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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

There are a billion things about the holiday season that we love — lights, decorations, the food, the movies — but one of the defining features of Christmastime is the music. Nothing makes us nostalgic like hearing Bing Crosby croon while it snows outside! If you need some help getting into the holiday spirit, here’s a Christmas song for every mood!

Happy: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

If you’re in a good mood already and you just want to dance it out, this holiday classic is sure to make that smile even bigger! There’s nothing like a cheerful saxophone solo to liven up your Christmas baking. 

Sad: Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg

Holiday blues getting to you? This emotional ballad about two people reminiscing on their lost love on Christmas Eve is perfect for when you feel the need to dive into your own feelings. Although I do recommend the first song on this list right after to cheer you up
 

Excited: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town by Bruce Springsteen

Don’t hold back; CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!! If you’re brimming with excitement and anticipation of the whole season, then jam out to Bruce Springsteen’s rock-n-roll rendition of this classic song. Don’t let anyone dampen your Christmas spirit! 

Emotional: I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Straight No Chaser 

Sometimes you just want to feel things as deeply as you can during the holidays. This gorgeous song from the World War II era is a promise from a soldier to make it home for Christmas, and Straight No Chaser’s acapella rendition is heart-wrenching. Definitely good for singing in the shower.

Romantic: Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt/ Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande 

Ladies, it’s cuffing season! But you don’t need an S.O. to snuggle with to appreciate these songs. In fact, this one is so fun that it gets two whole songs! Get into the mood with Eartha Kitt’s sultry tones, or have fun flirting as you dance to Ariana Grande’s silver tones. ‘Tis the season!

Cozy: Let It Snow by Vaughn Monroe

There is literally nothing cozier than sitting inside under a blanket while the snow falls outside. If you’re ready for that level of comfort, then grab a hot drink, some fuzzy socks, your warmest blanket, and crank up this wintry classic! 

Dreamy: White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Daydreaming about a blanket of snow on Christmas morning? Of an email saying that classes are cancelled? So is Bing Crosby. Pop on this holiday favorite and lose yourself in visions of a winter wonderland! 

Balletic: Nutcracker Suite by Pentatonix 

Ok, so most people don’t ever really feel balletic. But the Nutcracker Suite is a staple of Christmastime, and Pentatonix’s version is a must. There’s nothing like a wholesome memory turned funky and cool by everyone’s favorite acapella group!

Nostalgic: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry

Let this famous tune whisk you back to your childhood, when Rudolph’s adventures to the Island of Misfit Toys and Hermey’s desire to be a dentist were some of the most exciting things about Christmas. It’s time to be a kid again!

Literally any other mood: All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

Admit it: you just started humming the intro. Nothing says Christmas like Mariah Carey’s out-of-this-world whistle tones! Happy? Great! This song is perfect for that! Sad? That’s ok! This song will cheer you up! Not sure how you feel? Wrong- you’re in the mood for this song! 

No matter what you celebrate or what music you listen to this time of year, have a relaxing break and a Happy New Year! 

Nina Gold

PSU '23

Nina Gold is a freshman in the BFA Acting program at Penn State. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, dance, yoga, and binging the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Bailey McBride is a Senior at Penn State University pursuing a Broadcast Journalism degree with minors in Political Science and Digital Media Trends & Analytics. She is a sister of Delta Gamma. She enjoys making hyper-organizational lists and looking at future pups to adopt. Her dream job is to be Press Secretary of the White House.