BY MOLLY HORN
I don’t trust people who don’t sing along to Christmas carols. I’ve been shopping for Christmas presents since September. The first snowfall brought a tear to my eye, and I can fully admit that I would karaoke to “Let it Snow” un-ironically. In July.
I’m a winter holiday-oholic.
But as much as it pains me to say it, holiday songs aren’t like they used to be back in the 90’s. So here are the top 10 90’s holiday carols that can make even the Grinch rock his ugly sweater.
Head on over to our YouTube channel to listen to them all in a handy-dandy playlist.
1. Mariah Carey- All I want for Christmas is You (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY
This will forever be my favorite Mariah Carey song. You can’t NOT sing-along. Plus the outfits in the video are just so…90s. It’s basically like playing a game of “spot the puff vest” while unabashedly hitting notes only your dog can hear.
But in the best way ever.
2. 98°- The Gift (1999)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psvexd0SSNs
The classic boy band singing about love around Christmas is so clichéd, but so wonderful. Oh so very wonderful. Not to mention it offers the perfect opportunity to build your own harmony. And dance routine. And music video. Just me? Okay.
3. *NSYNC- I don’t want to spend one more Christmas without you (1998)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xUsvKrxXWk
Back when Justin Timberlake was with *NSYNC and they all wore color-coordinated outfits to every photo-shoot (Google it, I promise you wont be disappointed) . I can practically see myself in a “winter wonderland” semi-formal dance with some guy with frosted tips.
4. Britney Spears- My Only Wish This Year (2000)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MzumcY3lpk
How do you listen to this and not get just a little more excited for the holidays? But I can’t help but wonder why she isn’t asking for a good parking spot for Boxing Day sales? I mean, boys come and go, but 75% off shoes? That’s real love.
5. Backstreet Boys- Christmas Time (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r8j05gowgU
I could totally decorate a tree to this. Or 10.
6. TLC- Sleigh Ride (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGLB96S2–U
This one is for everybody who wants “No Scrubs” this holiday. Actually, this beat is awesome. I play this at every holiday party, because it’s so unexpected, but so good.
7. S Club 7- Perfect Christmas (2000)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umt3x_LEwgk
Who could have guessed that the perfect slow-dance with that guy at your work Christmas party would have involved S Club 7? I know. Curveball.
8. Christina Aguilera- Merry Christmas, Baby (2000)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCtgLx5oxwo
So 90’s, so necessary.
9. Faith Hill- Where are you Christmas? (2000)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmGSHZYZ74c
Easily one of 3 reasons I watch The Grinch every year, right behind 1) because I love it and 2) because I love it a lot.
10. Spice Girls- Christmas Wrapping (1998)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHNIpRwmy7U
The Spice Girls covering a classic Christmas song is basically lovely, it makes everything that happened in that decade irrelevant.
Image credit: http://stillnsync.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/group5877.jpg