Christmas is one of my all-time favorite times of year. I don’t know if it’s all the Christmas lights, but does the world not seem brighter? It is one of the few times everyone seems to be happy. Even through all the difficulties the world may face, the holidays seem to bring everyone together. I love getting in the holiday mood with peppermint flavored everything and cozy pajamas. One thing that especially gets me in a jolly mood is Christmas music, so I’ve decided to make a list of my personal top five favorite Christmas songs.

1. “Little Saint Nick” by The Beach Boys

This song is absolutely iconic! It’s fun, groovy, yet classic Christmassy beat is almost addictive. It makes it on any Christmas playlist for me and always gets me in the Christmas mood. I love a song that is both good to listen and sing along to but also something I can shimmy to. How can anyone listen to this song and not be in a happy mood? That’s why it’s making my number one spot.

2. “Oh Santa!” by Mariah Carey (ft. Ariana Grande & Jennifer Hudson)

Mariah Carey is the queen of Christmas, and it wouldn’t be the holidays if you haven’t heard her iconic whistle notes bless our ears. The original “Oh Santa!” was already a great song but including Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson, two vocal powerhouses was an absolutely spectacular addition to the song. Individually, their voices are amazing but together they are perfection. I would be lying if I said I don’t look forward to listening to this song every year.

3. “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee

If I go an entire Christmas season without listening to this song, chances are I’m deaf but even then, I would stream this song. It’s a classic! The holidays would be incomplete for me if I didn’t listen to this song on Christmas morning while my family opened gifts. Nostalgia in a song is the best way to describe it. Brenda Lee perfectly captures the holiday mood through this song.

4. “Last Christmas” by Wham!

The number of times I’ve sang this song at the top of my lungs would probably be concerning to some but it’s tradition to me and must be done every year. Such a heartbreaking song while simultaneously being so heartwarming to listen to every year. Whether I’m in the car listening to it or shopping while it plays in the background, I always need to sing along to this holiday classic.

5. “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson

This song to me just reminds me of November 28^th, Black Friday, and waking up extra early to go Christmas shopping with my aunt. It’s an activity I look forward to every year! Shopping can be stressful, but this song can easily change my mood which is why I had to include it in my list.

There are so many other songs I’m sad I couldn’t include on this list, but these are just ones that have really stuck out to me this holiday season. Who knows, maybe this list will be completely different next year. The holidays wouldn’t be what they are without the amazing festive music, and I look forward to listening to everything both old and new every year. So, I hope we can all enjoy this beautiful and magical time while listening to all of our favorite holiday songs. Since I love Christmas music so much, I’ve decided to share with you a playlist made by my friends and I of our personal favorites. Happy Holidays to all!