The official countdown to Christmas has begun. The week is filled with driving around looking at Christmas lights, drinking warm drinks sitting next to a twinkling tree. There is an obscene amount of baking going on and the house will have a permanent smell of cinnamon for weeks to come. If, like me, you are enjoying these last few days before the holiday in the office, then the break room is filled with everyone's favorite snacks and Christmas cards are constantly being circulated through inter-office mail. 

Say what you will about the hyper-commercialism of the season, but still at the heart of the it is spending time with those who matter most. Whether you are in the office, driving, braving the crowded airport terminals or sitting by a fire, enjoy this Christmas mix in the background. It's full of all of my favorite classics, 90s hits and folksy tunes.

Everyone needs a go-to Christmas playlist. 

Whether in the car, studying, or decorating your apartment

Christmas tunes are a must from Thanksgiving to New Years.

{some people think it's socially unacceptable to play 

holiday tunes year round. but to them i say "bah humbug."}

If you have overplayed your favorites by now, never fear, you can add a few of my

must haves to your mix. 

And like any good Christmas playlist, there is lots of Sufjan.

Enjoy!

-Jess

*the passion pit song is not on spotify, but is worth listening to here. 

You know those annoying people that start playing Christmas music November 1st? 

I'm definitely one of those. I can't help it. The Christmas season just doesn't last long enough for me. I need more time! I've probably played Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" at least 3 times a day for the past 2 weeks. I think it's a shame that Christmas music is usually only played for one month. 

Christmas 2011 with Baby Watzles. We look like little babies.

My top 5 favorite Christmas songs (in no particular order):

1. "It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas" Bing Crosby

2. "White Christmas" The Drifters

3. "Feliz Navidad" Jose Feliciano

4. "Joyeux Noel" Yvette Giraud

5. "All I Want For Christmas Is You" Mariah Carey. Obvs. 

Anndddddd I've also had my Christmas list made for a long time (we're talking 4 months here, people). It's harder to come up with gifts the older you get. I mean, I asked for a stand mixer this year.... I think I'm getting old. So there's that. Also on my Christmas list:

1. Barbour Flyweight Rose Beadnell Jacket in Olive

2. Essie Nail Polish in "Beyond Cozy"

3. KitchenAid 4.5 quart stand mixer

4. Minnetonka Calf Hi 3-layer fringe boot

5. Nike Pro Compression Sports Bra

6. Monogrammed Tervis Tumbler

I'm also asking for a European summer vacation, so we'll see how that goes. Haha. What's your favorite holiday song? I'm always looking to add more!

-Samantha