That Keep On Giving!)
Message: Treasure the spirit of the season—it’s the one time of the year when peace and harmony are on everyone’s minds. “Oh, if I could stop time/it would be a frozen moment just around Christmas/When all of mankind reveals its truest potential.”
All That I Want by the Weepies (Happiness)
Message: Your loved ones are the best gift you could want. “And when the cold wind’s blowing/Snow drifts through the pine trees/In houses lights are glowing/ Likewise in your eyes that find me here/With all that I want.”
Tracks in the Snow by the Civil Wars [single]
Message: Trudging through the snow and braving holiday traffic is all worth it when you get to spend quality time with your loved ones. “Down where the river bends, that’s where you’re waiting/You are the reason I’m making these tracks in the snow/ There’s a box in my hands as I go/Wrapped up in scarlet and gold, for you.”
Do you like these meaningful Christmas tunes or are you going to stick with your old favorites? We’d love to know what’s on your holiday playlist this year!
To find out about Rose’s thoughts on how to live a happier life, click here
