The Ultimate Christmas Day Playlist

Christmas songs soundtrack the majority of December, but arguably, they are most important on the big day. There are certain songs that I think perfectly fit the different moods and events that structure the festivities of Christmas Day. Read on to discover what I think these songs are, when is best to listen to them, and to get ideas for your own Christmas Day playlists…

Opening Presents:

Brenda Lee – ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’

There is nothing like this iconic tune to get you into the spirit, it will get the whole family up and dancing before it is time to tackle the Christmas feast. This song will surely bring back fond memories of watching seasonal films, for instance, it was used in the 1990 film Home Alone during the scene when Kevin McCallister pretends that there is a holiday party taking place in his house. However, why pretend to party when you can rock all the way around the Christmas tree starting with this song?

Kelly Clarkson – ‘Underneath the Tree’

One of the underrated songs of the season, Clarkson’s ‘Underneath the Tree’ is positively bursting with cheer. Clarkson’s performance radiates a festive warmth that is utterly infectious. The lyrics are warm and heartfelt, ‘You’re all that I need, underneath the tree.’ It offers the perfect blend of sass and sentimentality, a song to suit listeners of all ages.

Starters:

Andy Williams – ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’

Here we are again, Christmas day, this song really does not lie when it states that it is ‘the most wonderful time of the year.’ Presents have been opened, everyone is getting along and you are prepared to eat easily double your body weight in Christmas food. This popular holiday tune begins with an energetic introduction that will surely get you into the spirit if you are not there already. It features lyrics about warm and cosy winter events including, ‘There’ll be parties for hosting/Marshmallows for toasting,’ the warmth of this song could melt a snowman if it tried.

Main Course:

Slade – ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’

There is a reason that this tune continues to reappear on our radio every year. It is a classic which is guaranteed to inject a sense of festive euphoria into anyone who hears it, making it the perfect song to listen to and prepare yourself for the monster feast before your eyes. What makes this song, in my opinion, is the feel-good atmosphere it brings to the table and the slightly-drunken Christmas love after a few cups of mulled wine has been passed around the table.

Wizzard – ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’

When Wizzard states ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday,’ the simplest reply anyone can conjure up is yes, yes, we all wish that every day could be Christmas Day. It is one of the few days of the year wherein it is socially acceptable for you to create a pile of food on your plate that would put mount Kilimanjaro to shame. Wizzard has produced the perfect slice of pure 70’s pop greatness, from the ‘ker-ching’ of the till, to the wholesome fade-out of the children’s choir to twinkling bells – this song has it all.

Dessert:

Michael Bublé – ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’

By dessert, things have become calmer, the belts have been unbuckled, so it is time to sit back and relax to the soothing voice of the Christmas King of Swing: Michael Bublé. Anyone you ask will tell you that Bublé is the epitome of Christmas music itself; his, smooth and mellow voice instantly transports you right in front of the fireplace with your family and friends. His lines wrap around the traditional Christmas classics like a piece of ribbon around a perfectly wrapped gift from under the tree.

Paul McCartney – ‘Wonderful Christmas Time’

Although this song might not be at the height of lyrical substance, it does scream Christmas and will without a doubt be stuck in your head before the meal is done. After all, who does not want a wonderful Christmas time?

Post-Dinner Dance:

Elton John – ‘Step Into Christmas’

Here is the time to get your steps in and burn the turkey, potatoes, pudding, and whatever else you have had to eat this Christmas. Elton John’s ‘Step Into Christmas’ is a perfect blend of seasonal and rock. Though it is holiday-themed, it is without a doubt one of his best songs – catchy, irresistible, and uplifting.

RuPaul – ‘Hey Sis, It’s Christmas’

A rather unconventional choice, however, this highlight from RuPaul’s Christmas album will do more than simply get you up and dancing. The song requires as much energy in return as it gives to its listeners. You will need to move every bone in your body when this old-school hip hop tune is on, RuPaul’s infectious personality seeps into the song and no one can resist her.

Mariah Carey – ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’

Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving. The festive track is a pop masterpiece and has consistently dominated music charts and playlists for as long as it has been around. The song has become one of the ultimate Christmas anthems, what is most impressive is its ability to be beloved throughout time – charming its listeners every holiday season. With its savvy song writing techniques and powerhouse vocals, frankly, only a festive fool would count out this tune.

Food Coma:

Elvis Presley – ‘Blue Christmas’

Feeling sorry for yourself now that the Christmas dinner food coma has hit? Have no fear, Elvis’s ‘Blue Christmas’ has you covered. Anyone listening will surely resonate with the lyrics, ‘I’ll be so blue just thinking about you.’ You may be thinking about a certain individual as Presley does, or simply reminiscing about the good times about an hour ago when your eyes were bigger than your stomach after beholding the beautiful Christmas feast. We will not judge you either way.

East 17 – ‘Stay Another Day’

By now, Christmas day is drawing to an end. We all wish that it would never end. East 17 hands the listener a song packed with raw emotions that seeps into the group’s melancholy harmonies. Somehow, even the once cheering Christmas sleigh bells succeeds in producing an exercise in festive melancholy. Whilst it is expected to feel sad that the day is done, there is a joy in looking back at the good times spent with family and friends.