“Home Alone,” “The Grinch” and “Elf” are all holiday classics and household names. I love these films as much as the next December homebody, but there are a few others I rewatch every year: cozy romance (with a touch of stalking) “While You Were Sleeping,” “Little Women” (the 1994 version, for nostalgia’s sake), “Samantha: An American Girl Holiday,” horror-comedy “Better Watch Out,” and, one of my cheesy favorites, the limited series “Dash & Lily.” So, here are a few holiday music recommendations that are a bit of the beaten path but will hopefully become classics on your playlist.
“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses
From the moment I heard this needle drop in episode 2 of “Dash & Lily,” I was hooked. This song instantly reminds me of the bright colors of Christmas, making me feel transported into bustling holiday sales at department stores I always see in movies. This 1981 upbeat tune is impossible not to sing along to, full of old references I feel caught between understanding and misunderstanding (I’ve certainly never had a free turkey from an A&P grocery store, I’ve never even been to an A&P). The song perfectly captures the whirlwind of winter break and the duality of feelings about Christmas, especially as I grow up.
“Christmas Party” by Dr. Dog
While most know Dr. Dog for their summer-y hits featured in “Outer Banks,” the band also released the “Oh My Christmas Tree” EP in 2013. I absolutely love “Christmas Party” because it captures the feeling of the band – the guitar and vocals are undeniably Dr. Dog – but adds that sprinkle of spice. This song encapsulates the sparkle of the holidays: twinkling lights, spritzy drinks, and tangy orange flavors. This is definitely one of those holiday songs to get up and dance to, sounding straight off a record player.
“Skating” by Vince Guaraldi Trio
The rise of Snoopy on social media has brought the classic comics by Charles M. Schulz to the forefront of the new generation’s pop culture, but one of the standouts of The Peanuts franchise for me has always been the scores by Vince Guaraldi. While the iconic “Christmas Time is Here” and “Linus and Lucy” are beloved to me and others, “Skating” perfectly captures the fresh clean snow and chilly air of winter. “Skating” is a masterful jazz piece that can be enjoyed year-round, but the cymbals and soft cascade of piano are evocative of falling snow, setting up the perfect winter track. Whether I’m enjoying this song while watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on TV, listening to my grandpa’s old CD, or streaming “The Peanuts Movie,” this track is the perfect introduction to winter and jazz.
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (Cover) by Norah Jones and Laufey
This classic track, originally by Frank Sinatra, is stunning in its own right, but this cover is so refreshing yet cozy at the same time. Hearing Norah Jones’s rich, timeless vocals combined with Laufey’s smooth voice, Jones on keys and Laufey on cello, is magical. Their cover transports me, instantly bringing warmth. The duo performed this cover on The Today Show, but it’s neither of their first classic holiday covers. Laufey’s “Santa Baby” and Jones’s “Blue Christmas” covers stand out on their own, combining the two, especially for a Christmas cover, makes for a stunning track.
“What are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” (Cover) by Ella Fitzgerald
Though the original “What are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” artist Frank Loesser didn’t intend for the track to be a holiday song, Ella Fitzgerald’s cover absolutely fits the bill as a holiday classic. The soft instrumental behind Fitzgerald’s vocals, before the horns take over, is so cozy and Christmas-esque, before the clarinet and trumpet really pop and bring the celebratory, more gaudy energy of New Year’s Eve celebrations. The song has also been covered by Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordan-Levitt, who met on the set of “Manic.” The cover is definitely worth a listen as well, completely different from the NYC, cozy vibe Fitzgerald’s cover has.
