It’s always a sign that Christmas is getting closer when the radios, stores and restaurants start playing holiday music.

In this list, I compiled the various holiday songs I really enjoy, during the holidays with a brief description of them.

This is a mix of  older classic Christmas tunes sung by various artists.

“White Christmas”

Bing Crosby

(1945)

Crosby is a known singer and easily a household name. His Christmas music is what a lot of people know him for, because he sings so many songs for the holidays. “White Christmas” is one of those many songs and probably one of the most famous.

During the holiday season, when Christmas music is being played everywhere, “White Christmas” comes on repeatedly. It’s an absolute classic, and most people know the tune.

Baby I”t’s Cold Outside “

Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer

(1949)

This is one of the first versions of this song, and one of the best as well. This song is a classic, and like a lot of holiday songs, it has been sung countless times. It’s a duet with a man and a woman seemingly bickering, although the tone is sweet.

My favorite version of this song is the original because of the music and the way the vocalists sound. Because the song is old, it gives off cool, vintage vibes and it captures the warmth of the holidays.

“Last Christmas”

Wham!

(1985)

Because this song was released in the 1980s, it incorporates different sound effects with a toned-down pop feel. Personally, I think the background music is very pretty, and the lyrics to this song are sweet, albeit a little sad. It’s more upbeat, and is a good contrast to the slow Christmas songs that are usually played.

“Grandma  Got  Run  Over by  a Reindeer”

Elmo Shropshire

(1992)

As a song that’s mostly humorous, I think it’s genuinely a classic. This song tells of a grandma drinking too much egg-nog and stumbling home, only to end up getting run over by Santa and his reindeer.

It’s not typical, which makes it all the more interesting to listen to. The music is catchy, although the melodies are serious, and the singing is good. The lyrics really make this holiday song stand out.

“All I Want For Christmas Is You”

Mariah Carey

(1994)

In my opinion, this is the most iconic Christmas song of the 1990s. Carey’s famous high notes seem almost unreal, and the happy background music really sets the tone for Christmas. When December hits and this song starts to be heard everywhere, it never gets annoying. I highly recommend it.

“O Holy Night”

Céline Dion 

(1998)

This song starts off slow without vocals, and even when Dion does join in, the mood is kept light and delicate. As the song goes on, the vocals and the background music get a little more aggressive, climaxing when Dion is belting out high notes. Her voice and the music then get softer until the song slowly fades out.

“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

Jewel

(1999)

The way this song is sung is much different than expected. Most people know the story of Rudolph and have the lyrics of the song memorized, especially since it has been redone so many times. But Jewel’s interpretation really stands out, with a relaxing, cheerful rhythm and singing style. It’s a new take on a classic song.

With this catchy playlist to get you in the spirit, I wish you a happy holiday.