It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for a playlist that is. And this year, the College Magazine team came together to share their favorite holiday songs. From the classic to the revamped, these tracks will have you rocking around the Christmas Tree and spinning the dreidel with enough holiday cheer to last all year long.
Check out the CM team’s top picks for the soundtrack to your holiday.
1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
“This song always gets me hyped up and super excited about the holiday season!” said Writer Mia Perlman.
2. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey
“I was a huge ‘Belieber,’ so Justin Bieber alongside Mariah Carey is the best match for an iconic Christmas song,” said Writer Meghan Curtis.
3. “Baby It’s Cold Outside” – Pearl Bailey, Hot Lips
“It definitely won’t feel so freezing at the yearly Hodgson holiday party where this saucy duet is guaranteed to play on repeat from the speaker hidden underneath the towering, sparkling Christmas tree,” said Editor Sarah Hodgson.
“Every time I hear this tune, it makes me want to grab a cup of hot cocoa and snuggle up by the fire with a blanket (or two)!” added Writer Morgan Jeitler.
4. “Candlelight” – The Maccabeats
“I’m an a cappella geek and I love how the Maccabeats get creative with a Hanukkah inspired mashup,” said Publisher Amanda Nachman.
5. “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole
“This is my mom‘s favorite Christmas song, so when I’m away at school it makes me happy to hear this and think of her,” said Editor Lizzie Friel.
6. “Christmas Time Is Here” – Vince Guaraldi Trio
“It just brings back all those childhood Christmas feels,” said Writer Cybele Mayes-Osterman.
7. “The Happiest Christmas Tree” – Nat King Cole
“Every year when my family would decorate the Christmas tree, we would put in this Holly Jolly Christmas CD and decorate all night. Now whenever I hear this song, or CD, I am reminded of my wonderful family and all our memory-filled nights together and ornaments,” said Writer Jaclyn Childress.
8. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Sam Smith
“I am a sucker for any kind of Christmas music but this song really stands out to me, especially because Sam Smith has such a beautiful voice,” said Editor Kendall Russell.
9. “Ho Ho Hopefully” – The Maine
“I remember being in eighth grade when this song and EP came out and playing it nonstop. This year I’m ho ho hoping for this song being re-added to their setlist,” said Editorial Director Natalie DaRe.
10. “Last Christmas” – Wham!
“I think this song is one of my all-time favorites because I associate it with my earliest memories of Christmas. I think it’s also one of the first songs I’ve ever tried to sing,” said Writer Anan Hussein.
11. “Last Christmas” – Taylor Swift
“I have always been a huge Taylor Swift fan. ‘Last Christmas’ is one of my favorite Christmas songs and I love the new sound Taylor gave it,” said Writer Alexis Yoder.
12. “Merry Christmas, Darling” – The Carpenters
“It’s always been my favorite since I was a kid! It just puts me in the Christmas spirit more than any other song,” said Editor-in-Chief Kimberly Hurd.
13. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” – *NSYNC
“Anything that makes me feel nostalgic is a win in my book. Young Justin Timberlake singing holiday tunes is the definition of nostalgia,” said Writer Vanessa Vazquez.
14. “Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass” – All Time Low
“We love an unsentimental pop-punk holiday track,” said DaRe.
15. “Silent Night” – Bing Crosby
“For as long as I can remember, my mom has had an animated angel that ‘sings’ Silent Night. I thought the angel was special because she resembled my look, with my long blonde hair and bangs. Growing up I would sit the angel on the dining room table and copy everything she did. She puts her hands together like in a prayer and bows her head. I sang ‘Silent Night’ over and over — I’m sure my mom got sick of it. Plus, it’s a beautiful melody that reminds you of a lullaby,” said Writer Danielle Martin.
16. “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays”
“I’ve moved around a lot and I really miss up north during the holidays, so this song reminds me that there’s no place like home for the holidays. My favorite lyric is, ’for Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie.’ And it’s true! In P.A. my family always made the best pumpkin pie,” said Editor Bella Witkowich.
“It makes me nostalgic for the times when everyone was home for the holidays and my sisters and I would help our mom bake cookies in the kitchen,” said Editor Samantha Harward.
17. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me” – Stevie Wonder
“This song is featured in one of my favorite holiday movies This Christmas and I’m also in love with Stevie Wonder’s voice,” said Editor Kalyn Womack.
18. “What Christmas Should Be” – Hilary Duff
“Is it possible to have been a 7-year-old in 2002 and not love this song? The only thing better is the Aaron Carter episode of Lizzie McGuire,” said DaRe.
Like what you hear? Take this playlist on the go:
Happy Holidays from the CM team to you!
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