My Favorite Holiday Playlist

Christmas season is finally here!!! Who’s excited about this most wonderful time of the year? This girl! One of the things that gets me in the spirit is the music. I’m a HUGE music lover, so I had to share my favorite holiday playlist. Can you believe that I used to LOATHE Christmas music?? It’s true!!! I used to change the radio station if I heard any song about the holidays. Hey! Even the Grinch changed his ways, right? Anywho, I have a couple of songs that will never get old and some newbies that you may want to add to your playlist. So here’s my list of songs from my favorite holiday playlist.

1. Let It Snow – Boyz II Men

I can’t believe this song is almost 30 years old, but it’s considered a timeless piece. Plus, when you add Brian McKnight into an already perfect harmony, you can’t go wrong. I live in Georgia, so of course, there is usually no snow during Christmas. This song makes me want to see a few snowflakes fall.

2. Joyful, Joyful – Pentatonix feat. Jazmine Sullivan

Let me start by saying that I am a HUGE fan of Pentatonix ever since viewing the singing competition show, “The Sing Off” (ahead of its time). I have a huge respect for acapella singers before Pitch Perfect. Lol!! Pentatonix is one of my top favorites. I love their rendition of Sister Act 2’s “Joyful, Joyful”. Also, Jazmine Sullivan’s runs are amazing.

3. Mary, Did You Know – CeeLo Green

I have heard many versions of this song, but CeeLo’s is the best I’ve heard yet. This song almost put me to tears and that’s not very easy. I guarantee you will be moved.

4. This Christmas – PJ Morton feat. Hasizzle

I am a HUGE PJ Morton fan, so when I found out he released a Christmas album 2 years ago, I was hyped!! The entire album is dope, but his rendition of Donnie Hathaway’s “This Christmas” was my personal favorite. This version will have you dancing on Christmas Day. I may be a little biased since he can do no wrong in my eyes, but take a listen.

5. 12 Ghetto Days of Christmas (What You Want For Christmas) – The 69 Boys

Okay, so I have a little ratchet in me and it comes out when I hear this song. I was born and raised in Louisiana. But when my family and I moved to Atlanta, we heard that this song was considered a classic. This is another song that will have you dancing on Christmas. Plus I wouldn’t mind having 5 months of free rent! Lol!

6. Someday at Christmas – Stevie Wonder & Andra Day

I am a big fan of the original song but adding Andra Day was a great touch. I am a huge fan of her voice and the duet was something I did not know I needed. Who does not like Stevie??

7. And He Shall Purify – Tramaine Hawkins

I was introduced to this song when the young adult choir sung it for a Christmas service. The more we rehearsed this song, the more I fell in love. The soulful arrangement by Quincy Jones and lead vocals of the legendary Tramaine Hawkins along with the difficulty level of the background vocals was amazing. I personally cannot believe we sung this song so well but then again our choir was dope. Lol!! This song is now a classic in my household.

8. O Holy Night – Celine Dion

You may be surpised to find this song on my list but I’m a lover of many genres of music. Also, Celine Dion has one of the best vocals (behind Whitney Houston) in my book. And y’all, she sung the heck out of “O Holy Night.” The entire album is actually worthy of listening to.

9. Amazing Grace – Pentatonix

By the time you finish reading this blog post, I will make you a Pentatonix fan. Lol!! The song, Amazing Grace is featured on their recent Christmas album, We Need A Little Christmas. They never seize to amaze me and this song is prime example. Don’t believe, just listen.

10. Who Would Imagine a King – Whitney Houston

This list would not be complete without the most angelic voice I’ve ever heard. “The Preacher’s Wife” soundtrack is worth mentioning, but this song is my favorite. I also loved the version that was sung by the children and Ms. Houston on the movie. Plus, the birth of Jesus is the reason the holiday is celebrated, and this song is a reminder of just that. At the end, I loved Bobbi Christina’s voice as she says “mommy” in the background.

11. Nativity Medley – Committed

As you can see, I am a huge fan of acapella. This group is another favorite from “The Sing Off”. I personally think the show was ahead of its time, but I digress. The Nativity Medley was from their 2015 Home for Christmas EP. Their harmony is ridiculous and effortless!! I need another Christmas project from them ASAP!!

12. This Day – Usher feat. Kiana Lede

So it may not technically be a Christmas song, but it’s a part of a Christmas movie soundtrack. Therefore, I am adding it to my playlist. The song came from the “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” soundtrack. I enjoyed the song on the movie but my husband challenged me to listen to the lyrics. And wow!! Without watching the theatrics and choreography from the movie, you can actually hear the words of a man living most of his life of struggling but finally being excited about a moment that is going to change your entire life. As an entrepreneur, everyone waits for that moment when they finally make it. If that doesn’t put you in the Christmas spirit, I don’t know what will. If you have not seen “Jingle, Jangle”, please do!! It’s a must watch!

I want to hear from you guys. What is your favorite Christmas song?