Staff Picks: December 2025
Our Sheet Music Direct team plays, strums and sings just as much as you do! We're a team of musicians who love music of various styles and, when we're not busy with all things Sheet Music Direct, play at home, church, and gigs. Each month, we're sharing some of the favorite songs we're currently playing and why we think you'll love them too. For the holiday season, our December picks feature some of our team's festive favorites. Check these out below or head over to our Staff Picks page which we update regularly with the latest picks.
Find something you love? Let us know in the comments, or share it with the rest of the Sheet Music Direct community over on Facebook and Instagram.
Sam's Pick
Merry Christmas Everyone, Shakin' Stevens
Of all the Christmas classics I've been hearing since I was a kid, this one might be my favorite just for the sheer, unabashed joyfulness of it. I have a video on my phone of my (then) 3-year-old daughter singing along and getting the words wrong, which never fails to bring a smile to my face. I also did a TTBB arrangement of the song for my a cappella group, which was always a crowd-pleaser at this time of year!
Annie's Pick
Star of Bethlehem (from Home Alone), John Williams (arr. Phillip Keveren)
My favorite Staff Pick month of the year! This year I've chosen John Williams' "Star Of Bethlehem" from Home Alone. I love this calming melody that feels like it's gently welcoming you into the holiday season. This piano solo arrangement Phillip Keveren includes interesting variation throughout, building up to running 16th notes and full chords, and then settling back to a simple ending.
Mysha's Pick
Step Into Christmas, Elton John
As soon as this song comes on the radio, I know we're properly into the festive season. The piano has that classic Elton John energy without feeling over the top. I always enjoy playing it around this time of year, especially when I want something festive that feels fun and upbeat.
Joe's Pick
I'll Be Home for Christmas, Frank Sinatra
Originally written and recorded in 1943, this melancholy yet hopeful ballad is sung from the point of view of a World War II soldier. Stationed overseas during the Christmas season, he nevertheless leans into his fantasy of being back with his family. The warm visions conjured by the snow outside and "presents on the tree" alongside the beautiful chord progression give way to the bittersweet lines "I'll be home for Christmas/If only in my dreams". Emulate your favorite of the recorded versions, be it by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Kelly Clarkson, Camilla Cabello, or many many more.
Jill's Pick
I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, Ella Fitzgerald
My home has very cold, dark Midwestern winters, and my Christmas playlists have to do the heavy lifting of keeping things cheery and bright. Nobody does it better than Ella! Her always-swinging vocals carry me through the worst of winter, and I love this record in particular featuring immaculate instrumentals from the Paul Weston Orchestra.
Jacklyn's Pick
Somewhere in My Memory (from Home Alone), John Williams
"Somewhere In My Memory" has always felt like pure holiday magic to me. John Williams wrote it with such warmth and nostalgia that you can almost feel childhood memories coming back to life as soon as the melody begins. I've been learning this piece on the piano, and playing it has made me appreciate just how beautifully it captures the feeling of home, wonder, and the entire season in just a few notes. It's one of those songs that makes the holidays feel real the moment you hear it.
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