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The holiday season brings so many things I love — lights, cozy evenings, sweet treats… and, of course, music! Christmas songs have a special power to pull us into the moment. This year, I started my playlist early (yes, I know—I’m eager!) as part of my self-care routine. Trust me: curating the right holiday soundtrack can instantly shift your mood and make even the simple moments feel magical.

I usually crank up the Christmas tunes right after Thanksgiving, but the way my life has been set up lately, I jumped into my Christmas playlist in early November!  I specifically chose the Christmas tunes that make me feel good so that I could utilize my time listening to my playlist as self-care! (I know, sneaky, right?)

Just in case you need a little help curating your own Christmas playlist, I’ll share mine to give you a little inspiration.

My Best of Christmas Music Playlist

If you have Apple Music, you can listen to my playlist!

The Christmas songs on my playlist change from year to year. That’s because there are way too many great Christmas songs to choose favorites. Don’t you agree? Artists continue making Christmas albums every year and it seems like just when I have my “favorite” Christmas songs picked out, a new one comes along to steal its place!

So these are my must-listen-to songs for the Christmas holidays. And, I’m pretty picky about the artists that I want singing my Christmas songs. For instance, you cannot substitute the artist for Little Drummer Boy. It HAS to be the Josh Groban version or it just doesn’t hit right! His voice is so powerful and is perfect for this song. It makes me cry every year! (Side note: It doesn’t take much for me to cry! LOL)

But, then Leslie Odom, Jr. came along with his version of the same

Why I Built This Playlist

• I wanted music that feels good — songs that support rest, connection, or even just quiet reflection.
• I used this as part of my own self-care plan: a holiday mood-boost that’s accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful.
• Because new holiday albums drop every year, this list remains fluid — it’s about the feeling more than the track.

Holiday Listening Tips

• Think less “perfect album order” and more “track it’s okay to loop until you’re ready to move on.”
• Keep your favorites in one playlist so you can easily pull it out anytime you need a boost.
• Play it while you’re: sipping coffee, decorating your tree, wrapping gifts, or just unwinding after the day.
• Want to make it a tradition? Add one new song each year. It becomes part of your story.

Do you love Christmas music? Tell me what song I need to consider adding to my Christmas playlist! I still have a couple of weeks left to listen to the Christmas jams! Leave your suggestions in the comments.

Sample Christmas Playlist (20 Songs)

Not feeling my playlist? Create your own. The point is to create a list that brings you joy. Here’s another sample to help you get started on a list of your own.

R&B Christmas Favorites

1. “This Christmas” – Donny Hathaway
2. “Let It Snow” – Boyz II Men ft. Brian McKnight
3. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
4. “8 Days of Christmas” – Destiny’s Child
5. “Every Year, Every Christmas” – Luther Vandross
6. “Someday at Christmas” – Stevie Wonder
7. “Be There for Christmas” – Ledisi
8. “Christmas Time Is Here” – Toni Braxton
9. “Merry Christmas Baby” – Otis Redding
10. “Give Love on Christmas Day” – Jackson 5

Classic Christmas Essentials

11. “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole
12. “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
13. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Ella Fitzgerald
14. “Silent Night” – The Temptations (yes, it’s a classic and soulful)
15. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Johnny Mathis
16. “Sleigh Ride” – The Ronettes
17. “Winter Wonderland” – Aretha Franklin
18. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
19. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
20. “O Holy Night” – Mariah Carey (a modern classic)

Happy Holidays!