I wanted to take a break from tough topics tonight, so this post will be a little more fun. I'll have another autoimmune post out later this week. For now, let's catch the Holiday Spirit!
If you're like me, and many people I know, its been a rough year - really a rough few years for so many of us. I was thinking about this today - as if there is not enough going on in our individual lives with personal issues, family, health, and work, there's craziness and chaos in the world, too. Thanksgiving will be here and gone before we know it and it can be hard to get into the Holiday spirit and enjoy the season with all we're faced with in life. Upbeat Christmas music is a complete mood changer for me, and definitely makes me feel better, so why not share some of my favorites and uplift a few spirits?
I just went through my list, and pulled my 20 favorite upbeat Holiday songs that I truly hope will get you to a happy place! All of these songs are from my existing, giant, Christmas music playlist that I custom made through Amazon Music a few years ago, and add to each year! There are many different music platforms that will have these songs as well. Not all of these are the original versions, some are awesome covers of classics and some are fantastic collaborations. Each song I chose has the artist(s), year recorded, and a little info as to why it made this list.
A little warning about my music choices - I am all over the place, I love country, rock, R&B, old school jazz, pop, and the list goes on! So, with any music list I might do now and in the future, there are going to be a lot of different genres involved. My husband has told me before that he does not understand how I can listen to Dolly Parton and Coolio back to back, but, I see no issue with it! I am who I am, lol. Enjoy!
A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives
Recorded in 1965 this is a classic sung by the iconic Burl Ives. There can't be a Christmas playlist without him. Though this was recorded well before I was born, I heard it every year growing up and still listen to it over and over each year. It doesn't seem to be Christmas without it.
All I Want For Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
Well......obviously! This is one of the best selling songs in any genre of all time and even seems to get more popular each year! Mariah Carey solidified her spot as the Queen of Christmas when this song was released in 1994. If you don't get a little excited when this song comes on, I'm not sure you're alive!
At Christmas by Sara Evans
Sara Evans is a country singer that released At Christmas as an original song in 2014. It's a great country Christmas song with a fun chorus talking about Christmas being her favorite time of year.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love
Many have tried, but no one can outdo Darlene Love's 1963 song titled Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). Sleigh bells, saxophones and drums paired with her vocals made this an instant classic that I love to hear each year.
Christmas in the Country by Thomas Rhett
This one has a little bit of a slower beat than most of the others on this list, but, Thomas Rhett released a great country Christmas song in 2019. The song is happy, reminiscent of family Christmases, and even mentions Christmas Vacation (the movie)!
Christmas in Killarney by Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby - one of the kings of Christmas music, recorded this song in 1951. He sings happily of Christmas in Ireland (which I would love to see one day). Don't bust any ankles clicking your heels to this tune!
Hell of a Holiday by Pistol Annies
Miranda Lambert put together the trio called Pistol Annies that has put out a few albums over the years, but in 2021, they released their first Christmas album - also named Hell of a Holiday. The entire album is good and gives vibes reminiscent of WW2 era big band music. This song in particular, I start listening to in October because it talks about the crazy sprint of festivities from Halloween to New Years.
Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams
Possibly the happiest Christmas song ever, Andy Williams recorded this one in 1963. This is another one I've heard all my life and still stays relevant and uplifting today.
Little Saint Nick by The Beach Boys
Leave it to the Beach Boys to envision a story about Santa as a surfer dude driving a hot rod! Their take on Santa that was released in 1963 is still a great one today!
My Favorite Things by Kelly Clarkson
I have heard many versions of "My Favorite Things" over the years, but Kelly Clarkson's version of the Rogers Hammerstein classic from 1959's the Sound of Music, happens to be my favorite.
Oh Santa! by Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson
Mariah Carey originally released "Oh Santa" in 2010, but I absolutely love the remix done in 2020 in which she included Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson. At times it sounds a lot like a cheer, similar to "Oh Mickey" from the 80's. It's a fun song!
Run Rudolph Run by Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry was a talented recording artist and blues legend. He recorded Run Rudolph Run in 1958 and I could really listen to it every day and not get tired of it.
Santa Can't You Hear Me by Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande
Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande teamed up in 2021 to release this one. Its big, upbeat, and will get you going! A newer favorite of mine.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town - by the Jackson 5
Possibly the most iconic version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Jackson 5 had an instant hit when they released their version of the classic Christmas carol in 1970. Is it ever Christmas without this one?
Sleigh Ride by the Ronettes
Sleigh Ride has been recorded by numerous artists and groups since is composition as an orchestra in 1948, but the Ronettes version recorded in 1963 is my favorite, and its probably the most recognized in pop culture. I don't think anyone has done it better, but someone got close, in my opinion.....
Sleigh Ride by the Pistol Annies
Yes, its the same song as the one just above, but, I really love the Pistol Annies 2021 version of Sleigh Ride. The big drums and saxophones almost transport you to another era.
What Christmas Means To Me by John Legend and Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder recorded What Christmas Means to Me in 1967, but the cover John Legend did in 2018, with Stevie Wonder on the track, is so good, and so happy! This is another timeless song, with tons of covers, but this version is my favorite of this particular song.
White Christmas by The Drifters
When many people think of the song White Christmas, they think of Bing Crosby's elegant and beautiful version from 1942 that topped the Christmas charts for 3 years in a row. It's a timeless classic, but since this is a list for upbeat songs, The Drifters 1954 Doo Wop version of White Christmas makes this list. I tend to not like a lot of slower or sad Christmas Songs, so as far as White Christmas is concerned, The Drifters recorded my favorite.
Winter Wonderland by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga
In 2014, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga paired up and made a beautiful Christmas album. This may seem like an odd pairing, but the album is really good, and they sound great together. Winter Wonderland is my favorite collaboration of theirs and this is my favorite version of Winter Wonderland.
Underneath the Tree by Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson released this original song in 2013 and it was an instant hit. It's high powered, fast, and fun! And, a newer favorite of mine.
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