The holidays herald, well, a lot of everything – a lot of activity, a lot of emotions, a lot of gatherings, a lot of expectations.
Life doesn’t always understand this. Life frequently brings its own demands to the table, hectic yuletide season be damned. And sometimes… life makes the holidays sort of suck.
Over the years, my “merry and bright” has been marred at times by gutting losses, and rifts with dear friends, and unanticipated financial blows, and injuries, and more. Some years, the mere idea of getting from one end of the holiday season to the other, to hold onto the festive spirit, has felt like a Herculean task. My guess is that, this year especially, many can relate. (Though my hope is that at least some of those reading this are in lighter places.)
Regardless, good holiday music can meet you wherever you are. Below is a short list of songs by some stellar women performers that span a range of moods and genres, and stay (largely) secular. Play them while en route to meet loved ones, or wrapping gifts, or driving to the grocery store for the third time today because, you could have sworn you had enough unsalted butter but, alas. (This last example is, perhaps, based on personal experience.) Play it from start to finish, or skip to the songs that speak best to the sort of holiday season you’re having.
Play it while being kind to yourselves and others, as we get to the end of another ridiculous year in the life.
“Sleigh Ride”
Performed by The Carpenters – Karen’s silky, effervescent voice is an essential part of the holidays, and this jaunty cover captures the light that can shine through in dark winter months.
“What’re You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
Performed by Ella Fitzgerald – Speaking of perfect voices… This song falls slightly toward the melancholic end of the seasonal music spectrum, to be sure – though it’s not without hope for what new beginnings can bring.
“River”
By Joni Mitchell – “Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.” Whew. For those experiencing holiday heartbreak, this song is an absolute must-listen. (As is much of Mitchell’s work, to be honest.)
“Northern Lights”
Performed by Sjaella – Composer Ola Gjeilo sought to capture the awe-inspiring wintertime phenomenon that is the aurora borealis with this work. This trebles-only version is a wonder all its own.
“White Winter Hymnal”
Performed by ARORA (formerly SONOS) – I’m including this soft, near-ethereal cover in honor of my friend Jim, whom we very suddenly lost two years ago around this time of year. My husband, friends and I sang with him for the better part of a decade – this song being among the many we performed.
“Jingle Bell Rock”
Performed by Brenda Lee – Okay, let’s have a little more fun, huh? This track is a holiday staple, and perfect for mingling, for driving in mittens, and for enjoying a spiked cider at home.
“All I Want for Christmas is You”
By Mariah Carey – I promised in my introduction to stay “largely” secular. But there’s no way one can make a holiday playlist without including, as the kids would call it, the GOAT of seasonal songs.
This post, originally published December 2023, has been updated for 2025.