As a 20-something in 2016, I've noticed Christmas preparation being pushed, especially by commercial conglomerates, up earlier on our calendars to the point of getting ready for the winter holidays around say...oh, I don't know, Halloween? Seems a little early to me. My point? This comes with Christmas music, in which I've noticed my growing irritation with the same tired, old Xmas jingles (pun intended) from the 40's, 50's, and 60's on repeat. It's time to hit refresh. Don't get me wrong - I love celebrating traditions as well as starting new ones. However, at this point, to me these 'nostalgic' jams are sounding less like holiday cheer and reminding me more of regifted, retail gloom.
In order to remedy this, I've come up with a handful of either touched-up covers or artist original Christmas songs with a release date no later than 1990, starting my own tradition to generate attention for more upbeat holiday cheer that doesn't remind me of Black Friday bargain fights and stuffed stores, even on shuffle. ***All I Want for Christmas is You (1994) by Mariah Carey is a given and already an amazing holiday staple, so it's not included in this list for repetition- but you can guarantee it's in my Christmas song collection.***
Enjoy!
1. Carol of the Bells a.k.a Opera of the Bells [Destiny's Child] - 2001
2. Where Are You Christmas - From Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas [Faith Hill] - 2000
3. Underneath the Tree [Kelly Clarkson] - 2013
4. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays [*NSYNC] - 1998
5. Cuddle Up (Catey Shaw) - 2014
6. The Christmas Song - Holiday Remix [Christina Aguilera] - 2000
7. It Just Don't Feel Like Xmas (Without You) [Rihanna] - 2006
8. Christmas Is Here [Buckcherry] - 2010
9. Last Christmas [Taylor Swift] - 2007
10. I'll Be Home [Meghan Trainor] - 2015
11. Santa Tell Me [Ariana Grande] - 2013
12. My Only Wish (This Year) [Britney Spears] - 2000
13. Mistletoe [Colbie Caillet] - 2012
14. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas [Sam Smith] - 2014
15. Do You Hear What I Hear [Carrie Underwood] - 2007
16. One More Sleep [Leona Lewis] - 2013
17. Winter Things [Ariana Grande] - 2015
18. My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year) [Regina Spektor] - 2007
19. Oh Santa! [Mariah Carey] - 2010
20. Wonderful Christmastime (feat MIKA) [Kylie Minogue] - 2016
21. Santa Baby [Liz Gillies & Ariana Grande] - 2013
22. Jingle Bells (feat. The Puppini Sisters) [Michael Bublé] - 2012
23. His Favorite Christmas Story [Capital Lights] - 2008
24. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) [Mariah Carey] - 1994
25. Auld Lang Syne [Susan Boyle] - 2010
And for any cynical Christmas Grinches out there:
