The holidays have finally arrived. Finals week thought it could conquer Penn State students’ spirits, but exams are over and Christmastime is in full bloom. Scents of sugary goodness fill the kitchen as cookies bake. Colorful wrapping paper hides the surprises we have for our loved ones. The ugliest of the ugly Christmas sweaters make their debut. The only thing left to top it all off? A perfect holiday tune. With a seemingly endless playlist of options, what do you choose? Here are a few Christmas jams for every personality.
Old-School Christmas Ballads
For you, perhaps the holidays just aren’t the holidays without the classics. Your spirits won’t rise unless you hear “Little Drummer Boy” and “Silent Night” backed by powerful voices like those of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Sure, your parents (or, your parents’ parents) may have loved these tunes first. But for those who think they were born in the wrong generation, or for those who believe the sequel is NEVER better than the original, perhaps you also feel that “O Holy Night” is only done right when sung by Nat King Cole. And what better way to get in touch with your sensitive side than an emotion-striking Christmas ballad sung by a late and great artist?
The 90’s / Early 00’s Christmas Beats
So maybe a throwback to the fifties is a stretch, but you’ll throw it back a decade or two. Come on, what DOESN’T Beyoncé do right? The correct answer is nothing, and if you agree, you’re probably playing Destiny’s Child’s version of “Silent Night” on your Christmas playlist. And you instantly recognize the forever-popular “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. The dominating divas of your pre-teens inspire you to be fierce on a daily basis, even in college. So why stop the vivacious vibes from flowing through the holiday? The late Whitney Houston might make an appearance on your playlist, too.
Rock n’ Roll Rudolph
For the alternative junkies out there, there are Christmas jams just for you. “Santa Stole My Lady” by Fitz and the Tantrums will most definitely make your playlist, right behind The Shins “Wonderful Christmastime” and “Someday at Christmas” by Jack Johnson. Looking to add a little more edge to your Christmas and keep your head-bang fresh? Have no fear, the Smashing Pumpkins have “Christmastime” just for you. Not to mention, the rock band August Burns Red has a version of “Jingle Bells” that is 100 percent instrumental and 100 percent guaranteed to rock.
Pop Remixes and Modern Hits
You might not ALWAYS openly admit it, but you’re definitely the first person to jump out of your chair when “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” comes on shuffle at a party. Naturally, the Backstreet Boys “It’s Christmas Time Again” gets you swinging and swaying as you stir your Christmas Cookie batter. Don’t forget an upbeat version or two of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Fast-forward to modern, pop hits and you’ll love Ariana Grande’s “Santa Baby” or “I”ll Be Home” by Meghan Trainor.
Country Christmas
For those who agree with Lee Brice that it ain’t never too early for a parking lot party, and for those who always pick star-gazing over a big city adventure, country Christmas music is your go-to. You love Blake Shelton on a normal day, so why WOULDN’T you chose his “Santa’s Got a Choo-Choo Train” over a classic? Luke Bryan’s “Run, Run Rudolph” will keep you moving to your favorite country beat, too. Cheers, it’s Christmas.
No matter how your personality shines through, the perfect personal Christmas playlist is out there. So belt out your favorites this season. After all, Buddy the Elf says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
