It’s all well and good that there are three, four radio stations that seem to mutate like a mogwai to a gremlin overnight into holiday stations, but there are just some songs we don’t get to hear as often as we’d like. And this year, we found ourselves craving the magic and coziness of the holidays of our youth.
So we’ve channeled our inner children to make you a mixtape. It’s our way of saying we miss seeing you in person, and we hope we can share a little fun with you this holiday season.
Well Done’s Peace, Joy, and Jamz playlist is a collection of the music that shaped us—the songs that evoke our fondest memories of the season.
Just like us, no two songs are the same, but together they bring a little fun, a little quirkiness, and a lot of good cheer to your holiday. Here’s why we chose just a few of the 58 songs on this year’s playlist:
Pennies from Heaven, Louis Prima
“It’s as if ice skating in New York were a song.” Caitlin Ficklin, motion graphic design specialist
Snow Day, Matt Pond PA
“Remember snow days? This is what they felt like.” Ken Honeywell, creative director
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
“Who doesn’t want to hear Bruce Springsteen talk to his saxophone player in his song?” Cathy Kightlinger, writer/producer
Bells of St. Mary’s, Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans
“This is from the Goodfellas soundtrack. We watch it every year when we put up the tree, and I make a big pot of gravy (or is it sauce?).” Rachel Leininger, PR manager
Snowfall, Ahmad Jamal Trio
“I find myself listening to more jazz in the winter, and every good playlist needs a handful of instrumental numbers.” Rob Peoni, writer/producer
Mele Kalikimaka, Bing Crosby
“This song reminds me of the two things that I love, Hawaii and the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s also a reminder to book that long-awaited Christmas in Hawaii trip.” Brent Smith, senior art director
The New Year, Death Cab for Cutie
“‘Auld Lang Syne’ for millennials and xennials—melancholia at its peak.” Teresa Tatum, digital strategist
Please Come Home for Christmas, The Eagles
“It’s sad, and I love it in spite of that.” Melissa Sunsdahl, director of account service
Hanukkah Blessings, Barenaked Ladies
“My daughter is Jewish. This is how she and I learned the Hebrew blessing for Hanukkah.” Lisa Sirkin Vielee, president
Christmas Melody/Jingle Bells/Santa is Coming to Town, Mel Tormé
“Mel Tormé was a staple in my household. And his Christmas Songs album would play on repeat every Christmas morning while we unwrapped gifts!” Jen Welch, account executive
Valley Winter Song, Fountains of Wayne
“As one of the world’s nine Fountains of Wayne fans, I find this song is the absolute epitome of winter longing. It has the spirit of a wistful troubadour.” Joel Weyrauch, director of public relations
What are You Doing New Year’s Eve?, Ella Fitzgerald
“This song is like a warm, fuzzy blanket draped around my shoulders. I could listen to it all year round.” Alex Williams, account executive
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, Billie Holiday
“My dad found these compilations of jazz holiday standards every year—they sold them here and there for a while. Every year on his traditional Black Friday adventure he’d pick one up. I love the cozy feeling they still bring up.” Anne Wolfcale, writer/producer
Happy Listening
Feel free to make some of our favorites your favorites and play them at your holiday gatherings. From all of us at Well Done, we wish you happy holidays and a rockin’ new year.