Nothing sets a mood more, or rounds off a Christmassy atmosphere, than festive music. Armed with a Christmas playlist to hand, your holidays are already half way to being a jolly-haven. While you could never include all of the best yuletide hits, there are simply far too many of them, we’ve put together some basic tips to help you put together that ultimate holiday playlist.
Time for some holiday research
A good or bad playlist can either make or break a party. One tip to ensure guaranteed success is to do your research, find out what Christmas songs (we all, at least, have that one we love) your guests enjoy. This will help guarantee your playlist’s success, meaning you can sit back and relax to the joyous hum of, “oh, I love this one.”
Start slow
The start of your playlist should be slow, allowing for the inevitable conversations and seasonal meet and greet of friends and family. Your holiday songs, at least in the beginning, should have a slower tempo. As the mulled and spiced beverages begin to flow a tad more freely, that’s when you start to pick it up on the music front too.
The well-known ones
As the tempo of your party heightens so too should your songs. This is the time to incorporate songs that the majority of people know, those classic numbers that are easy to dance, and sing, along too. Depending on your research you’ll know you already have a few crackers lined up that are guaranteed to spark a festive response.
Mix it up
Making a playlist gives you the platform to not only show off your Christmas music knowledge (which we’re sure is very vast) but also allows you the opportunity to throw in a few surprises in there too. Be sure to mix your playlist up by including songs from Christmases past that are not well-known or everybody’s favourite. Songs by artists who didn’t necessarily make it into the top hits, maybe even a Christmas song you or some friends have written. Show off your music muscle here by scattering these gems throughout your playlist for that ultimate mixability.
The different types
There are, after all, many holiday hits. While a lot of what you play will depend on the research you’ve carried out into your guests likes and dislikes, if you incorporate a merry combination of the below, you’re certainly setting yourself up for festive feat.
The nostalgic kind
Those unforgettable classics. Where even today they’re popular festive choices, which is great considering how many there are to choose from. We’re talking the likes of “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee. These hits are almost as traditional as the Christmas pudding and just like a delightful glass of spiced mulled wine.
The modern classics
Moving just a tad forward in time from the nostalgic bunch, the modern classics are nearly always in any Christmas top song lists; with almost everyone knowing all the words by heart. These songs add the heart to a festive playlist; the likes of “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” by John Lennon, “Do they know it’s Christmas” by Band Aid and “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl are sure fire winners in the ultimate Christmas playlist, guaranteed to plant a merry smile on any listeners face.
Putting together the holiday playlist is certainly not an easy task nor should it be overlooked this holiday season. The right Christmas tunes set the festive atmosphere, whether you’re at your work Christmas party, or at home with family and friends. They can get the festivities cracking or chill a room out but, best of all, they make it magical. So, sit back and enjoy the festive feels of your holiday playlist.
