As soon as Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to bring out my Christmas playlist to get in the holiday spirit. Some people get tired of hearing Christmas songs all month long, but it’s a vital part of the experience for me.
Here is my ranking of my top 10 favorite Christmas songs:
10. “Wonderful Christmas Time” – Paul McCartney
While the song is simple lyrically, the synthy sound and festive bells in the background make this song a perfect contender to start off my top 10 list. People across generations enjoy this song and it has just the right amount of Christmas vibes without getting annoying.
9. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
This is a song that needs to be on everyone’s Christmas playlist. Most people probably know the lyrics or are at least familiar with the tune. It’s a song that shows up in dozens of Christmas movies and at this point it feels like it’s a part of the holiday.
8. “Where Are You Christmas” – Faith Hill
Even though this song is relatively sad, it’s vocally beautiful. It makes me reminisce about the holidays during my childhood. I think it’s good to throw a song that gets you a little emotional into your Christmas playlist.
7. “Hallelujah” – Pentatonix
I had to include a Pentatonix song on this list and this is one of my favorite ones. I personally only listen to Pentatonix around the holidays, so hearing any of their Christmas songs immediately makes me feel more festive. Acappella might not be something for everyone, but I think it’s really fun to listen to.
6. “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is great at creating Christmas pop songs. With her two holiday EPs “Christmas Kisses” and “Christmas & Chill,” Grande has figured out how to make a catchy Christmas song. While her holiday songs might not be everyone’s cup of tea because of how untraditional they are, this one is my favorite of hers.
5. “Christmas Time” – Bryan Adams
This song is perfect because it feels festive without needing jingle bells in the background. It’s nostalgic to me and reminds me of Christmas with my parents. The buildup to the end of the song is great, and even though the lyrics scream “Christmas” the sound doesn’t feel overpowering, giving it a good balance.
4. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love
Another one of my favorites, this song is insanely catchy and something I would maybe even catch myself listening to outside of the holiday season. Most covers I have heard of this song are also great, but the original has a nice nostalgic sound you can’t beat.
3. “Last Christmas” – Wham!
This song has been covered by other artists dozens of times, but the original by Wham! will always be my favorite (even though Taylor Swift’s version is up there too). This song perfectly combines heartbreak and holidays, to create a Christmas pop hit.
2. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
This song will always be a Christmas classic. It’s timeless and even though many might say it’s overplayed, hearing it immediately puts me in a good mood. Hearing this song while shopping or on the radio is basically a signal that the holidays are here.
1. “Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson
To me, this song is 2010s version of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” I love Kelly Clarkson’s voice and this is a song I can’t see myself ever getting tired of. It’s definitely well on it’s way to becoming a Christmas classic and will be on rotation all season long.