Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy by David Bowie + Bing Crosby  —The classic banter between Bing and Bowie at the beginning of the song is heartwarming and melancholy at the same time. I remember watching it as a kid, its orginal airing in the late ’70s, with my family. First time I’d ever seen David Bowie. At a time when there are so many forces trying to divide us, it’s a great reminder that the holiday season brings people, across generations and distance, together.

I Believe In Father Christmas by Greg Lake — It always reminds of finding moments of peace in the middle of my usually chaotic family Christmas.

Silent Night — This song reminds me of sitting in church on Christmas Eve during midnight candlelight services. They would dim the lights and as the flame would be passed throughout the congregation we would sing Silent Night. I can still hear my dad’s beautiful deep baritone voice everytime I hear this song.

Winter Wonderland by Johnny Mathis — My mom would play this Christmas record every year without fail. It kind of serves as a reminder of those simpler, childhood days. Baking Christmas cookies, just hanging out with my mom and brothers. It really brings to mind the pure happiness of that time of year.

Chistmas time is here by Vince Guaraldi Trio — I love the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack.

The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole — This immediately transports me to my parents’ living room, sitting by the warm glow of the Christmas tree. They would always play Nat King Cole’s Christmas CD on peaceful December nights, so his voice–and this song in particular–became synonymous with the holiday season to me.

Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney — Even a grinch like me has their pick of Christmas tunes to tap into their inner cheer! I love the 80s synth sounds of this song.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Mannheim Steamroller — My dad didn’t love Christmas and begrudgingly decorated the tree with us each year — until he discovered this rockin’ album of carols that boosted the spirit big time. He played it every year when the ornaments came out.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by NSYNC —  Every year my little brother and I used to play this song multiple times in a row and sing and dance around the house together.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Gwen & Blake and The 12 Days of Christmas — Christmas is about love and the people around you who make it FEEL like Christmas! Every year at my parents house all of the family would go into the front living room after Christmas Eve dinner in our matching pj’s and sing the 12 Days of Christmas – we split up the days and sang (loudly) and even acted-out our day when it was our turn.

Go Tell it on the Mountain by Anne Murray — This song has a special place in my heart as it reminds me of my mom singing in the kitchen while making something extravagant like cocktail wieners or a good jello mold for Christmas Eve (circa 1970s). My three daughters all love this song, too, and may belt it out randomly throughout the year!

Christmas Waltz by Frank Sinatra — It’s difficult for me to narrow it down to just a few favorites. No other genre of music so wonderfully expresses pure love and joy. It’s always uplifting! My friends and family will begrudging tell you I’ve been known to even throw it on in the middle of summer!