This year has certainly been a different one – in all aspects of life. As the holidays approach, everything seems even more unconventional and out of place, with people travelling less than usual and seeing less family members and friends. We all need a distraction here and there now more than ever; and this light, airy, sun-soaked playlist will bring you just that. Since most of our Christmases will be a little different this year, why not get into the holiday spirit with some completely different Christmas songs?
When thinking of beach-sounding Christmas songs – if that thought has ever crossed your mind – the obvious are “Mele Kalikimaka” (sung here by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters) and of course The Beach Boys’ classic “Little Saint Nick.” These lovely tunes are included, but you couldn’t have a beach playlist of any sort without music from the kingpin of sun and sand tunes himself – Jimmy Buffett. Also added here are songs from Buffett’s contemporary counterparts, Kenny Chesney and Jack Johnson.
Two original Christmas songs by current artists show up on this playlist: singer-songwriter Eric Hutchinson’s upbeat reggae-rhythmic “Christmas On Vacation,” and a song that speaks for itself, “All I Want For Christmas Is A Real Good Tan” by Kenny Chesney, of course. The rest are classic Christmas tunes with a sunny, island twist. Amy Hanaili’i’s rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” puts ukulele and acoustic guitar at the forefront; Jack Johnson puts his signature relaxed and airy sound with acoustic guitar on “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer;” and there’s nothing more ironic than hearing Jimmy Buffett sing “White Christmas” with steel drums in the background.
So if you’re stuck inside during this strange season like so many of us are: crank up the heat, break out your flip flops, and throw on your shades. Wherever you are, I hope these songs bring you to a relaxing, light-hearted, and sunny state of mind for Christmas.
- Mele Kalikimaka – Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
- Christmas On Vacation – Eric Hutchinson
- Jingle Bells – Kenny Chesney
- All I Want For Christmas Is A Real Good Tan – Kenny Chesney
- Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
- Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer – Jack Johnson
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Amy Hanaili’i
- Wonderful Christmastime – Jimmy Buffett
- White Christmas – Jimmy Buffett
Merry Christmas!
Written and Curated by Anna Waggoner