I’m not sure about you, but I have been awfully busy these past weeks spending time with friends and family; eating those really big holiday “Joe – Joe’s,” Trader Joe’s knock-off Oreo; and most importantly, listening to festive music! In particular, five songs on repeat. With such a great amount of holiday music to listen to, you may be curious as to why I am listening to a grand total of six songs. Wonder no more, for I am here to give you the best 16 minutes of cheer you could hope for this season.

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
Starting off to a very strong start, we have Mariah Carey and her angelic vocal chords. Her contemporary classic starts with only jingle bells, and whether you’re under a blanket with a cup of cocoa or struggling to complete your Honors Precalculus homework, it will immediately put you in the mood to buy that 30 dollar sweatshirt for yourself. Not to mention, if you are not dancing by the time the piano comes in, you must be doing it wrong. This is such a damn catchy tune.

“Mele Kalikimaka” by Bing Crosby
Still debating about that sweatshirt? You were right. You want something for this summer. Way to think ahead. Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters just completely destroyed the orthodox perception of winter, leaving you in paradise for a green Christmas. Not only can my favorite Crosby offer me some nice bass notes, he also has a certain tropical flare that is unique to this song and this song alone.

“Rudolph The Rednose Reindeer” by DMX, Divine Bars
This song is purely 1:36 of straight laughter. Very pleased to see current artists like DMX covering such a classic song like this. Enough said. All in all, a very short but sweet time to spice up your holidays with something other than pumpkin spice.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Ingrid Michaelson
When I first discovered that Ingrid Michaelson had release an EP solely of holiday music, I was screaming. However, after listening “Snowfall,” I came to the conclusion that this was the crown jewel of the bunch, the star atop a tree filled with decorations. I am a big fan of Michaelson’s previous works and this song, with it’s slow tempo, yet boldly delivered words, not to mention that raw guitar, all made me desperate for yet another album.

“Little Saint Nick” by The Beach Boys
I take back what I said about Mele Kalikimaka, The beach boys bring you another classic green christmas song from California, and provide us with yet another tropical fantasy accompanied by the dreamy voices of my all-time favorite boy-band. The lyrics, in marriage with the charming bells and xylophone (?), give us another Beach Boy song to dream about and use as background music in someone’s next indie film.

“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley
A strong finish from “The King” himself. The distinguishable vocals from Elvis, and his sad yet romantic, love and Christmas fusion simply charm the listener, making it hard not to press the play button for another wonderful 16 minutes of holiday cheer. The lyrics may be short-lived, but all the better for memorization in preparation to serenade your family this holiday season.

Wishing you a lovely holiday season,
Luke Aubin

(You can find this playlist on my Spotify!)