Brynn’s picks

1. “Last Christmas” – Wham!
2. “The Christmas Waltz” – She & Him 
3. “Merry Christmas Baby” – Mason Ramsey

While this Christmas tune is upbeat, the lyrics tell of holiday heartbreak. Wham! tells the story of someone who had their heart broken “Last Christmas.” The synth instrumentals do give the song a festive feel, however, a feature I like about this song is how it doesn’t feel overly Christmassy. While it does get you in the mood for the holidays, “Last Christmas” is a song I can enjoy throughout the year.

If you’re looking for alternate renditions of your favorite Christmas songs, She & Him’s Christmas cover album “A Very She & Him Christmas” is perfect. Composed of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, this musical duo brings a soft, warm, indie sound. While Deschanel is more known for her acting career, with iconic roles like Jessica Day in “New Girl” and Jovie in the comedy Christmas classic “Elf,” her singing voice is one of my personal favorites. The first track on this album, “The Christmas Waltz,” originally by Frank Sinatra, features Deschanel’s delicate vocals over a simple acoustic guitar strumming and piano. This track, and album, are perfect for a cozy night bundled up by your Christmas tree while the snow falls softly outside.

Originally known as the yodeling Walmart kid, Mason Ramsey rose to fame after a video of him singing went viral in 2018. He followed this success into a country music career. Released Nov. 15, Ramsey’s Christmas EP, “Merry Christmas Baby,” brings his signature twang to six holiday tunes. This song by the same name sings of sweet romance with smooth guitar and piano. This song is fresh and upbeat, something you should definitely listen to if you’re looking for a new holiday song that hasn’t been on your playlist in Christmas past.

Jonathan’s picks

1. “Believe” – Josh Groban
2. “Carol of the Bells (Instrumental)” – David Foster
3. “Moonlight Sleighride” – Anita Baker

Anyone who has watched the credits of the 2004 Christmas movie “The Polar Express” in their childhood is most likely familiar with this song. Everything about this song emanates the holiday spirit. From the slow-paced tempo of the song to the calming vocals from Josh Groban, there is nothing better than sitting back on a snowy Christmas night with a hot cup of cocoa and having this song in the background. 

I don’t remember where I first heard the rock instrumental of the holiday classic “Carol of the Bells,” but I know I’ll never forget it. For those who like their Christmas classics with a little more spice and a touch of holiday rock, I highly recommend this song as it can easily have you humming along before you know it. 

“Moonlight Sleigh Ride” is a staple Christmas song in my family’s household and something I listen to every so often even when the holidays have long since passed by. This song has such a chill Christmas vibe and perfectly fits in a setting where you and your family are sitting around the tree opening presents on Christmas morning. For anyone that is a fan of holiday jazz and songs that go well with a good holiday vibe, I can’t recommend this song enough. 

Ethan’s picks

1. “Children, Go Where I Send Thee” – Kenny Rogers and Home Free
2. “Carol Of The Bells” – Barenaked Ladies
3. “Run Rudolph Run” – Chuck Berry

Country music isn’t usually the first thing on a person’s mind during the holidays, but this collaboration between the country vocal group Home Free and the late country artist Kenny Rogers tell a story of who should see Jesus. “Children Go Where I Send Thee” ramps up as time goes on. Most of the lyrics allude to prominent figures from the Bible such as Paul and Silas, the four who stood at the door which are the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and the virgin mother Mary, who gave birth to Jesus. The song itself is fun and bouncy with Home Free singing acapella while Rogers serenades with his signature voice.

“Carol of the Bells” is a classic Christmas song heralding the joy bells bring, but what makes the song special is the way it’s performed. The Barenaked Ladies use a guitar, a cymbal, their own voices and a Rhodes piano to play the song, and what makes it work is the beauty in the simplicity. The Rhodes piano does most of the work providing the melody while the band is in the background acting as a calming sound. This rendition of “Carol of the Bells” might not be as action-packed as other versions, but it gives a warm feeling when listening, perfect for a cozy night next to a roaring fireplace.

Chuck Berry is credited as being the “Father of Rock and Roll” and he brings that swagger in “Run Rudolph Run” or better known as “Run Run Rudolph.” Berry delivers the urgency to the song as he prompts the red-nosed reindeer to run as fast as possible to help Santa Claus deliver presents to everyone. The tune is energetic and fast, complete with a guitar solo guaranteed to get some toes tapping. With Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run,” there will definitely be some rocking around the Christmas tree when this tune plays.

Olivia’s picks

1. “Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)” – Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters
2. “Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer” – Elmo & Patsy
3. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms

Why bother with cold DeKalb weather when you can say “Merry Christmas” Hawaii’s way? “Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)” is a full 2 minutes and 53 seconds of laid back Hawaiian music paired with Christmas celebrations. With similar verses and a catchy chorus, even if you’ve never heard this song, it may become a favorite quickly – it sure did with me as this holiday season was my first introduction to this wonderful piece of music. This song is sure to get stuck in your head for the entire holiday season!

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a funny song involving family and reindeer. This Elmo & Patsy song follows the story of a family, and a grandma who – notably – does not believe in Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. She then walks home only to be run over by, you guessed it, a reindeer. Unfortunately, grandma would pass away during the attack after forgetting her medication and needing to go home for it. Despite the dark message, the beat is certainly peppy, and it is easy to sing along.

There’s nothing more classic than Bobby Helm’s “Jingle Bell Rock” during the holiday season. Take the jingle horse through this catchy tune that focuses on having fun around the Christmas tree. Originally released in 1957, this song has remained timeless and highlights celebrating with loved ones during the snowy and jolly season. My family used to have a Santa toy that would play “Jingle Bell Rock” that my siblings, cousins and I would play when spending Christmas with our grandma.  

Emily’s picks

1. “The Christmas Shoes” – Newsong
2. “All I Want (For Christmas)” – Liam Payne
3. “Mary, Did You Know?” – Pentatonix

“The Christmas Shoes” by Christian music group Newsong is an emotional song about a little boy whose mother is sick. He is trying to buy her a pair of nice Christmas shoes in case she meets Jesus that night. However, the song is from the perspective of the man in line behind the little boy who is buying the shoes. Now granted, I am not a religious person whatsoever, and I typically don’t listen to Christian music or artists, however, the first time I heard this song it made me cry. This song is one of, if not the saddest, Christmas song I’ve ever heard. My favorite part of the song is with the lyric “Then the Cashier said ‘Son, there’s not enough here.’ / He searched his pockets frantically,” where the cashier tells the boy that he doesn’t have enough money to buy the shoes and the man pays for them. That part of the song is wholesome, kind and truly shows what the giving Christmas spirit is all about.

“All I Want (For Christmas)” by Liam Payne is a song about what appears to be a destroyed relationship. However, throughout the song, Payne appears to work things out in his relationship throughout the song. This song has a similar sentiment to Mariah Carey’s famous hit, but Payne’s is better and less overplayed. This song is a great choice for people who find Carey’s version annoying to hear on repeat.

What could arguably be considered a classic Christmas song, my favorite cover of “Mary, Did You Know?” is by Pentatonix. Pentatonix is known for covering songs of all genres in their signature a cappella style, but their cover of this song is one of my favorites of theirs. “Mary Did You Know?” addresses Mary, the mother of Jesus, throughout the whole song. Scott Hoying’s voice on this song is spectacular. Hoying is known to be the baritone voice of Pentatonix, and his voice is powerful, stunning and exhibits confidence. The fact that Pentatonix sings this song completely a cappella gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.