Many would argue that the holiday season is not what it is without music. Whether you are unwrapping presents beneath a Christmas tree or lighting the candles of a menorah or a kinara this holiday season, it is a strong belief that a soundtrack is required while keeping warm and keeping company. With the end of the semester just around the corner, members of The Hustler’s staff wrote about their favorite song to listen to during the holiday season, whether they are spending time with family or playing outside with friends in the snow.
Iman Abbas, Staff Writer
“Doughnut” — TWICE
This is the holiday song. With its winter-themed cover art and a cozy snow-filled music video released in December 2021, it leans fully into a Christmas aesthetic. “Doughnut” is a romantic pop ballad about falling in love — not exclusively tied to the holidays — but its use of sleigh bells gives it a festive feel. I love listening to it when it’s snowing because it makes the season feel romantic and warm rather than dull and depressing.
Daniela Aguilar, Life Editor
“Fa La La” — Justin Bieber (feat. Boyz II Men)
I have to admit, Justin Bieber’s Christmas album is one of my year-round guilty pleasures. Choosing between “Fa La La” and “Drummer Boy” as my favorite was tough, but “Fa La La” wins out thanks to young Bieber’s smooth vocals paired with Boyz II Men’s effortless harmonies layered over a warm, rhythmic beat. One thing on my holiday wish list is for young Bieber to make a comeback because his music was truly undefeated. The song is so catchy that I can hear the “fa la la la”s in my head as I type this.
Siena Austin, Staff Writer
“You Make It Feel Like Christmas” — Gwen Stefani (feat. Blake Shelton)
While I love all the classic holiday tunes, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” has quickly become one of my new favorites. I love that this song emerges with a unique sound, as many holiday classics tend to be covers rather than unique innovations. The mix of Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton’s voices blend into a catchy harmony that you can’t help but sing along to. This collaboration being between a real-life married couple only makes the song that much sweeter.
Alex Brodeur, Deputy Life Editor
“River” — Joni Mitchell
“River” is not your typical Christmas song with mentions of mistletoe, holly or even a happy storyline, but it’s a breakup song set within the context of Christmas. Mitchell finds herself wanting to skate away from a relationship and the pain she experiences as it dissolves in real time. While not the cheeriest song to put on during holiday parties or play in the background while opening presents, it is one of only a few songs with the uncommon holiday theme of escapism and heartbreak, something not traditionally heard in holiday-themed music. However, the genius of “River” is its musical qualities — just from the sound of one piano playing alongside an interpolation of “Jingle Bells,” its simplicity can provide listeners with a source of comfort and a warm hug for the few moments of solitude many feel after hometown reunions and family gatherings.
Charlotte Castle, News Editor
“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” — Brenda Lee
I love this song because it reminds me of one of my favorite holiday movies, “Home Alone.” From the first beat, the song is instantly recognizable as a holiday classic. The track’s upbeat nature instantly transports me back to celebrating Christmas as a child and it playing throughout my house during the holiday season. The timelessness of this song makes it perfect to listen to as the holiday season approaches.
Josie Guzzo, Staffer-in-Training
“Fairytale of New York” — The Pogues (feat. Kirsty MacColl)
Spirited and unconventional, this lilting tune and its story never fail to raise my spirits in a season that, despite its overall cheer, can feel gloomy from time to time. Though Shane MacGowan’s voice is not for the faint of heart, his banter with Kirsty MacColl summons a strange sort of warmth in its nostalgia for a past time and its pleading resolution to move up from rock bottom.
Anisa Juma, Entertainment Correspondent
“Last Christmas (Pudding Mix)” — Wham!
When I crank out this song, I know Christmas has started. Wham! may not be big in America, but we Brits love “Last Christmas,” especially the Pudding Mix, as our go-to song to start the season. George Michael never fails to make me belt this out, and I can listen to this all year round because, aside from being a Christmas song, it is a sad love song, and those are the best songs. When you listen, you can feel the snow, the jingle of sleighs and just the hope that Christmas brings.
Shivani Manikandan, Staffer-in-Training
“White Christmas” — Bing Crosby
“White Christmas” is a song from my childhood. My first introduction to this song was in elementary school, where we performed it for our winter gathering by singing and using sign language. As such, year after year, I always associate it with the holidays and the community it brings. Every year, I make it a point to sing and do the accompanying signs to myself, my family, my dog or with friends at least once.
Rachel Marlowe, Music Correspondent
“Holidays” — Conan Gray
This song is the perfect soundtrack for anyone who comes home for winter break and finds that everything looks the same except you. It is soft, nostalgic and a little heartbreaking, capturing the weird ache of seeing people who knew you at seventeen when you’re no longer that person. Gray’s airy vocals wrap around memories of childhood classrooms, old friendships and the bittersweet comfort of returning to the places that shaped you. It is a holiday song for the yearning crowd — quiet, reflective and beautiful in the way it makes growing up feel both tender and lonely.
Rawnie Sun, Networking Beat Reporter
“Santa Baby” — Laufey
Laufey’s cover of “Santa Baby” is a jazzy take on the 1953 classic by Eartha Kitt. The Chinese-Icelandic singer’s melodic voice brings a dreamy and playful twist to the song, making it a real Christmas treat to listen to. While the song’s lyrics are simple, they are so very catchy, making it the perfect song to hum while hanging up stockings or singing at Christmas karaoke.
Marques Watson, Deputy Life Editor
“Santa Tell Me” — Ariana Grande
“Santa Tell Me” has become a modern Christmas classic. While traditional Christmas songs tend to be slow and downtempo, with “Santa Tell Me,” Ariana Grande crafted the perfect pop song full of irresistible hooks and rhythmic verses. The jingle bells in the background bring in the Christmas spirit and are the perfect companion to Grande’s unmatched vocals. Every year, I count down the days to Nov. 1, when it becomes socially acceptable to re-add this song to every one of my playlists.
Chloe Whalen, Games Editor
“Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” — Bleachers
This song is shamelessly on my year-round playlist because it is too good to be confined to one season, but it hits extra hard in its intended time of the year. While Christmas can be full of gifts and glee, this track perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet resentment that the holiday season can bring for those who have tarnished memories of yore. Whether a person is still in your life or not, their memory can still haunt the halls.
“‘tis the damn season” — Taylor Swift
One of her most underrated tracks, “‘tis the damn season,” is a reflection on the road not taken and just how close it becomes when you’re home for the holidays. Swift sings about a hometown flame whom she cannot escape and wonders what could have been — a perfect example of the memories, good and bad, this time of year brings to mind.
Jack Whitney, Staff Writer
“Last Christmas” — Wham!
No matter how many times you hear it, “Last Christmas” offers a different takeaway with each listen. Whether you’re jamming out to upbeat instrumentals, feeling heartbroken as you digest the lyrics or hanging up decorations with the track on in the background, its infectious melody will linger throughout the holiday season. However, the true genius of the song isn’t in the chorus but in its cleverly crafted verses with lyrics like “Tell me, baby, do you recognize me? / Well, it’s been a year, it doesn’t surprise me.” To those who might describe it as overplayed: What classic holiday hit isn’t?
Zarrin Zahid, Staff Writer and Graphics Staffer
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” — Dean Martin
Whether you consider it a Christmas or winter song, the Dean Martin version gets you ready for the season. The cheery instruments and the warm, 60s-style voice set a comforting tone perfect for a winter night in. The unoppressive vocals also make the song great background noise for a holiday party or reading a book. You will want a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace as soon as you hear it.
