Create the Ultimate Christmas Playlist

Tomorrow is Christmas, so by now most of us have completed our shopping, trimmed the tree, cleaned the house, and finished baking copious amounts of holiday treats. But while the major components of your Christmas party may be in check, many leave one important aspect unfinished until the last minute: the music. 

Your choice of tunes may depend on the setting, the guests, and the theme of your party. Just like any other party, the wrong music may set the wrong atmosphere – picture classical music being played at a nightclub. Avoid confusing your guests and bringing down the party with these simple tips. 

Pick a theme. Is there a particular genre of music that you enjoy listening to the most? If you and your closest friends and family members went to a country music festival, choose holiday songs by country artists. The online music site Pandora offers a wide range of Christmas-themed stations to choose from, including Indie Holidays, Jazz Holidays, and Classical Christmas. 

Please your guests. Are you having a family party where many children will be present, or is this a selective gathering of adults? Children will prefer music that they know and can sing along to – throw on the “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” soundtrack or the “Glee” holiday album. For a more sophisticated crowd, stick with the classics, such as Rod Stewart or Nat King Cole. 

Plan a vibe. What type of party are you hosting? Do you want your guests out in the living room rockin’ around the Christmas tree, or do you picture them gathered around the dinner table nursing a glass of wine? For a lively event, consider more pop or rock-themed holiday tunes; for a mellow affair, try a soothing voice like crooner Bing Crosby.

Test it out.  Once you think you have chosen the music you would like for your holiday party, be sure to whip up a playlist and give it a run through. If you are using a site like Pandora, you don’t have to make your own playlist. Otherwise, you will want to download the songs you want online and put them together in whatever fashion you desire. Listen to the playlist prior to your party to make sure nothing goes awry. 

—Lindsay Putnam