Now that it’s December, it’s socially acceptable to finally listen to holiday music. The cheery, bright, and warm feeling December brings is essential to get into the holiday spirit, and the holidays would not be the same without it. I have compiled a list of holiday songs that includes the classics as well as some less widely known songs that should be revisited for more people to enjoy.

“White Christmas” – The Drifters (1956)

This song is so upbeat and playful; it will most definitely put you in the holiday spirit.

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams (1963)

 Listening to this song during the cold winter months will keep you ringing in the holiday festivities loud and proud, and envisioning the endless activities you can do to make the most out of the season.

“Mele Kalikimaka” – Bing Crosby, The Andrew Sisters (1950)

This song is a classic, but with a Hawaiian twist. It is sure to bring you to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, lounging on the sand and looking out at the rich, blue ocean waves lapping at the shore.

“Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney (1979)

The bright ping of the synthesizer combined with the repeated concept of being in the moment throughout the song portrays the importance of simply enjoying Christmas for what it is.

“Let It Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” – Frank Sinatra, B. Swanson Quartet (1950)

Sinatra encapsulates the cozy, warm feeling of staying indoors all day and watching the delicate snowfall while spending time with your loved ones.

“All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey (1994)

Played nonstop on almost every radio station every single year, Carey has you wondering who you want for Christmas.

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Perry Como (1951)

Clearly illustrating the beautiful, warm sights to see during Christmas, complete with the extravagant wishes of toys for Barney and Ben and Janice and Jen, this song couldn’t paint a clearer picture of the holidays.

“Medley: Pine Cones and Holly Berries (It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas)” – The Living Voices (1964)

“Popcorn for you, apples for me.” The beautiful harmonies of the Living Voices are perfect for reminiscing with family and loved ones, and basking in the warmth of the fireplace. The back of the album cover reads, “Woe to the Ebenezer Scrooges among us and fie on the Santa Scoffers!  This is the happy time, the wonderland time, when we will turn on all the bright colored lights in the world and ring all the bells. We will find an old dapple gray and sleigh to spirit us through the frosted, icicled, snow-covered wonderful world. We will carry home evergreens and sprigs of holly. We will hang up mistletoe and feast on oyster stew. And, we will sing holiday songs.”

“Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” – Burl Ives (1965)

Conjuring up childhood memories of watching the “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” TV special with its stop-motion claymation characters, this perennial classic hit is from the beloved folk music troubadour Burl Ives.

“Happy Christmas [War is Over]” – John & Yoko Lennon (1971)

Functioning as both a Christmas song and a protest song against the Vietnam War, this Christmas standard has lyrics set to the tune of a traditional English ballad called “Skewball.”