Christmas is on the horizon, and that means it’s time for a playlist to get you in the holiday spirit. With a mix of old-timey country, and some cheerful Christmas classics, this combination of songs is the perfect blend for the winter season.

See the song reviews and a Spotify playlist linked below.

“Blue Christmas” by Megan Moroney

Megan Moroney released “Blue Christmas” on November 1, 2024, alongside two other holiday tracks. 

This song ties into the blue theme from her “Am I Okay” album and aligns with her trademark “Emo Cowgirl” style of music that includes themes of heartfelt love and breakups. 

“Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift

This Christmas song, written by Taylor Swift, connects to memories from her childhood and the place where she grew up — on an actual Christmas tree farm. 

This song reminds me of my own memories at a tree farm many years ago back when we still bought a real tree. 

The lyric I related to most from the song is: “Bundled up in our mittens and coats,” which brings back memories of going out on a cold day with my big, purple puffy coat and pink ear muffs with a hot chocolate in hand.  

“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” by Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn’s version appears on her 1966 album “Country Christmas,” which features several traditional holiday songs. 

This upbeat rendition of Haven Gillespie’s beloved tune brings a country twist to a timeless favorite.

This classic reminds me of memories from when I was younger, setting out cookies and milk for Santa then going to sleep in anticipation for him the next day. 

“Winter Wonderland/Sleigh Ride” by Dolly Parton

This song is a perfect combination of two classic Christmas songs. Teamed up with bluegrass artists Rhonda and Darrin Vincent, Parton brings a fresh country sound to these traditional songs.

This song paints a vivid winter scene, including sleighs, snow, bells, chestnuts, and other Christmas themes that give the song a somewhat nostalgic and cheerful feel capturing the essence of the holiday season. 

“Frosty The Snowman” by George Strait

George Strait released this song in his 1986 album, “Merry Christmas Strait to You.” Featuring instruments like the fiddle, piano, and drums, this song has a perfect melody with an upbeat tune. This song has a traditional country style to it, just like Strait’s other songs, capturing a rustic style of western music. 

The movie itself, “Frosty The Snowman,” brings me back to the times when I would watch the snow fall outside my window before going to make a snowman just like Frosty.

“Where Are You Christmas” by Faith Hill

Originally recorded by Mariah Carey, this song was re-recorded by Faith Hill due to legal disputes before releasing on December 11, 2000. This song is best known from its use in the movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

This song has a mellow, somber tune that almost makes you sad while listening to it and compels you to look back to what the magic of Christmas was like as a child when you still believed in Santa. 

“White Christmas” by Michael Bublé and Shania Twain

Michael Bublé and Shania Twain teamed up for this 2011 rendition, released on Bublé’s holiday album. With the addition of Twain’s voice in this song, it has an upbeat and cheerful tone. 

This song is the perfect mix of smooth jazz, country pop, and a great example of a Christmas song reimagined with a modern twist.

“All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey

This song is arguably one of the best Christmas songs ever written. Co-written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff, the track has topped charts for decades and remains instantly recognizable from its opening notes. 

Nearly 30 years later, it’s only grown in popularity — a true Christmas staple.

“Underneath The Tree” by Kelly Clarkson 

This fun, upbeat track, sung by pop artist Kelly Clarkson, emphasizes what truly matters during the holidays: time with loved ones rather than material gifts. Co-written with Greg Kurstin, the song delivers a cheerful, bright melody with genuine heart.

This song was released in 2013 with Clarkson’s “Wrapped in Red” album and reached Billboard 100’s top ten. 

It is also similar to Carey’s popular Christmas song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” with a similar meaning of not needing materialistic things for Christmas, and instead just wanting time with the people you love. 

“I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey

This song is the perfect catchy Christmas song to give you a good laugh, and reflect on childhood memories, written by John Rox and released by Gayla Peevey when she was only 10 years old in 1953.

An interesting fact about this song is that the zoo in Oklahoma City actually bought a hippopotamus, named Matilda, because of this song. 

Whether you’re driving around town or throwing a holiday party, these songs are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. This season is about joy, laughter, and time spent with loved ones. This playlist captures it all.