by John Leonardo
 
Whether you listen to them all year round or just want to get into the holiday spirit for December, here are some songs you need to include in your 2020 holiday themed playlists. These songs include new hits that were recently released in 2020 as well as some oldies everyone knows by heart. 
 
“Holly Jolly Christmas” by Dolly Parton
New from her 2020 holiday album, iconic country singer Dolly Parton takes up a cover of the song with the same title most famously performed by Burl Ives. Consisting of 11 other songs, Dolly Parton’s “A Holly Dolly Christmas” was released this October. The song exudes a sense of genuine joy. Everyone listening can immediately tell Dolly had a lot of fun while recording this one. On top of that, Dolly Parton also starred in a new Netflix movie called “Christmas on the Square,” in which Dolly composed the music for. So for any Dolly fans out there, this holiday season was MADE for you! 
 
“Holiday” by Lil Nas X
Released along with a music video, “Holiday” by Lil Nas X, took the whole holiday song formula and threw it out the window giving holiday fans something entirely different. Released as a single, Lil Nas X is able to perfectly blend a pop/R&B beat and themes of holiday music. The chorus delivers a clever double entendre with the holiday season that really gives it a Lil Nas X flare. Regardless, “Holiday” is a must to include to add a certain spice to any pre-existing playlist.
 
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” by Frank Sinatra  
From the 1994 recording of “Christmas Songs by Sinatra,” “Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” has quite the history. American singer Dean Martin first released this song in 1959 as a part of his album “A Winter Romance.” It is then American jazz singer Frank Sinatra who made his cover of the song in 1994. Sinatra gets you entranced by his sweet vocals and background hums in this particular song whilst reminding you of the winter season through the lyrics written by Sammy Cahn. In an ideal world, one would be listening to this song next to a cozy fire with their loved ones during a snowstorm. Regardless if you are able to recreate this exact scene or not, any rendition of “Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” is necessary on this year’s holiday playlist.                                                                                                                            
 
“All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey
The second track off her Christmas album labeled appropriately, “Merry Christmas,” “All I Want for Christmas is You” is a must-have for your holiday playlist. It opens with some instantly recognizable piano chords. This song has been consistently topping the charts every year and Mariah Carey’s beautiful vocals are no doubt because of that. The catchy chorus will have you belting out every word. From the sweet lyrics about love and the Christmas spirit, this song is definitely one for the holiday season and should be finding its way into your playlist if it isn’t already.