In the themes of the month, we’ve talked about frosted feelings, white nights and silly special friends… winter wonders that have something worth keeping. Today, I have that family holiday playlist for those enjoying the idea that found family can be a gift wrapped with care shortly before the new year.

The lyrics hit the themes of the day, but the song also hits a soft spot. Not only does it say I’ll be there, it adds that I’m bringing my love (for those around me) energy as winter love is spreading. It’s not just a season of kindness in the air, but the idea that you go where the people you love are to be with them. Because it matters, keeps you connected and shows it too.

I’ll Be Home – Meghan Trainor

The classics stand the test of time for a reason. This one reminds us that the reasons can be as simple as homemade pie, but everyone has a reason to go home. And it’s not the same across the board. But it does have at least one friendly face that makes the travel worth it. And, that face you get? When you surprise someone who didn’t expect to see you and you appeared like a gift to them? Yeah, you can’t make that kind of happy to see you up.

Home For The Holidays – Perry Como

Sometimes it’s just having you around makes it feel like the holiday. That everything is right with the world for one night, and happiness can overtake the stress, worry, grief… That that Christmas magic in the group setting that makes you feel your safest feels like home, like joy and peace and relaxing in good company.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas – Gwen Stefani/Blake Shelton

Memories keep me warm… There’s so many good points about the reasons you go to your found family, but this next one talks about the ups and downs of it. That memories only do so much, because, ultimately? Christmas isn’t Christmas without you. And no, this isn’t just an excuse to post a Jersey boy, but it totally helps with the good things come from here cause.

Christmas Isn’t Christmas – Bon Jovi

Thru the years, we’ll be together, if the fates allow… that’s it. That’s all you can ask, and how you trust each other to just be there. Choose each other in the holiday season, be there for each other in it too, and have a merry little Christmas. That’s all anyone can ask for, really, and it’s my wish to you, my dear readers.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Bing Crosby