happy holidays and merry christmas eve! yes, living in paradise has its perks … but when the photos start rolling in from my snowy home state of new hampshire, i can’t help but miss the dark and the cold. call me crazy, but i think it’s cozy. i remember slapping the christmas music into the cd player l i t e r a l l y the day after thanksgiving. here are two albums that were on repeat in my house growing up during the holiday season … and a little coal for your stocking ;P
Bing Crosby - “Mele Kalikimaka” from his holiday album White Christmas, released 1945.
obviously this would be my favorite song on the album. back in the ancient 90’s, there wasn’t a repeat button on the cd player we had, so i’d keep running back to push the “back” button as soon as the song ended. it took me to a happy, retro, elvis-in-hawaii, island paradise where the spirit of aloha, and old hawaii, were palpable. i always loved this song, and it made me feel connected to my dad’s hanai sister from the big island (another reason why i was inspired to move to hawaii at some point in my life).
fun, classic, timeless - reminiscent of a simpler time - this album should be played by generations forever and ever.
Andy Williams - “White Christmas” from The Andy William Christmas Album, released 1963.
the first song of the album immediately sets the mood for twinkling lights and a quiet night at home. this is the perfect song for decorating your christmas tree, wrapping presents, baking cookies or simply enjoying a calm and reflective moment.*
*for best results, include glass of red wine (or tea… i guess)
Amyl and the Sniffers - “Angel” from their album Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled), released 2018.
i stumbled upon this aussie band and was really surprised about how much i liked them, and this album in particular. it has literally been a staple in what i’ve been listening to all of november and december. “angel” is a gateway song to the rest of the album, with a little of a more surf rock feel, it is a little easier to swallow than other songs you have to build up to loving like “monsoon rock” (which is still not one of my favorites, to be completely honest), “cup of destiny” or “control”. songs like “got you” and “some mutts can’t be muzzled” have a bit more traditional structure, and in this way, i can imagine being slightly more appealing to listen to for most.
welp, whether it helps get you pumped up to clean your house, do some push-ups, or face your dysfunctional family over the holidays - i feel like you’ll be surprised at how much you like it, too!
cheers to a happy + safe holiday season
