design: Makenna Shrager
With the festive season right around the corner, holiday songs are inescapable this time of the year. I got in the holiday spirit and ranked my top 10 favorite Christmas songs in ascending order.
10. Brenna Lee “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
Recorded while Brenna Lee was only 13 years old, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree remains to be one of the most memorable and catchy Christmas songs. The song has also been interpreted by other popular artists such as Kim Wilde and Miley Cyrus.
9. Andy Williams “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
Andy Williams’ 1963 hit has a joyful spirit that leaves the listeners excited for the holiday season and all the winter festivities that come along. I really liked how the song features lyrics about celebrations and spending time with family and friends.
8. Michael Bublé “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas was originally written and sung by Meredith Wilson in 1951, according to Wikipedia. However, I prefer the Michael Bublé version. I felt as his version captured the mood of the song better overall.
7. Kelly Clarkson “Underneath the Tree”
This holiday special comes from Clarkson’s first Christmas album, Wrapped in Red and is considered to be a classic by many. Clarkson incorporates bell chimes and other instrumental sounds to better create a holiday atmosphere for the song and I really enjoy it.
6. Taylor Swift “Christmas Tree Farm”
“Christmas Tree Farm” is a cheery pop song inspired by Swift’s Christmas vacation in 2019. The song is centered on the theme of family and nostalgia, and it’s a cute song. Swift released an “Old Timey Version” of the song on Nov. 22, which was more laid back and slow.
5. Bobby Helms “Jingle Bell Rock”
“Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms is considered to be one of the first rock and roll Christmas songs that still continues to enter the charts even 60 years later. The track has been featured in many movies and shows. It’s known for being an uplifting song and is a Christmas staple.
4. Wham! “Last Christmas”
The original version of Last Christmas by Wham! is an 80s track that captures heartbreak during the holiday festivities. Since then, there’s been many covers of Last Christmas from various artists throughout the years. Some of my favorite covers are from Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Robyn.
3. Justin Bieber “Mistletoe”
“Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber captures the story of a wholesome holiday love story. Bieber sings about just wanting to spend time with his significant other during the season and having fun. I think it’s a good song in its own right.
2. Ariana Grande “Santa Tell Me”
“Santa Tell Me” was Grande’s 2014 holiday single from her Christmas EP, Christmas Kisses. It’s a festive pop song where she asks Santa Claus for her relationship to last over a year. I like that she used R&B influences in the background vocals and I think it’s her best Christmas song.
1. Mariah Carey “All I Want for Christmas is You”
Mariah Carey’s Christmas classic is the most played holiday song of all time and even helped earn her the title as the Queen of Christmas. Its yearly reign on the Billboard Hot 100 speaks for itself. It’s definitely a Christmas song that could be overplayed and I would still love.
