Turn Up the Beets: Holiday Playlists for a Healthy, Feel-Good Season

December 17, 2025

The holidays are loud—in the best way. Clinking glasses, sizzling pans, laughter drifting out of the kitchen. And underneath it all? Music. The right playlist can set the tone for everything from meal prep to mindful moments, especially when your holiday focus is health, balance, and feel-good food.

This season, think of your playlists the same way you think about your plate: colorful, intentional, and nourishing.

The Prep & Chop Playlist

Ideal for washing greens, roasting root vegetables, or blending citrusy vinaigrettes. This playlist keeps things upbeat without overwhelming the senses—perfect for staying energized while cooking with organic, whole-food ingredients.

Add these tracks:

• “Golden” – Harry Styles
• “Put Your Records On” – Corinne Bailey Rae
• “Sunflower” – Rex Orange County
• “Lovely Day” – Bill Withers
• “Electric Feel” – MGMT

These songs bring lightness and rhythm to the kitchen—great for moving, chopping, and dancing between the stove and the sink.

The Slow-Down & Sip Playlist

When the oven hums and the pace softens, it’s time for something gentler. Think plant-based desserts cooling on the counter, herbal tea steeping, and a table set for connection.

Add these tracks:

• “River” – Leon Bridges
• “Holocene” – Bon Iver
• “Pink Moon” – Nick Drake
• “Cherry Wine (Live)” – Hozier
• “Moon Song” – Phoebe Bridgers

This playlist pairs beautifully with mindful eating and intentional moments.

The Cozy Kitchen Cleanup Playlist

Cleanup can be a ritual, too. Soft nostalgia and calm rhythms make packing leftovers and wiping counters feel grounding instead of rushed.

Add these tracks:

• “Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac
• “Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac
• “Harvest Moon” – Neil Young
• “Ophelia” – The Lumineers

Why It Works

Music shapes mood, stress levels, and how we experience food. Pairing nourishing meals with intentional playlists encourages slower eating, better digestion, and a deeper sense of joy during the busiest season of the year.

This holiday, feed your body and your atmosphere. Turn up the beets, press play, and let wellness set the tempo.