Special Olympics “25 Days of A Very Special Christmas” Playlist on Pandora Release Date: December 1st
Special Olympics and Pandora are teaming up to release the “25 Days of A Very Special Christmas” playlist on Pandora Premium! This holiday season, Pandora will release a playlist created by Special Olympics athletes that highlights how listeners of all abilities are celebrating the holidays and staying connected through the timeless music of A Very Special Christmas.
Here’s what we need from you!
1.) Select your favorite holiday song from the “25 Days of A Very Special Christmas” playlist (see Page 3 for the complete list of songs) We’re asking Special Olympics athletes to select their favorite holiday song from the “25 Days of A Very Special Christmas” playlist that:
o Inspires joy during the holidays o Reminds them of a favorite holiday memory o Helps them feel connected to friends and family during COVID-19
2.) Record and send two (2) audio tracks* (see Page 2 for instructions) We’re also asking athletes to provide audio commentary to narrate the playlist and share a few words about what their favorite holiday music means to them! Click here to listen to examples from our Special Olympics Champions playlist.
3.) Send us a high quality photo of you wearing your favorite “ugly Christmas sweater” or other holiday-themed outfit!
All song choices, audio recordings, and photos must be submitted to Nikki Villanueva ([email protected]) and Megan Gausemel ([email protected]) by November 17th.
*SOI will determine which athlete audio tracks will be included in the playlist based on the quantity and quality of the submissions. Therefore, SOI cannot guarantee that every athlete submission will be in included in the playlist. Programs will be notified by SOI once selections have been made.
Audio Recording Guide
● Find a quiet room/space in which to record. Avoid spaces that echo, and be aware of ambient noise/background chatter. ● Using your voice memo app, hold your phone around 6” in front of your mouth. ● Use your normal speaking voice. Be yourself: genuine and engaging, but not animated.
Sample Script #1 – Your Favorite Holiday Song:
Hi I’m [NAME] from [SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROGRAM NAME]! My favorite holiday song is [SONG TITLE]. [SHARE HOW THIS SONG HELPS YOU CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON OR A FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY]. Wishing you a happy holiday season!
Sample Script #2 – Your Message of Joy and Hope for the Holidays:
Hi I’m [NAME] from [SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROGRAM NAME]! [INSERT PERSONAL MESSAGE OF HOPE, JOY AND MOTIVATION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON]. Wishing you a happy holiday season!
“25 Days of A Very Special Christmas” Playlist
Select your favorite holiday song from the list below!
Track Artist
O Christmas Tree Aretha Franklin
Christmas Blues Traveler I Wish Every Day Could Be Like Bon Jovi
Christmas
Merry Christmas Baby Bruce Springsteen
Run Rudolph Run Bryan Adams
White Christmas Darlene Love
Christmas Song Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
Sleigh Ride Debbie Gibson
Christmas Day Dido
Jingle Bells Earl Scruggs
Christmas Tears Eric Clapton Santa Claus In Coming To Town Frank Sinatra & Cyndi Lauper
The Christmas Song Hootie & The Blowfish
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus John Mellencamp
Please Come Home For Christmas Jon Bon Jovi
Santa Baby Madonna
Christmas In The City Mary J. Blige
Christmas Without You OneRepublic
What Christmas Means To Me Paul Young
Jingle Bell Rock Randy Travis
Christmas Is Run-DMC
Christmas Time Smashing Pumpkins
Silent Night Stevie Nicks
Gabriel's Message Sting
Winter Wonderland The Eurythmics
Christmas All Over Again Tom Petty
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) U2
Last Christmas (Single Version) Wham!