The holidays are upon us once again! Whether this is your favorite time of year or a more difficult time, we think one of the best ways to bring yourself some joy is to listen to holiday music! Music is a very powerful tool that we can all use to come together and lift each other up during the holidays. As a very famous elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear!” Our clinicians have put together a collection of songs that bring them joy during this season- keep reading to hear our recommendations!
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen
If you know Gordon, you know that he might just be Bruce Springsteen’s biggest fan. He says he’s been a fan since he was a young kid, and thought it was so cool when he released a Christmas song back in the 80’s! He also learned that the song was recorded here on Long Island at LIU Post, which makes it extra special! Margaret is also a big fan of this tune, and thinks that all versions of it are great- how could you go wrong?
“Peace on Earth / Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby & David Bowie
This holiday duet never fails to channel Peter’s holiday spirit. He says that he loves the calming energy of this song and it reminds him to practice gratitude. He also says that it reminds him of some beautiful childhood memories!
“Hallelujah” by Pentatonix
This acapella spin on a holiday classic was recommended by Liana! She says she is always impressed with their talent and appreciates the new life they breathe into songs we all know and love.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid
This 80’s classic was recommended by Margaret, Lisa, and Gordon! Everyone gets a strong sense of nostalgia from this song that makes us feel like we’re kids again. It is also a great reminder to practice gratitude this holiday season, and encouragement to help out the less fortunate if we can.
“Christmas Time” by Bryan Adams
This pop-rock hit is all about the joy that the holidays bring. It’s one of Julie’s favorites because she says it never fails to make her smile. It makes us wish it was Christmas every day!
“Dominic the Donkey (The Italian Christmas Donkey)” by Lou Monte
This silly little tune is Lauren’s favorite! She has fond memories of driving in the car and singing this song with her Mom and sister. There’s nothing like reflecting on good times with family to get you in the holiday spirit!
“All I Want For Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey
There is no question that this holiday hit has taken the world by storm. Margaret says she is an extra big fan of this song because her child sang it in the Huntington Holiday Parade recently (which is actually the town Mariah was born in!). It’s always so special to see our kids enjoying the holidays, so we see why this holds a special place in her heart!
“It’s a Marshmallow World” by Dean Martin
Seeing a blanket of snow over the town always puts us in the holiday spirit, and this song absolutely captures that feeling. Greg says this tune is especially heartwarming for him because his Dad used to play it on the trumpet on Christmas morning- what a sweet tradition!
“Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift
One of our resident Swifties, Liana, had to make sure this one made it to our playlist! She says that she recently became a fan of Taylor Swift’s work, and loves when pop stars share their take on holiday songs. This original by Swift is sure to become a classic for years to come!
“Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental)” from the Trans Siberian Orchestra
This beautiful instrumental piece is one of Peter’s favorites. These beautiful melodies are sure to put anyone in the holiday mood. This song reminds him of driving through upstate New York during the holiday season- a beautiful sight we’re sure!
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry and The Pinafores
Is it even Christmas without Rudolph? Nicole chose this classic for its nostalgic value. The story of this little reindeer never seems to get old!
“The Christmas Wish” by John Denver and the Muppets
Who doesn’t love the Muppets? Julie is certainly a fan, and listed this as one of her favorite holiday songs. She says when she hears this song she can’t help but feel happy and hopeful- and we’d have to agree with her.
“Happy Xmas (War is Over)” by Jimmy Buffett
We all know and love this song by John Lennon, but when Gordon heard that one of his musical heroes was redoing it in 1996, he knew he was going to love it. It instantly became one of his favorites, and he loves playing it every season!
“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by NSYNC
This one is for our 90’s kids! Liana listed this as one of her favorites because it reminds her of growing up in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Amanda said that this song was always the first one played in her house to kick off their tree decorating festivities. Sounds like a great way to start the season!
“Angels We Have Heard on High” by Andrea Bocelli
There is no beating the angelic voice of Italian singer Andrea Bocelli, and this song is a testament to that. This is one of Julie’s favorites because it reminds her of attending midnight mass and the comfort that brought her growing up.
“Frosty the Snowman” by Gene Autry and the Cass Country Boys
What a jolly, happy song! Nicole says that this has always been one of her favorites. Plenty of kids know and love this song, so it’s sure to bring holiday cheer!
We hope these songs bring you the same joy that they bring us during this holiday season. You can listen to our official “Therapist Approved Holiday Playlist” on Apple Music or Spotify and let us know what songs are your favorites during this time of year in the comment section! From all of us at the Gooding Wellness Group, we hope you have a happy and healthy holiday season! Live in Love!