Thanksgiving has passed, and the season of Christmas music has begun. Whether you love it or hate it, that’s all you’re going to hear for the next 25 days, whether gift shopping, studying, or planning flights and train rides home for the holidays. If you ever need a break from the holiday stress of preparation, there are plenty of wintery, relaxing, non-holiday tracks to enjoy amid the chaos.
- “Sweater Weather” – The Neighbourhood
Admit it, we all look forward to the time of year when this song is applicable to the season and more than just an entrancing melody. Play this on the first day that the cold starts to bother you, and suddenly you’ll be looking forward to donning your warm sweaters — regardless of what the song is about.
- “Cold Cold Man” – Saint Motel
Taken literally, this is likely to describe how you feel in the next few months. Meanwhile, this upbeat tune will help to re-energize you in spite of the drive to stay inside and dodge the cold, outside world.
- “Cold Cold Cold” – Cage the Elephant
This is essentially the anthem for when your heater is still broken and coming inside doesn’t give you respite from the cold. That’s okay… just repeat songs 1 and 2.
- “Seasons (Waiting on You)” – Future Islands
As the year draws near to a close, you’ll realize how quickly time has passed and how much has happened and changed; time seems to have flown by. This can be a great time for reflection, reevaluation, and finding the patience for the spring as you continue to live in the moment.
- “Mind Over Matter” – Young the Giant
No matter how far away your dorm is from Lau, you’ll have the strength to conquer your last-night, wintery walk home if you keep this simple mantra in mind. This song is all about endurance and is sure to help you persevere.
- “Comfortably Numb” – Pink Floyd
If you remember track 5, then this should be your welcome result. Even better, the soothing psychedelia is sure to save you from the stress of finals and whatever else is on your to-do list. Take some time to step back and become… comfortably numb.
- “Snow (Hey Oh)” – The Red Hot Chili Peppers
It’s nearly impossible not to think of this classic when you wake up, look out the window, and see the world “deep beneath the cover of another perfect wonder.” It’s even better when you find out that class is cancelled, so “there’s nowhere to go.” This is why the Red Hot Chili Peppers never fail to bring about a good mood.
- “Can’t Buy Me Love” – The Beatles
Forget to buy someone a gift? Just play this song and remind them that you can offer them the things “that money just can’t buy.” It’s also effective if you’re still struggling to convince your friend that they don’t have to buy you anything. (If you’re lucky, they’ll still be the type to buy you something “if it makes you feel alright.”)
- “Sleepyhead” – Passion Pit
Incessant hibernation is bound to make you feel like a sleepyhead, so you might as well enjoy it with this one-of-a-kind track by Passion Pit. Let this be your anthem for staying in bed all day because the rest of your room is too cold. You won’t regret it.
- “Island In The Sun” – Weezer
As much as winter has to offer, you’re bound to be dreaming of the tropics at some point or another during that blizzard. Consider this to be your three-minute vacation as Weezer takes you to a warm, relaxing, island dreamworld. Spring is only a few months away.
