I love music, but that’s expected when you come from a family of musical people. I love the vocal part of music, as well as the instrumental part. I’m a sucker for a well arranged piano medley and I’m an even bigger sucker for a sweet sounding trumpet part (I played Trumpet in high school!). But what I love most is a song that’s got a wonderful message. I love hearing rich tones, riffs and runs that gives me chills. I love all types of music-Rap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Classical, Country, Latin, Rock, R&B, Gospel. But my FAVORITE type of music?

Christmas Music

That’s right I’m a sucker for Christmas tunes.

If I weren’t worried about looking like an idiot, I’d totally play Christmas music in the middle of July! There’s just something about putting on Christmas music in December that really lets me know that the holidays are here. I love Christmas music so much that it’s got its own designated genre in iTunes. I like a variety of Christmas tunes, from the classics, to the more Christ centered songs. However, there are just some Christmas songs that are a MUST to put you in the Christmas Spirit.

So, I decided to share my personal holiday playlist with you all. I hope it puts you in the Christmas Spirit!

• “This Christmas”-Donnie Hathaway

This song in almost synonymous with Christmas, it’s one of those songs that can be easily identified within the first 15 seconds. Plus, it’s been used in almost every Christmas commercial, or TV special. Also, let’s not forget how many artists have done covers of this song!

• “Silent Night”-The Temptations

This song holds sentimental value to me because of my dad For one, he’s a HUGE Temptations/Motown fan. Two, it happened to be the song that would come on the radio whenever we’d be riding around in the car as we looked at Christmas lights…

• “Jesus, Wonderful Child”-The Walls Group

This song is a fairly new rendition; so is the group singing it. I love this song because it’s extremely churchy. Another reason I love this song is because of its quartet style (quartet is a type of Gospel music for those of you who don’t know). Hearing this song makes me think of my family, seeing as we have a background in Quartet gospel.

• “Christmas Medley”-Destiny’s Child

I absolutely LOVE Destiny’s Child, so you can imagine how pumped I was back in middle school when they released their first (and only) Christmas album. I love this song because it’s a combo of all of the cute child themed Christmas songs like “Jingle Bells”, “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”, and “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas”.

• “O Holy Night”-The Braxton’s

I’m a HUGE Toni Braxton fan, so when I heard she was doing a Christmas album with her sister’s, you know I was ALL for it! Plus, I wanted to hear what her other sisters, besides Tamar, sounded like. I have to say, I was impressed with their vocal abilities, and to sing one of the most iconic Christmas songs acapella? Bravo, Braxton’s!

• “The Christmas Song”-Nat King Cole

Being a Jazz fan, I love Nat King Cole, also, this is just one of those songs you have to hear or else it’s not truly Christmas!

• “The Real Thing”-Mary Mary

While it isn’t a traditional Christmas song, it’s still a song with a beautiful message. I think I love it because it speaks to the true meaning of Christmas; also, Mary Mary is one of my FAVORITE groups!

• “Someday at Christmas”-Stevie Wonder

Stevie is one of my favorite artists. I love this song because of its message, which is a hope for a day when the world is a much better place. I love the original version of this song as well as the duet version with my girl Andra Day!

• “O Come O Ye Faithful”-Mary Mary

Yet another Christmas classic redone by one of my favorite groups. I also love this song because of the African vibes that are present throughout the entire piece.

• “Joy to the World”-Mariah Carey

I’ve never been a fan of this song that much, at least not until I heard Mariah’s version of it. The other versions were just…they felt too rigid to me. I love Mariah’s version because you can listen to and it makes you wanna have fun!

• “All I want For Christmas is You”-Mariah Carey

Perhaps one of the most iconic Christmas songs aside from This Christmas. For me, it’s definitely not Christmas without this song in your playlist. I’m pretty sure Mariah is STILL getting paid for this song!

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs? How do you get prepared for the Holiday’s?

Let me know in the comment section below!