Creating Spotify playlists for Christmas is like curating a musical journey through the season’s spirit and emotions.

It’s an opportunity to dive into the festive spirit and immerse oneself in the magic of the season. Choosing songs that evoke nostalgia, joy and warmth can be a genuinely uplifting experience. The process often involves revisiting beloved classics, discovering new renditions of old favourites and exploring diverse musical genres, all of which add an element of excitement and exploration.

Moreover, crafting holiday playlists allows for personalization and creativity. It’s a chance to showcase one’s unique musical tastes and preferences while also considering the preferences of your friends or family who might be listening with you. The process of selecting, arranging and organizing songs into a cohesive flow can be both challenging and rewarding. It’s like curating a story or a mood board, but through music, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

Sharing the playlist can foster a sense of connection and joy. Music has a remarkable ability to evoke emotions and create togetherness. Sharing a thoughtfully curated Christmas playlist can spark conversations, create shared experiences and spread holiday cheer, making it a fun and fulfilling activity that brings people together during this special time of the year.

It kicks off with “Christmas in Our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan, who is famous for his Christmas songs. In the Philippines, he’s considered the “Father of Philippine Christmas Music” because of his iconic and enduring holiday tunes. His songs, particularly “Christmas in Our Hearts,” have become staples during the holiday season in the Philippines and even gained popularity internationally among Filipino communities around the world. We’ve also included “A Perfect Christmas.”

There’s old classics from Dean Martin (“A Marshmallow World”) and Brenda Lee (“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”), Yuletide Euro disco (“Mary’s Boy Child” by Boney M.), Canadian content (Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe” and Bublé’s “Holly Jolly Christmas”), plus more recent contributions to the Christmas canon by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

We hope you enjoy the Happy Holidays, UCW playlist!

How to create a Christmas playlist

It starts with setting the mood – the playlist opener needs to be iconic, perhaps something classic like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” or Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” These songs set the stage, instantly transporting listeners into a world of festive cheer.

From there, it’s about crafting a diverse yet cohesive selection that captures the essence of Christmas. Mix in a blend of traditional carols, modern pop hits and lesser-known gems to cater to various tastes while keeping the overarching theme intact. Classics like “Jingle Bells” or “Silent Night” can sit alongside contemporary favourites like Michael Bublé’s cover of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” or Sia’s “Santa’s Coming for Us.”

Moreover, a well-rounded Christmas playlist should embrace cultural diversity. Christmas is celebrated worldwide and music reflects this beautifully. Including songs from different cultures and regions adds depth and richness to the playlist. Whether it’s the joyous beats of “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano or the enchanting melodies of “Noël Noël” performed by El Canfin, these selections offer a glimpse into the global celebration of this beloved holiday.

Lastly, the playlist should crescendo towards a heartwarming finale. Closing the collection with a powerful yet sentimental track, such as John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” or Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” can leave listeners with a sense of nostalgia and warmth, wrapping up the musical journey with a bow of emotional resonance. Ultimately, a thoughtfully curated Christmas playlist becomes more than a mere collection of songs; it becomes a soundtrack that weaves the magic and memories of the holiday season.

UCW has a playlist for you

University Canada West’s social media team has created a Spotify student playlist, which takes some deep dives into the holiday music tradition.

It kicks off with “Christmas in Our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan, who is famous for his Christmas songs. In the Philippines, he’s considered the “Father of Philippine Christmas Music” because of his iconic and enduring holiday tunes. His songs, particularly “Christmas in Our Hearts,” have become staples during the holiday season in the Philippines and even gained popularity internationally among Filipino communities around the world. We’ve also included “A Perfect Christmas.”

There’s old classics from Dean Martin (“A Marshmallow World”) and Brenda Lee (“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”), Yuletide Euro disco (“Mary’s Boy Child” by Boney M.), Canadian content (Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe” and Bublé’s “Holly Jolly Christmas”), plus more recent contributions to the Christmas canon by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

We hope you enjoy the Happy Holidays, UCW playlist!