Christmas Playlist

I often wonder if my love of Christmas and the winter months might somehow be found in my DNA. After all, I was nearly born on Christmas Day (just a few hours too late!), given a name that means "snow-capped mountain" in Finnish, and spent years of my childhood in the winter wonderland that is Trondheim, Norway. In honor of my passion for this time of year, I have compiled a wonderful collection of Christmas songs spanning many different genres and time periods. I hope that you enjoy Spruce's 2009 Christmas Playlist as much as I enjoyed making it. You may wish to scan this list to find a few new favorites to spruce up your own Christmas playlists, or you may simply wish to listen to this entire playlist from start to finish. Each song was picked with love and many painstaking hours were spent to ensure the perfect song placement. Enjoy!

(Nearly all of the songs listed below are available for immediate download on iTunes. If you have any trouble locating a song, or if you have any questions pertaining to a certain song or artist on this list, please do not hesitate to e-mail spruce.report@gmail.com for more information.)

1. Happy Holidays (Jo Stafford)

There are quite a few Jo Stafford Christmas songs on this playlist. These songs, and truly her whole Christmas album (“Happy Holidays – I Love The Winter Weather”), transport listeners back to a glamorous old-fashioned kind of Christmas. When I play her songs, I can just envision myself in a lavish ski lodge, cuddled up by the fireplace watching the snow fall outside.

2. Santa Claus Baby (Joan Osborne)

Joan Osborne has a wonderfully soulful voice and this catchy song is a great way to begin the playlist. Also, check out her song “What Do Bad Girls Get?” off of her Christmas CD “Christmas Means Love.”

3. Medley: Winter Wonderland/Sleigh Ride (Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers)

A Christmas playlist is not a Christmas playlist until it has a Dolly song! I love this medley, because you can tell that she had a blast recording it.

4. Little Saint Nick (The Beach Boys)

You can’t beat their harmonies. In my opinion, this song is a Christmas staple.

5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Ella Fitzgerald)

I love Ella Fitzgerald’s version, and her voice is so comforting and smooth. While it might seem a little out of place, watch out for the middle of the song when Ella pays homage to “Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley” (made popular by the The Kingston Trio). It’s my favorite part!

6. Christmas Must Be Tonight (Daryl Hall & John Oates)

You can’t deny that Daryl Hall & John Oates have produced some great songs over the years, and their Christmas CD “Home For Christmas” contains a few gems like this one.

7. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Point of Grace)

I chose this version for its upbeat arrangement and beautiful harmonies.

8. Back Door Santa (Elliott Yamin)

Elliott Yamin has a spectacular voice, and this soulful (and rowdy!) song really showcases his talent. You’ll definitely want to sing and dance along to this track.

9. Pat-A-Pan (David Archuleta)

I never really cared for this song until I heard David Archuleta’s version. The strength of his voice and the background music make this one of my new favorites. I especially enjoy the beginning of the song when he sings in French.

10. Carol of the Bells/Sing We Now of Christmas (BarlowGirl)

“Carol of the Bells” is my absolute favorite Christmas song. While there are many wonderful versions, BarlowGirl’s version is a recent discovery.

11. Mary, Did You Know (Clay Aiken)

I’ll admit that Clay Aiken’s music is not typically at the top of my list of favorites; but he sings “Mary, Did You Know” in such a powerful way that the song pulls me in, and it definitely holds a special place in my heart.

12. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Jo Stafford)

Another great Jo Stafford Christmas song.

13. All I Want For Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey)

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” has really become a standard. I’m not ashamed to admit that I occasionally play this song in the summer when I’m longing for the magic of winter. Out of all of the songs on this list, this particular song is the perfect choice to put me in a great mood.

14. Mistletoe (Colbie Caillat)

Colbie Caillat, probably best known for her song “Bubbly,” puts her signature tranquil style on the likable “Mistletoe.” This song provides a welcome change of pace from the typical lively holiday music.

15. Santa’s Lost His Mojo (Jeremy Lister)

A new favorite! I love that we need to save Santa in Mexico because he’s been drinking too much tequila and wine. Hey, delivering all of those presents is a stressful job and even Santa needs a helping hand!!

16. City of Silver Dreams (Sugarland)

Jennifer Nettles, the lead singer of Sugarland, once again provides a beautiful vocal to this original track describing a magical winter in New York City.

17. White Christmas (Drifters)

I love this song, and it is fun to sing along to. Also, this song reminds me of one of my favorite holiday movies, “Home Alone.” Can any of you remember what scene this song was played in?

18. Sleigh Ride (Debbie Gibson)

Every playlist needs a pure pop song, and you can always count on Debbie Gibson to provide unapologetic sugar-coated pop.

19. Nutcracker: Act 2: Trepak (Denis de Coteau & San Francisco Ballet Orchestra)

This snippet reminds me of running frantically through the airport trying to make my Christmas flight. Unfortunately, I’ve cut it close more times than I care to mention.

20. Hard Candy Christmas (Leigh Nash)

Leigh Nash, the lead singer of Sixpence None The Richer, does a superb job on this song about trying to get over a devastating breakup. I love her delicate voice; and “Hard Candy Christmas,” previously recorded by Dolly Parton, reminds me of a Christmas song that Patsy Cline might have recorded had she been granted the opportunity.

21. Run Rudolph Run (Chuck Berry)

A Christmas playlist staple.

22. Jingle Bells (The Puppini Sisters)

This is an excellent new swing-inspired version of an old classic. If you’re in need of an energy boost, play this track a few times.  It’ll replace sugar or caffeine!!

23. Come Darkness, Come Light (Mary Chapin Carpenter)

I highly recommend “Come Darkness, Come Light,” Mary Chapin Carpenter’s first Christmas CD. Over the years, she was approached many times to record a Christmas CD, but she was never interested in just releasing standard Christmas songs. Instead, she wanted to make a CD that captured what Christmas really meant to her. Years later, she’s truly created a beautiful collection of songs. Her raw vocals coupled with simple and honest lyrics make her Christmas CD one of my favorites. The title track “Come Darkness, Come Light” captures how I feel about Christmas. It’s not just about the gifts, cheer, food and drink; but it’s also about everybody, no matter your race, background, past history, personal setbacks and baggage, coming together to celebrate love, the miracle of life, and your faith. It’s a beautiful song with a beautiful message.

24. Christmas Is All Around (Billy Mack portrayed by Bill Nighy)

Those of you who have seen the movie “Love Actually” probably have a soft spot for this song. Billy Mack, an aging rocker who has seen it all and done it all, is desperate for another big hit. When he is approached to record a ridiculous Christmas song (an old love song with “Christmas” awkwardly replacing “love” in the lyrics), he is doubtful that he’ll ever receive the same rocker credibility and respect that he once had. In a fun twist of fate, once Billy Mack took the song for what it was (a quick attempt to get back into the spotlight and make more money) and started to have fun with it, the song became a huge number one hit and made him relevant and beloved once again. Favorite line: “So if you really love Christmas, C’mon and let it snow.”

25. Last Christmas (Glee Cast)

It’s pretty much impossible to beat Wham!’s original version of this song (I can’t get enough of how George Michael whispers “Special” towards the end of the chorus), but Fox’s Glee Cast took a stab at it to capitalize on their newfound popularity. While I would normally recommend sticking with the original version, I’m a fan of the TV show.  This version is a nice new alternative.

26. Let’s Be Naughty (And Save Santa The Trip) (Elliot Yamin)

Another great one from Elliot Yamin. The title says it all.

27. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland)

I love Judy Garland’s version of this song. While she sings it beautifully, you can definitely feel the emotion in her vocals.  You almost get the sense that to her this was not just your average happy Christmas song.

28. Underneath The Mistletoe (Blondfire)

This new discovery has a fun beat and catchy lyrics.

29. I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (Jo Stafford)

Jo Stafford did a great job with this version. If you really love this song, also check out Ledisi’s version.

30. Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley)

You really can't go wrong with Elvis, but the background singers in this song are actually my favorite part.

31. Home for Christmas (Daryl Hall & John Oates)

This is another soulful Christmas song from Hall & Oates. It speaks to those who might not live close to their families, but make sure to come home for Christmas.

32. My Favorite Things (Barbara Streisand)

While Barbara Streisand’s version of “My Favorite Things” isn’t as lively as other versions, I think that the emotion in her voice just makes the song. When she sings of crisp apple strudels and schnitzel with noodles, I can practically taste and smell them!

33. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee)

Who doesn’t love Brenda Lee’s version of this song? I remember this version from the scene in Home Alone when Kevin makes it look like he’s got a huge party full of people at his house, but in reality he’s just tugging on strings and moving props.

34. Merry Christmas, Baby (Elliott Yamin)

Another great song to sing and dance to.

35. Christmas For Two (Sixpence None The Richer)

This is a sweet and slow Christmas song about a couple just wanting to spend time together for the holidays.

36. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) (Mariah Carey)

Another fantastically upbeat Christmas song from Mariah Carey that will surely put you in the Christmas mood.

37. Winter Weather (Jo Stafford)

Jo Stafford's most famous Christmas song.

38. That’s What I Want for Christmas (Jessie Baylin)

Jessie Baylin is a wonderful artist who really delivers on this soothing and romantic Christmas song. Careful – you might not want to play this for your significant other, because he/she may just repeat Baylin’s sentiments that she just wants her boyfriend’s love for Christmas…no presents needed!

39. That’s What Christmas Means To Me (Stevie Wonder)

Another one of my “classics.”

40. Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Vanessa Williams)

There are many versions of this song that I love, but Vanessa Williams’ version might very well be my favorite. It’s warm, cozy and playful.

41. Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas (Carla Thomas)

I remember playing this song again and again when I was younger, so not only is this a sentimental favorite, but it is also a nice Motown change of pace.

42. Adeste Fideles (Il Divo)

I always leave room for a good opera song!

43. Please Come Home for Christmas (Jon Bon Jovi)

You can’t leave out the other Jersey Boys for Christmas!

44. It Happened In Sun Valley (Jo Stafford)

A cute song about a girl and a boy falling for each other (literally!) on the ski slopes.

45. Ding Dong! Merilly on High (Canticleer)

Every now and then I like to listen to a very traditional rendering of a Christmas classic. This song fits the bill perfectly.

46. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (Harry Connick, Jr.)

He was made to sing standards like this.

47. Christmas Without Carol (Elliott Yamin)

I love this song’s play on words. Obviously we think of carol during the holidays because of caroling; but Yamin is actually singing for Carol, his girlfriend, and how Christmas just won’t be the same without her.

48. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays (*Nsync)

We’ve already established that you can’t have a Christmas playlist without a Dolly Parton song, but it’s my golden rule that you should rarely make any playlist without at least one Boy Band song. *Nsync fills this void nicely with their politically correct “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.” I actually love the syrupy lyrics and merry beat.

49. My Grown-Up Christmas List (Natalie Cole)

In my opinion, Natalie Cole’s version of this song is the best. I think the song has a beautiful message, and it is especially poignant right now.

50. Silent Night (Anuna)

I love this understated and soothing version of "Silent Night”.

51. Riu Riu Chiu (David Archuleta)

This melodic Spanish Christmas carol is lovely. David Archuleta’s vocals really make this a new favorite.

Written by Kaisa Talaga