5 Christmas Songs By Black Artists That Should Be On Your Playlist Right Now

With the holidays quickly approaching, what more do we look forward to other than those good ‘ol Black Friday sales and the delicious food we’ve been waiting all year to indulge in? 

The music of course!

Holiday music - essentially Christmas - instantly puts me in a jolly mood, as it does for people all over the world. Yes, we can listen to these songs all year round, but it just hits differently during the holiday season. As a child, there was no better feeling than waking up Christmas morning to the smell of turkey being cooked and grandma’s peach cobbler baking in the oven, running to the living room to open presents while listening to Christmas tunes in the background. Opening that new Barbie dream house you’ve been waiting all year for your parents to purchase when you’re listening to “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

Speaking of Mariah, let’s get into my top 5 holiday songs by some of our favorite Black Artists.

Donny Hathaway - This Christmas

Let's throw it all the way back to this 1970s Christmas inspired song by none other than Mr. Hathaway.

Chris Brown - This Christmas

I have been a Chris Brown fan since forever, so you know I was exhilarated when I learned he would be starring in Christmastime drama movie This Christmas. When he released the Donny Hathaway remake/movie inspired song, I remember playing this back to back…to back. He sang his heart out in that church. If you’ve watched the movie, you know what scene I am referring to.

TLC - Sleigh Ride

I remember hearing this song and thinking “yes, my homegirls hopped on a Christmas track and slayed.” The cheer in their voices as Chili sang, “Let’s have a merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” with Left Eye’s rhythmic flow was everything we needed for a ‘90s Christmas.

Mariah Carey - O Holy Night

While we all know Mariah is the muva of Christmas and her "All I Want For Christmas Is You," her rendition of "O Holy Night" with the choir assisted vocals literally leaves me in tears.

The Temptations - Silent Night

The Temptations put the soul in this remake of “Silent Night” and I am here for it.