SJVCEO is here to bring you ALL of the holiday spirit!
There are a few things you should know about Team SJVCEO: we love data, serving rural areas, Disneyland, and Christmas. It’s possible this was each of us as the clock ticked over on November 1st…
Click the link below to access the 25 songs that will bring you a JOLLY holiday season!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4MZTs9yim9GBrkZa8nHqKh?si=WYDpk5EgSveaN0jTYk7Hag
Samantha’s Picks:
Happy X-Mas- John Lennon
Not your typical Christmas song, but always brings a smile to my face. Who doesn’t love a children’s choir in the background?
Silver Bells- Dean Martin
Listening to this song takes me right back to decorating our family Christmas tree with Dean Martin’s cd playing on repeat. Always will be a classic in my mind.
Baby Its Cold Outside- Brett Eldredge
A new take on an old classic. One of those catchy songs that I find myself singing to without realizing it.
Santa’s Coming for Us- Sia
A HUGE Sia fan over here…GUILTY! Her energy carries over to all her songs on the Christmas album and you can’t help but smile. Go listen!
I am the Grinch- Tyler, the Creator
A new spin on songs from one of my must see movies during the holidays. Who doesn’t like the Grinch?
Rochelle’s Picks:
Admittedly, I had this list ready to go LONG before my team asked for it.
Christmas is my favorite holiday and time of year. I suppose that’s why the SJVCEO team gets along so well because we all share the same enthusiasm about Christmas albeit, we all express it in our own unique and individual ways. My selections are meant to chronical my most influential and foundational holiday moments and memories through music.
The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)- Nat “King” Cole
Nat “King” Cole is my mother’s ALL TIME favorite recording artist and, in her home, Christmas absolutely could not officially begin until The Christmas Song was played.
Silent Night- The Temptations
I feel like I can smell the sweet potato pie and candied yams cooking in the oven whenever this song comes on. One of my favorite things about Christmas is preparing Christmas dinner with loved ones.
When Christmas Comes- Mariah Carey & John Legend
As I have gotten older and put my own spin on Christmas festivities, I have incorporated Christmas music from my favorite newer artists into my collection. When Christmas Comes is the perfect blend of the old school/classic Christmas feel and new, contemporary Christmas vibe.
Santa Baby- Tamar Braxton
Santa Baby screams of the glittery glam that can also come along with Christmas. Who wouldn’t want a “…’54 Convertible too, light blue.” ;)
Backdoor Santa- B.B. King
Admittedly, I am a southern girl at heart and it’s just not Christmas without some bluesy notes from B.B. King and his main guitar, Lucile!
Kelsey’s Picks:
Winter Wonderland- Johnny Mathis
Arguably, the greatest song to come out of the year 1958. My family still listens to this song on repeat every Christmas morning, which is why it is a TOP Contender on my list.
Mistletoe- Justin Bieber
If you didn’t know how old I am, you will now know from this choice. Justin Bieber, Mistletoe is pure gold and if you don’t agree, BAAA HUMBUG!
Oh Santa- Mariah Carey
While this not the Mariah classic that every person on this planet may know, Oh Santa! still holds the Christmas magic that is Mariah Carey but includes a modern twist!
Underneath the Tree- Kelly Clarkson
I was not very excited for this Kelly Clarkson Christmas album during the Holiday Season of 2013, but alas she proved me WRONG and I LOVED it! Kelly Clarkson’s voice is underrated and so is this song, go have a listen!
You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch- Tyler the Creator
A perfect spin on a modern classic that no fails to bring on the Christmas spirit. Well done, Tyler the Creator!
Ryenn’s Picks:
The First Noel- Whitney Houston
I remember when my mom first played this song in the car while we were on the way to my grandma’s house. It wasn’t even close to Christmas time, but I have been OBSESSED with this song ever since. Whitney is one of my favorite artists, and this is one of my favorite Christmas songs of all time. I just think it is so nostalgic and beautiful!
December- Ariana Grande
I honestly love upbeat Christmas songs, and I usually find myself singing this song at random times(????) like every month. This is my favorite song off of Ariana’s Christmas album, and I've been listening to it NONSTOP since December 1st.
All I Want For Christmas Is You- Mariah Carey
I can’t believe you guys haven’t put this song on your lists! I usually don’t like generic Christmas songs, but this one is too catchy for me to ignore it.
Santa Tell Me- Ariana Grande
I’ve already told you guys how much I love upbeat Christmas songs more than mellow Christmas songs, so this shouldn’t be a surprise! It’s so fun to sing along to, and I honestly love Ariana Grande so.... of course she’s gonna be on this list twice!
Silent Night- Destiny's Child
This is my best friend’s FAVORITE song. I had no idea that Destiny’s Child even MADE a Christmas album until recently. My friend sent this song to me and at first I didn’t care(I had an essay and a test that day so I was NOT in the christmas spirit) but I eventually listened to it and I LOVE this song now, maybe even a little bit more than my friend.
Courtney’s Picks:
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings- Barenaked Ladies
I own this twice on iTunes. I don’t even know how that’s possible, but there it is and I think that pretty much covers how I feel about it.
Mele Kalikimaka- She & Him
Until last December I hated this song. It seemed pointless. Like how Christmassy is Hawaii? But then we went to Hawaii last December and it was like, “ohhhhh, I get it!” Now I’m all about a bright Hawaiian Christmas day, and joining along with my mom as she buzzes around singing it offkey. Yeah, I’m becoming my mother, it’s special.
Oh Holy Night- Tracy Chapman
Dear Tracy Chapman, drag me. Draaaaaag me. Any version of this song is gorgeous (except Weezer, but let’s just accept Rivers is Rivers and pretend it didn’t happen). Ms. Chapman just reaches into your soul and pulls out all that’s hiding there; her voice leaves you bare and exposed. It’s haunting and beautiful and it is my all-time favorite version of my all-time favorite Christmas song.
What a Glorious Night- Sidewalk Prophets
Y’all, this isn’t for me. This is for my kid. He L-O-V-E-S this song and belts it out. In Fresno we have one of those houses where the homeowner sets his lights to music and puts on a light show nightly. The house is on the drive home twice a week from my parents, where I pick up my kid. During the holidays, and only during the holidays, my stepmom makes homemade Chex Mix, and sends some home every Monday and Thursday. So, my son and I pull up in front of the house, affectionally referred to as the ‘Big Blue Star House’ (there’s a giant blue star attached to a very tall palm tree that can be seen blocks away), set our radio to the house’s channel, watch the show, and have Chex Mix for dinner. Whether you judge us or envy us, that’s on you. There’s always three songs that rotate through on repeat. Inevitably each year my kid finds his new favorite Christmas song. When he was three is was Annie Lennox’s ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’, last year it was this song. He’s got some special taste, but who am I to tell him it’s not wonderful? It’s Christmas and I’m just here to let him sing!
Auld Lang Syne (Artist Medley)- The Hotel Café Medley
I love the jolliness of the holiday, but I think I appreciate the quiet closing of the year even more. We are a quiet house and make a point of being home the last part of every year instead of out in the hustle and bustle, and that gives us the space to reflect on the year that’s been, those that came before, and really, to look forward with hope. I’ll spend those days between Christmas and New Years taking down the decorations, bulk cooking soups, and letting this run on repeat.
Whether you are driving to Christmas festivities, setting up Holiday décor, or spending some time at home with your loved ones, this playlist is guaranteed to make you all smile a little bit more this holiday season. Enjoy and best wishes!