There's nothing like a good playlist to get you in the mood for Christmas. Whether you're preparing your home for guests, wrapping gifts, getting your Christmas feast started, or you're enjoying a cool night of board games and hot-chocolate with your little ones, I have some smooth grooves for you. And since this girl loves her R&B, funk, gospel, and hip-hop, peep the great mash-up I have of those types of music right here. I hope you find some gems you enjoy!
1. Santa Baby- Eartha Kitt
2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Toni Braxton x Babyface
3. All I Want for Christmas Is You- Mariah Carey
4. Let It Snow- Boyz II Men
I know holiday season is here around my way when the local radio station starts playing this Christmas favorite of mine. And no matter how many times I hear Otis (with his Cold Duck) beg Bonnquisha to open that door and let him in, each time feels like the very first time I heard it! I giggle and plead right along with him, knowing all the words at this point. If you've never heard of it, you're in for a treat with this one!
6. Sleigh Ride- TLC
7. Christmas in Hollis- Run DMC
8. Give Love On Christmas Day- Jackson 5
9. Every Year, Every Christmas- Luther Vandross
While I love the James Brown version, you have to admit that Anthony Hamilton's rendition is cold. If you haven't checked out his Home for the Holidays album, please do so!
11. Silent Night- Temptations
12. Baby, It's Cold Outside- Vanessa Williams
13. Winter Wonderland- John Legend
14. The Christmas Song- Nat King Cole
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats has been a favorite book of mine since I was a kid. And since becoming a parent, I've had the opportunity to pass this particular favorite on to my children. So you know I was over the moon elated to see that Amazon recently released a holiday special based on the book. While watching, I heard Boyz II Men sing "Snowy Day" and totally loved it. If you haven't already, please check out The Snowy Day on Amazon Video. My boys loved it!
16. Kirk Franklin- Jesus is the Reason for the Season
17. Hark The Herald Angels Sing-The Clark Sisters
18. Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child- Dottie Peoples
19. Go Tell It On The Mountain- Fred Hammond
I love The Preacher's Wife soundtrack so much, I could easily use it to cover my Christmas playlist. In fact, one of my fondest Christmas memories is the year my auntie took me, my siblings, and my big cousin Easha to see The Preacher's Wife at the movies. Needless to say, everyone enjoyed the movie and I could almost swear my auntie cried at the end! That particular year we enjoyed an outing to the movies, several rounds of karaoke with the family, and so much love + laughter. Watching this movie and listening to the soundtrack with my party of five has kept that memory burning vividly in my mind to this day.
To enjoy this mixtape at home (or wherever the holidays may take you) be sure to check it out via my Spotify playlist!
What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?
Share them with me in the comments!
