The Best Holiday Music Library Ever
I take my background music seriously, and during the holidays, I don’t play.
If you want to create a vibe, party down, smile nostalgic, or look dreamily out a rainy December window, I’ve got you covered.
Below are nine painstakingly chosen playlists (do not shuffle upon penalty of death) and my top ten favorite Christmas albums going into this season.
Let’s do this.
Playlists (Do. Not. Shuffle.)
Happy Christmas
This is the list for the regular day where you want a little pep in your holiday step.
Includes The Oh Hellos, George Winston, Sufjan Stevens, Justin Bieber, and the Jonas Brothers. Yes, I said the Jonas Brothers.
Don’t knock it til you try it.
Relaxed Christmas
Super chill, easy background, the perfect
all-purpose playlist.
Includes Gungor, Ella Fitzgerald, Lowland Hum, Matt Pond PA, and First Aid Kit.
This verges on Hipster Christmas, minus Ella.
Party Time
If you’re throwing a party, just hit play.
Includes John Legend, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Lauren Daigle, and Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors.
Super fun.
Kids in the Kitchen
For when you’re baking cookies or having general family fun, here’s your background.
Includes The Jackson 5, The Oh Hellos, Emmylou Harris, Perry Como, and The Shins.
Pour Me an Old-Fashioned
Includes Bing, Dean, Nat,
and a few newbies, too.
Holiday Starlight
The sparkly quiet wonder of Christmas time. If you’re all smiley and happy around the fire, this is the playlist you’re looking for.
Includes Penny and Sparrow, Ordinary Time, Audrey Assad, and Sandra McCracken.
Wordless Winter
For all your instrumental needs.
Includes Sleeping at Last, Slow Meadow, The Gloaming, and Andrew Bird.
Love Came Down
If you want to remember that the stories are true, this is some good church.
Includes The Brilliance, Josh Garrels, Sovereign Grace Music, and Sara Groves.
A Comfortable Holiday Melancholy
You know the feeling, right? You want to be just a little sad but not too sad.
Includes The Mayries, Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Head and the Heart,
and Peter Bradley Adams.
Favorite Albums
All stellar choices from start to finish. The links are to Spotify, but feel free to listen or buy wherever you like.
Christmas
Sandra McCracken
Released this year, I’m already obsessed.
Her voice is so… human. I just love her, and these songs, both classic and original, are a delight.
Favorite track: Bright Morning Stars
Christmas
Michael Buble
I like the classics, too, but there’s just something about his voice. This album will never fail.
Favorite track: Blue Christmas… it’s so sassy.
Advent Volume 1
The Brilliance
When I want to feel the hope of Christmas, the is the album I listen to. It’s just so beautiful and alive.
Favorite track: A Light
Christmas Songs
Penny and Sparrow
I mean, you knew they’d be here.
Penny and Sparrow is my favorite band of all the bands, and this Christmas album doesn’t disappoint. Beautiful vocals, great arrangements, beauty and fun.
Favorite track: O Come O Come Emmanuel (my favorite version of that song that exists in the known universe)
Songs for Christmas
Sufjan Stevens
All of his Christmas music is so fun and interesting, and this collection is five volumes worth of fantastic music. You’ll definitely find something to love.
Favorite track: Joy to the World (favorite version of this song in the known universe)
The Light Came Down
Josh Garrels
He’s a terrific songwriter, and these songs just ooze life. An awesome listening experience.
Favorite track: May You Find a Light
So dependable and lovely. His voice would move mountains.
Favorite track: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
My Holiday
Mindy Smith
A little low-key bluegrass, easy listening delight. Her voice is something else.
Favorite track: Follow the Shepherd Home
A Very Mayries Christmas
The Mayries
The prettiest vocals you’ll hear.
Favorite track: River
Behold the Lamb of God
Andrew Peterson
This has been my favorite Christmas listening experience for twenty years. I saw two shows during the original tour and many more after. It’s the story of the birth of Christ from the very beginning of the story. So special.
Favorite track: The Theme of My Song (I cry every single dang time.)
And that’s it! Go listen to some stuff!
If you like my taste, my writing, or want to dig more into what it means to be a Lazy Genius, I would absolutely love to give you some direction. Head here!
P.S. If you don’t use or pay for Spotify, you can get a complete list of all the songs on each playlist here.
