How to Build the Best Thanksgiving Playlist
Every party needs a playlist, but some come easier than others. Christmas has literally every song. Hanukkah has a perfect Sharon Jones album. There are plenty of summery bops for the 4th of July. But what the hell constitutes a Thanksgiving song?
Thanksgiving is a challenge when it comes to music because it lies at the intersection of so many types of gatherings. It’s dinner-centric, so hyped-up dance music is out. It’s not religious, so you’ll be getting no help from hymns. It involves the whole family, so you need stuff that everyone will enjoy, or at least not actively hate. And let’s face it, it’s a little bit corny. The only Thanksgiving song out there is by Adam Sandler (please don’t put this on your playlist). “Giving thanks” and “being grateful” are not the foundations of great songs.
But fear not, because a playlist that makes everyone feel loved and sated and welcome is absolutely possible, without any novelty songs about turkeys.
Warm and low
Thanksgiving is about catching up with family and arguing with your cousins about how to properly carve a turkey, so any music you play should stay firmly in the background. That doesn’t mean that an impromptu dance session while peeling potatoes would be unwelcome, only that your gym mix will probably be distracting.
Seeing as Thanksgiving is about family, stick with things that are familiar for everyone. That’s obviously different for every family. It could be big band, or soft indie pop, or mambo, or that one Buena Vista Social Club album. These are all sounds that tend to inspire movement and positive feelings, but keeping the tunes at a low volume provides a good backdrop should the conversation stall out.
Throw in some sing-alongs later in the evening
Thanksgiving is generally an all-day affair, so you’ll need to have different music for the different segments of the holiday. If Thanksgiving prep work is for mingling, Thanksgiving cleanup is for getting a little wild with the adult family after kids have gone to bed. You’ve all maybe had some beer or wine by now, and maybe you have one relative who always breaks out a fancy Scotch for a final toast, and here’s where things can get fun. Is there an '80s band you know your aunts and uncles love? A song they can’t resist singing along to? Hell, even a show tune? Throw that in there, and see what happens with it when everyone is loosened up.
Okay, maybe think about gratitude
No, there aren’t really many Thanksgiving songs, but any songs on this playlist should at the very least lean more celebratory. Dirges about heartbreak and loneliness aren’t going to make anyone feel very thankful. Instead, general themes of love and happiness are the way to go. Hell, even rambling country-music tales of crime and sin are good. Just as long as no one sounds sad telling them.
No Christmas music
I know there are people out there who put on Christmas music as soon as Halloween is over. I’m here to tell you that life is a rich tapestry, but also that those people generally have a disquieting energy. We are celebrating Thanksgiving here, not Christmas, and just as you wouldn’t play “Monster Mash” on Thanksgiving (though it’s a jam), you also shouldn’t play “Jingle Bells.” Thanksgiving is not Christmas Part One! I will die on this hill! You can start with Mariah Carey on Friday!
