WRITTEN BY CHERRYLLE URBANO
If you’re anything like me, the days are speedrunning toward the new year, and you’re left feeling like there’s way too much on your plate and barely any time for yourself. The holiday season can be overwhelming—too many tasks, gifts to buy, and "time off" that never quite feels like a break. For all the retail workers who powered through Black Friday and the first responders who worked through the holidays, I salute your efforts.
To cope with the chaos, I’ve curated a special playlist that helps me process my feelings. While it’s not the jolliest selection, it provides a sense of being seen and understood—which is exactly what I need right now.
Stage one is to get yourself in the mood. Tyler the Creator’s “Like Him,” featuring Lola Young, from the newly released album CHROMAKOPIA, had me lying on the floor, staring at the ceiling into an existential crisis. The lyrics hit hard, especially when you understand the deeper context. It’s subtle at first but builds into something profoundly emotional—kind of like a realization that snowballs into a whirlwind of thoughts you’re scrambling to make sense of. Without oversharing, let’s just say I’ve got my own father issues, and this song cuts deep. It makes me question my similarities and just traps me in my mind.
Stage two is to cry. Rio Romero’s “Nothing New” is my go-to scream-it-out cry song. It’s raw, emotional, and perfect for those moments when the holidays make you feel cold and isolated. While the lyrics can be interpreted as longing for a relationship, I hear it as a yearning for connection—whether that’s with someone else or, in my case, learning to love myself. Rio Romero’s powerful vocals and heart-wrenching lyricism hit like a tidal wave, and by the time the chorus rolls around, I’m usually in full ugly-sob mode. This song perfectly captures the ache of wanting to feel seen and valued.
Stage three is to reel it back in. After crying it all out, Djo’s “End of Beginning” is like a warm hug that reminds me to take a breath. My playlists always follow a structure: mood-setting, full-on emotional breakdown, and finally, calm reassurance. “End of Beginning” is the perfect closing track. It’s nostalgic yet comforting, with lyrics that feel like a quiet pep talk, reminding you that this moment is just a blip, and you can hit reset anytime. Singing along to this song never fails to lift me out of the trenches.
To everyone feeling weighed down by the season, I hope these songs find a place in your playlist. Take some time for yourself—a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and maybe a good cry. And remember, we’ll get through this together. Out of the trenches, with our headphones fully blasted, and into the new year, one step at a time.