Christmas is a time for celebrating, having fun with your family, or avoiding those love-to-hate in-laws. One part of having a great holiday season is listening to festive music! These up-beat songs can help get you in the mood for cheer and goodwill, or psych you up for battering your sister at Monopoly, or maybe even a bit of festive blackjack. Nothing raises you spirit like some catchy tunes…
All I Want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey previous dated casino magnate James Packer, so she’s now inextricably linked to gaming forever. But more than that, this song is relatively recent but feels like it’s been around forever. Croon along to it while dancing around the living room, if you’re feeling brave! Mariah’s operatic range is on full display in this song. So while you can butcher it at family karaoke, it also makes a great soundtrack to playing games.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – The Jackson 5
The original version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town was released in 1934 by a famous banjoist, Harry Reser. It’s been through a bunch of different cover versions since then, including covers by Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton and both Minogue sisters. But our favourite version is the Jackson 5 cover from 1970, which is full of Motown soul. It’s the perfect tune to get you pumped up – and the reminder to be good means you’ll even be a gracious loser if things don’t go so well.
Fairytale of New York – The Pogues
A great song is one which will make you throw your arms around each other’s shoulders and sing at the top of your lungs. Fairytale of New York is the kind of Christmas song to shout along to while you’re playing games, no matter what kind they are. It’s also a song about finding good fortune, in part: “Got on a lucky one / Came in eighteen to one” declares Shane MacGowan. Though the characters in the song may then see their luck begin to turn, hopefully you can stay lucky!
Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
Everyone knows someone with an expensive taste in presents! Eartha Kitt sweetly begs Santa to bring her a yacht, or a ring from Tiffany, in this tongue-in-cheek Christmas tune. It’s a little more chilled out than some other Christmas tunes, making it a great backing song. Alternatively, it’s a reminder that you still have so much last-minute shopping to do! If you need to save up to buy a yacht, you’d better hope you get lucky on those Mega Moolah slots.
Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
Electric guitars make every Christmas song sound that much cooler. Chuck Berry, as one of the best guitarists of all time, seems like the perfect way to round out a Christmas gaming playlist. It’s written as a 12-bar blues song, but it’s a rock and roll classic that will really get you in the festive mood. Pop open a drink, gather round your loved ones and let the spirit of 50s rock carry you through the yuletide games.
What would Christmas be without fantastic festive tunes to see us through? No matter if you like old-fashioned crooners or modern pop gems, there are some great songs which you can only listen at this time of year. Play responsibly, and have yourself a very merry Christmas – from everyone here at Lucky Nugget!
