By Jackie Helton, the Music Mama

Can you believe we saw a little snow around here yesterday? It’s definitely “beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” So, in honor of the season, here’s a great new playlist of fun Christmas tunes to load on your iPod and enjoy through the holidays. If we missed your favorite Christmas song, let us know by clicking the comment button (lower right) and posting your suggestion. Happy listening!

Holly, Jolly Christmas, by Burl Ives

Linus and Lucy, by Vince Guaraldi Trio (from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”)

Christmas Time is Here, by Vince Guaraldi Trio (from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”)

Little Saint Nick, by The Beach Boys

All I Want For Christmas is You, by Vince Vance and the Valiants (great song, but not the one you think it is)

Carol of the Bells, by Mannheim Steamroller

Santa Baby, by Eartha Kitt

White Christmas, by Bing Crosby

Winter Wonderland, by Tony Bennett

Baby, It’s Cold Outside, by Dean Martin

Santa Claus is Coming to Town, by Bruce Springstreen

This Christmas, by Christina Aguilera

Feliz Navidad, by Jose Feliciana

Mary, Did You Know, by Clay Aiken

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, by Michael Buble’

Blue Christmas, by Chris Isaak

Mele Kalikimaka, by Chris Isaak

Same Old Lang Syne, by Dan Fogelberg

Wonderful Christmas, by Paul McCartney

Happy Xmas, by John Lennon

Little Drummer Boy, by Faith Hill

All I Want for Christmas is You, by Mariah Carey (this is the one you think it is)

Believe, by Josh Groban (from “The Polar Express”)

Silent Night, by Sarah McLachlan

Oh, Holy Night, by John Berry

Fairytale of New York, by The Pogues

By Jackie Helton, the Music Mama

With only about three weeks to go before Thanksgiving, our November music playlist will help you find your grateful groove. Listen to this playlist on your iPod while you’re cooking the big feast, or use these songs as the perfect musical backdrop for your Thanksgiving get-togethers with friends and family. Some of the songs are old, some new, some in-between – just like family itself. Enjoy.

Family Tradition, by Hank Williams, Jr.

Thank you for the Music, by ABBA

Celebrate Me Home, by Kenny Loggins

Home, by Michael Buble’

Our House, by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Back Home Again, by John Denver

A House is Not a Home, by Luther Vandross

Thank You, by John Mellencamp

Thanks for the Memories, by Bob Hope

We Are Family, by Sly and the Family Stone

Grandma’s Hands, by Bill Withers

Homeward Bound, by Simon & Garfunkel

Thank You (for lettinme be myself) by Sly and the Family Stone

Harvest Moon, by Neil Young

My Front Porch Looking In, by Lonestar

Family, by Amy Grant

Let Them Be Little, by Billy Dean

Thank You, by Dido

Did we forget one? Click on the word “comment” below and post your favorite “thankful” song.

By Jackie, the Music Mama

What often separates the mamas from the papas is that women aren’t afraid to have a good cry now and then, when we really need one. For those times when you’re convinced no one has ever felt as bad as you do, try putting a few of these tunes on your ipod. It’ll help you remember that you’re not alone. And hopefully, after you release a little emotional tension, you’ll be singing a happier tune real soon. Pass the tissues.

Ain’t No Sunshine, by Bill Withers

Are You Lonesome Tonight?, by Elvis Presley

Because of You, by Kelly Clarkson

Break It To Me Gently, by Juice Newton

Broken Vow, by Josh Groban

A Broken Wing, by Martina McBride

Can’t Live, by Nillson

Cry, by James Blunt

Crying, by Roy Orbison and k.d.lang

The Dance, by Garth Brooks

Don’t Take The Girl, by Tim McGraw

Hurt, by Juice Newton

I’ll Never Love This Way Again, by Dionne Warwick

I’ve Got To Get A Message To You, by The BeeGees

I Can Let Go Now, by Michael McDonald

I Will Always Love You, by Dolly Parton or Whitney Houston

I’ll Never Fall In Love Again, by Tom Jones

Like We Never Had A Broken Heart, by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood

Love Hurts, by Nazareth

My Heart Will Go On, by Celine Dion

Please Remember Me, by Tim McGraw

Sad Eyes, by Robert John

To Where You Are, by Josh Groban

Where’ve You Been, by Kathy Mattea

When Somebody Loved Me, by Sarah McLachlan

He Wants To Get Married, by Reba McEntire

Did we forget to list your favorite, have-a-good-cry song? Click the word “comment” on the bottom right of this post, and name that tune. The Music Mama is back on the first of each month with a new, creative playlist for your listening pleasure.

By Jackie, the “Proud to be an American” music mama

If you’ve still got a case of Olympic afterglow, or if you’re enjoying this season’s fascinating presidential race, then this playlist is for you. It’s got red, white and blue all over it and is sure to inspire the patriot in all of us. (We found the cool American flag skin for your ipod at skinthepod.com.) Enjoy your tunes, ladies.

American Woman, by The Guess Who

American Pie, by Don McLean

God Bless The USA, by Lee Greenwood

American Baby, by Dave Matthews

American Woman, by Lenny Kravitz (repeat of the first song , but oh-so-awesome)

America the Beautiful, by Ray Charles

American Girl, by Tom Petty

We’re an American Band, by Grand Funk Railroad

American Trilogy, by Elvis Presley

United We Stand, by Brotherhood of Man

Stand Tall, by Burton Cummings

Star Spangled Banner, by Jimi Hendrix

Olympic Fanfare, by Boston Pops Orchestra

One Moment in Time, by Whitney Houston

Chariots of Fire, by Synthesizer Syndicate

Reach, by Gloria Estefan

I Believe I Can Fly, by R. Kelly

A Moment Like This, by Kelly Clarkson

Shining Star, by Earth, Wind, and Fire

How Do You Like Me Now?, by Toby Keith

Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue, by Toby Keith

Don’t Stop Believin’, by Journey

Did we miss one? Post your favorite patriotic song by clicking below on the word “comment.” The Music Mama posts a great new playlist on the first of every month.