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Blogmas #8 | Bookish-Christmas Playlist

Hello everyone! πŸŽ„ I hope you are all doing good!! Yesterday, I cheated a tiny bit and posted a review instead of a regular post… 😬 So far, that was the first time that I really struggled with preparing a post in time and having it all ready for the next day. But, I already knew this week would be particularly hard to get through πŸ€·πŸ½β€β™€οΈ, and I’m sure that won’t be the last time I use book reviews as a way out of writing a long post πŸ˜… Still, I’m really enjoying Blogmas thus far and I can’t wait to read all of your posts (I’m a little behind, I’m sorry!!).

So, for today’s post I will be sharing with you a few of the songs that are a part of my Christmas Playlist, but also books that remind me a lot of said songs. It will be very similar to The Musical Shuffle Book Tag, only shorter. I hope you guys enjoy it and please let me know what are some of your favorite Christmas songs!! I think it’s always interesting to know everybody’s preferences πŸ˜„

Though, before we continue I do want to point out that most of the songs in my list have a primarily religious meaning and context. However, my interpretations and opinions of these songs won’t be, just because I want to make it more general and make sure that everyone is able to enjoy the post equally ☺️

The objective of this Advent Calendar is to get to know each other better and learn about some of the things we love to do this time of year! I really hope that you guys decide to participate, and I can’t wait to read your answers as well. If you want to check out the upcoming questions go to this page.

Share one of your songs in your Christmas playlist! If you don’t have one, just tell us about a song you’re loving at the moment.

Today’s question for the Advent Calendar coincides with the post! (who would’ve thought? 😦 What a coincidence 😏). Obviously, my answer is the post so I hope you enjoy it!

The first song I want to share is…

🎢 Christmas Tree Farm by Taylor Swift 🎢

Just being in your arms, takes me back to that little farm.

Where every wish comes true.

If you still haven’t listened to this song, what are you doing?

I think this is one of the best Christmas songs to ever exist. No, it’s not traditional, but I have plenty of that, so I really wanted to put this one first. Taylor Swift has the magnificent talent of always making sure that her songs are close to her heart. I think this is what makes her such a wonderful artist, because after so many years she still makes music that she loves and is proud of. Fun fact: she actually grew up in a Christmas tree farm, which only makes this song even more beautiful.

So, the book that reminds me the most of this song is In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren. Both the song and this novel share a beautiful message about how special a place or a memory can be for us. Moments that we look back on and realize how precious and magical they are, and all the beautiful times we shared with the people we love. Specially at this time of year, the small things are what remind us of home and our families, where we all feel safe and protected once again.

[Goodreads]

🎢 Hallelujah by Pentatonix 🎢

 But all I’ve ever learned from love, was how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya.

I know that this song isn’t by Pentatonix, and it isn’t exactly a Christmas song either, but their cover is probably my favorite version of it and I do have it my playlist.

I think Hallelujah has many different meanings and everyone has their own interpretation of it. Personally, this song has a big emphasis on being beaten down, but getting through it. Whether that be on a personal, professional, or romantic level, it doesn’t really matter. The point is that at some point, you might’ve felt completely destroyed and in need for help, and you need to find the strength and help necessary to get back up and keep going.

A book that I think shares the same message is It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. This is a story about making mistakes, betrayal, and disappointment. The way that the story is told helps you understand the entire picture and the fact that there are no good or bad guys, but instead normal people that are forced to face impossible situations.

[Goodreads]

🎢 The First Noel 🎢

They looked up and saw a star, shining in the east beyond them far.

And to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.

The First Noel is a very special song for me because it was one of the first Christmas songs I played on piano recitals when I was younger. I didn’t know it before then, but I enjoyed learning it so much that it has remained as one of my favorites. This song has a very strong meaning about having something (or someone) to guide you. Something that matters to you so much that you’re willing to go through every obstacle and hurdle to get to it. My description sounds kind of intense πŸ˜…, but you know what I mean.

For this, I couldn’t help but pick The Odyssey by Homer. Even if you haven’t read it, I imagine you know that it’s the story of Odysseus’ long and difficult journey back home after the war. You can’t even begin to imagine everything that this man went through and had to face. But, regardless of all that, he was determined to get back home to his family. And, after years and years of effort… *sigh* I guess you’ll just have to read it to know whether or not he returned πŸ€·πŸ½β€β™€οΈ

[Goodreads]

🎢 It’s Not Christmas Without You from Victorious 🎢

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmK3PhiAiOQ

Something’s missing, and I’m wishing, wishing that you knew.

How much it would mean to spend this Christmas time with you.

I’ve been obsessed with this song since I first saw that episode on Nickelodeon. Besides that fact that it’s sung by three AMAZING women, it is one of the best Christmas songs I have ever heard. Do yourself a favor and listen to it please.

There isn’t much to say about this one though. It’s just a fun and cheery song that really helps you get into this season’s spirit. So, for that, I’ll choose one of my most recent reads, which is All I Want For Christmas Is You. This is an anthology with six romance stories. I had so much fun reading this and all the stories were great in their own way. If you want to know more about, you can check out my review of it here!

[Goodreads]

🎢 Sleigh Ride 🎢

Yes, I’m linking the Nickelodeon version cause it makes me nostalgic.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring tingle tingling too.

Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Sleigh Ride is, without a doubt, my favorite (traditional) Christmas song. I think it’s pretty clear that, at this time of year, I much prefer listening to cheerier tunes. But once again, there really isn’t much to this song. It’s just about having a great time with friends, enjoying the cold weather (for those lucky people that don’t live near the equator like me πŸ™„), and having a blast at this special time.

So, because of these positive and happy vibes, I wanted to pick a book that truly honors them. I think that the perfect choice is Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting. This novel is pure fun, cuteness, and about enjoying life. Also, a big part of it takes place in the holidays, which is a plus. I definitely recommend this if you’re in the mood for a cozy, short romance novel.

[Goodreads] [Review]

🎢 All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey 🎢

I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know.

Make my wish come true… All I want for Christmas is you.

Obviously, I couldn’t make a list without including one of the most iconic songs to ever exist. I’m sorry, but if you’re a Scrooge that thinks this is a bad song… I don’t know if we can be friends πŸ‘€ Of course, you don’t have to like it, but at least acknowledge that it’s a good song πŸ˜‰ Pretty please? I’m just kidding, I’m not the best at joking πŸ˜…πŸ˜†

Anyways, as you all probably know, this song is about spending Christmas with the ones that you love. Even though we love the presents and the pretty decorations, this isn’t the most important part of the holidays. The real spirit of Christmas is to spread kindness and love to everyone in any way that we can. It is a time for family and friends.

For this song, I think that the perfect book is The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez. The romance in this book is wonderful, and the underlying message is beautiful. I really like that Josh loves Kristen to the moon and back. And, despite their circumstances, he does everything in his power to make her understand how much he cares about her.

[Goodreads]

I would love to know some of the songs in your favorite playlist at the moment! It doesn’t need to be Christmas music obviously.