These days 97.1, 97.5 and 101.9 play the expected songs for the holidays. You can create/choose your own station on Spotify, Pandora, or Apple Music.  Thankfully many songwriters came out with new songs that will make your holidays more merry. I listened to over 30 Christmas songs and chose my top 10 that are added to my playlist this year.

10.) “The First Noel” by Leslie Odom Jr.

Album: Simply Christmas

Release Date: November 11, 2016

Between the vocals and the instruments, this song is 100% unique. Although the lyrics may not be new, the way Odom sings them is different. Like the name of his album, the song is simple, accompanied by piano only.  It’s the way the song sounds best.

9.)“Jingle Bells” by Lauren Daigle

Album: Behold

Release Date: October 21, 2016

Yet another classic song,but with this one, the vocals are different, and, in my opinion, better. Daigle uses a jazz tempo to capture the sound of the bells.  If this song isn’t already on your playlist you should definitely add it.

8.) “Present Without a Bow” by Kacey Musgraves

Album: A Very Kacey Christmas

Release Date: October 28, 2016

Present Without A Bow is a great song for the holidays. It doesn’t label the song as a Christmas song and can be used for any winter holiday. This song would mostly be for teen girls but can go on anyone’s holiday playlist.

7.) “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Brett Eldredge Feat. Meghan Trainor

Album: Glow

Release Date: October 28, 2016

A classic song was re-done by two amazing singers. Between both Meghan Trainor’s and Brett Elderdge’s vocals, this song belongs on everyone’s playlist. Both singers sound amazing apart, but when put together, it makes a masterpiece.

6.) “Joy To The World” by Rascal Flatts

Album: The Greatest Gift Of All

Release Date: October 21, 2016

On the Rascal Flatts first ever Christmas album they have six Christmas standards and four new songs. In my opinion, the countrified Joy To The World is the best song on this album.

5.) “Winter Wonderland” by Andra Day

Album: Merry Christmas From Andra Day

Release Date: October 28, 2016

Although I have never heard of Andra Day, I’m very excited to add this album to my winter playlist. This album includes one of my favorites, “Winter Wonderland” and four other amazing songs. If you love holiday classics, this song definitely deserves a spot on your playlist.

4.) “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Lauren Daigle 

Album: Behold

Release Date: October 21, 2016

Although this is another song from Daigle, it definitely deserves to be on this list.  This song is definitely best when opening presents on Christmas or hanging with friends and family while spreading the holiday spirit.

3.)  “Let It Snow!” by Brett Elderdge 

Album: Glow

Release Date: October 28, 2016

Like said before, Brett Elderdge has amazing vocals and definitely needs a place on everyone’s Christmas playlist. Although this is a classic song this cover was made for every Christmas lover.

2.)“Feels like Christmas” by Straight No Chaser Feat. Jana Kramer

Album: I’ll Have Another…Christmas Album

Release Date: October 28, 2016

This song is definitely worth putting on your playlist. Throughout this song, the layered vocals make this sound like the perfect advertisement for Christmas. The album includes 15 songs with this one being the only collaboration. Although this song isn’t new, I definitely give it two thumbs up.

1.) “The Twelve Days Of Christmas Parrothead Version” by Jimmy Buffett

Album: ‘Tis The SeaSon

Release Date: October 28, 2016

In my personal opinion I think everyone needs to listen to this song. It’s a twist of the original The Twelve Days Of Christmas, but in this version all twelve items are Hawaiian and beach-related. If your parents are a “certain age,” then Buffet is already a favorite.  This is a great way to bring the generations together. This song needs to be on everyone’s playlist.