Photo credit (clockwise from upper left): Babes in Boyland; Chateau de Konstanse; Babes in Boyland; Unknown; Unknown; Unknown.

One of my favorite traditions during the holiday season is also one that is not explicitly planned.  My sleep schedule isn’t exactly consistent; some nights I am up editing until 11pm and thus sleep until 8:30.  Other days, I am in bed closer to 10 and will wake before dawn.  Rather than trying to force myself back to sleep, I slip quietly out of bed and head downstairs.  I turn my Christmas tree lights on, light a few candles, and pop on a Christmas album.  No really, an album.  As in vinyl.  I make a cup of tea, grab a cozy blanket, and snuggle up on the couch while Nat King Cole or Vince Guaraldi or Joan Baez crackle across the record player.

Of course I can’t ship all of you a record player, though if you’re in Northern Virginia and send me a little note, I  may share with you my secret spot for scoring cheap vinyl.  So instead, I am sharing a playlist with soft music that builds as the sun rises, and is perfect for early December mornings.  A few old favorites mixed in with newer folksy singer/songwriters offer a relaxing start to your day if you are up for early feedings, scrolling through your IG feed, knitting Christmas gifts, or writing out Christmas cards.  I hope you enjoy!