Circle Staff Playlist #5: Holiday Season
With the holiday season fast approaching, the Marist Circle staff shares some of their favorite songs to celebrate.
Graphic by Cora Flynn '26
Song Title & Artist: “Walking in the Air (The Story of the Snowman Edit)” by Howard Blake
Recommended by: Emma Denes, Editor-in-Chief
Description: This moving song comes from the 1982 animated movie “The Snowman,” which I watched when I was little. It’s a haunting melody, complete with gorgeous vocals and lyrics — if you’re in a reflective wintertime mood, this one will pull at your heartstrings and make you smile at the same time.
Song Title & Artist: “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” and “O Tannenbaum” by Vince Guaraldi
Recommended by: Erin Holton, Co-Managing/Co-Features Editor
Description: I am a sucker for instrumental versions of holiday songs. These two on the “A Charlie Brown Christmas Album” are always on rotation for me once it gets below 50 degrees. Plus, they’re great songs to do homework to.
Song Title & Artist: “Christmas Fucking Miracle” by Run the Jewels and “Christmas Will Break Your Heart” by LCD Soundsystem
Recommended by: Andrew Breen, Co-Managing Editor
Description: Two unconventional Christmas songs that really work, one hardcore rap track from EL-P and Killer Mike and the other a somber LCD-ey ballad.
Song Title& Artist: “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” by Frank Sinatra
Recommended by: Ben Leeds, Co-Campus News Editor
Description: I always love some Frank Sinatra, and that is no exception during the holidays. This song immediately puts me in the mood to watch a movie by the fireplace or make some Christmas cookies.
Song Title& Artist: “White Winter Hymnal (Fleet Foxes Cover)” by Pentatonix and “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses
Recommended by: Luke Sassa, Co-Campus News Editor
Song Title & Artist: “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
Recommended by: Emma Gaecklein, City/National Editor/Multimedia Assistant
Description: This isn’t necessarily a Christmas song, but I always associate it with the holiday season thanks to “Love Actually.” As Hugh Grant says, “Love actually is all around.”
Song Title & Artist: “What Christmas Means to Me” by Stevie Wonder and “Hot Chocolate” from the Polar Express
Recommended by: Lindsey Clinton, Co-Opinion Editor
Description: Stevie’s song is the perfect Motown vibe mixed into your holiday playlist. And of course, “Hot Chocolate” is super upbeat, cozy and nostalgic.
Song Title & Artist: “Let's Have a Kiki / Turkey Lurkey Time” by the Glee Cast and “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee
Recommended by: Cora Flynn, Co-Arts & Culture Editor/Multimedia Assistant
Description: Two bangers for the holiday season. No regrets.
Song Title & Artist: “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
Recommended by: Miguel Rojas, Co-Arts & Culture/Copy Editor
Song Title & Artist: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon, Yoko Ono and The Glee Cast
Recommended by: Elizabeth Baumgardner, Photo/Copy Editor
Description: No one could ever make me hate you “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. And the Glee Cast. I love Glee.
Song Title & Artist: “Drummer Boy” By Justin Bieber, Busta Rhymes
Recommended by: Lea Papakosmas, Marketing Director/Multimedia Assistant
Description: This is a Christmas classic and it’s the best pop Christmas song. You can’t convince me otherwise.
Listen to the full playlist on Spotify or Apple Music.