You might hear Michael Buble Christmas music blaring on the radio when you go home this week, but December holidays shouldn’t get all the glory when it comes to festive music. Plus, ignoring that Thanksgiving has yet to happen is just disrespectful to all those turkeys who will lose their lives for us. Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food anymore, kids. Get out your speakers and crank the volume as your attempt to reason with Trump supporters through decorative centerpieces.
1. My Favorite Things – Julie Andrews
A woman supremely thankful for a needle pulling thread obviously has the thankfulness thing down pat. Get #nostalgic with your family during Thanksgiving and be thankful that your boyfriend isn’t a Nazi this Thanksgiving.
2. Thanksgiving Song – Adam Sandler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYJ-MXwbQlY
I think I fall within a large group of people who prefer past Adam Sandler to the present version, so why not get nostalgic once again with his SNL classic? If you’ve heard his Chanukah song before, you’ll love this one just as much. Rolling Stone even wrote a whole article breaking down the hit verse by verse. Take a shot every time he sings the word “turkey” and see who starts dancing with Grandma first this year.
3. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Whether you first heard this song at the end of Madeline or in your first grade music class, Louis Armstrong’s voice definitely stands the test of time. Although the world might seem like a rough place to live right now, just remember that trees will always be green and skies will always be blue… Except for, you know, when it’s cloudy and rainy and you just want to stay in side binge eating cranberry sauce
4. Thankful – Kelly Clarkson
I must admit, I was too young to remember much of a Kelly before Breakaway, but Thankful serves as one of her first big hits along with the name of her debut album. She sings about being thankful for blessings, love and all that mushy mashed potato type stuff. Let Queen Kelly reign on your Thanksgiving playlist this year as she did on the first season of American Idol in 2002.
5. Apple Pie a La Mode – Destiny’s Child
Sure, this song may be more about Beyonce wanting to get it on than the Thanksgiving spirit, but the song is called “Apple Pie a La Mode,” after all. Put on the throwback track while rushing to the store to get that turkey with your mom or figuring out how the hell to make a green bean casserole. And as always, remember to give thanks for Queen B slaying us with Lemonade, Blue Ivy and all her bossness.
6. Thanksgiving – Kendrick Lamar ft. Big Pooh
Calling all Kendrick fans. Are you sure you’ve heard every song Mr. Duckworth has ever recorded? Finding the link to Thanksgiving in this song might be harder than stuffing the turkey, but hey, you can always say thanks for undiscovered tracks by your favorite artists.
7. Thanksgiving – Loudon Wainwright III
This tune might have the same name as Kendrick’s track, but the two songs couldn’t be more different. (Plus, it’s not like Thanksgiving is copyrighted, is it…?) Wainwright’s eerie, haunting track reminds us how it’s possible to feel both close and distant to your family at the same time. With college life and political elections, remember to keep your family close and say thanks for group hugs and extra marshmallows on the sweet potatoes.
8. The Beatles – Thank You Girl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC23B8FS0Nw
Tell me you haven’t dreamed about one of the Beatles professing his everlasting love for you. In this classic song, some lucky lady’s dream came true. Remember to tell your loved ones that you appreciate and love them this holiday season. And let’s say thanks for boy bands old and new. They’ve always had a way with great hairstylists.
9. Glee Cast – Homeward Bound/Home
Remember when Glee was actually quality television? Me too. I say we #neverforget about those holiday themed episodes from the earlier seasons with the late Cory Monteith. The characters mashed up Phillip Phillips’ always uplifting “Home” and “Homeward Bound” by Paul Simon, and brought tears to parents and children nationwide. Something old and something new never worked better than this. But your great uncle John and his new, 20-years-younger girlfriend may not blend so well together with the rest of the fam this Thanksgiving.
10. Dido – Thank You
Eminem can’t take all the credit for the catchiness of his haunting hit “Stan.” Dido’s song “Thank You” provides the hook for his great hit. Join Dido in thanking someone for the best day of your life. Who knows, maybe this Thanksgiving will become the new best day of your life. I mean, what day with all this food isn’t? Plus the leftovers you get to bring back to school? I’d say we’re #blessed.
