It’s the most wonderful time of the year — not Christmas morning, but the week of Christmas. The lights are glowing, the anticipation is high, shopping is (mostly) done, the eggnog is flowing, and holiday music is blasting everywhere you go.

In this episode, we dive into our Mount Rushmore of Holiday Songs — the tracks that instantly put us in the spirit of the season, transport us back to simpler times, and unlock that nostalgic, feel-good holiday energy we all chase every December.

We start by breaking down the origins of holiday music and how it evolved from traditional carols into cultural staples tied to movies, memories, and generations. We discuss what makes certain holiday songs endlessly replayable, why nostalgia plays such a powerful role, and how some tracks become timeless while others fade away.

From soulful classics to novelty chaos, we debate:

• What actually qualifies as a holiday song
• Why some songs feel warm and authentic while others feel engineered
• The role of overplay, cultural impact, and generational attachment
• And whether holiday music is about tradition, emotion, or pure vibes

As always, the Mount Rushmore format sparks strong opinions, pushback, laughs, and a little holiday controversy.

Whether you’re driving around looking at lights, wrapping last-minute gifts, or just trying to hold onto the joy before the December 26th crash hits — this episode is your soundtrack.

Happy holidays, enjoy whatever puts you in that feel-good place, and thanks for listening.