Thanksgiving is over; so it is OFFICIALLY Christmas time, and if you weren’t already listening to some Christmas ballads, you may be yearning for some suggestions. Well, look no further, because I have compiled a comprehensive list of some of my favorites, and I’d like to think I have pretty good taste. We have some oldies, some revamped pop versions, some non-mainstream hits—you name it. So, here you go – 25 Christmas songs you NEED to bop to before the big day…with some commentary included, by yours truly.
12/1 – “Pennies from Heaven” – Louis Prima
Ok, this is not a Christmas song, but Elf totally made it one, so it’s very justifiably included, and you know it.
12/2 – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams
This is my childhood. It is a classic, and it is fantastic. It also IS the most wonderful time of the year – somebody had to say it.
12/3 – “Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano
I’ve never taken Spanish in my life but I will permanently always know at least two words because of this catchy tune.
12/4 – “All I Want for Christmas is You” – Mariah Carey
If you don’t like this song, you’re not a human being. That’s really all I have to say about that.
12/5 – “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – Jackson 5
This song is bittersweet, because for a good portion of my life, I really did think a fat man in a red suit was kissing my mother under the Christmas tree and somehow my father was okay with it. But it’s the Jackson 5 and they’re always such a good throwback, so this had to be included.
12/6 – “Christmas Lights” – Coldplay
This song is really chill. You may have to play it a couple times before you fall in love, but it’s a good late-night listen.
12/7 – “Santa Baby” – Kellie Pickler
This song is best when it is sung by a sassy Southerner with the biggest twang below the Mason-Dixon line. Thank you, Kellie Pickler.
12/8 – “Last Christmas” – Cascada
Wham! is great and all, but I think Cascada is underrated and she needs to be recognized for that sick beat she has in all of her songs. Like I DANCE to this song. DANCE.
12/9 – “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
Another classic. How can this song not make you happy?
12/10 – “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” – Kristen Bell (Frozen)
Just some song from, some Disney movie… you’ve probably never heard of it.
12/11 – “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
Another classic. It’s really a pity this song barely lasts more than two minutes. It’s so short iTunes only plays a 30 second sample instead of one minute and 30 seconds. Such a shame. Still great though.
12/12 – “Carol of the Bells” – Pentatonix
If I wasn’t trying to avoid doubling up on artists for this list, I would have the entirety of both Pentatonix albums on here (…check out “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” And “Little Drummer Boy”). Ugh. They’re so good, but Carol of the Bells is probably my favorite.
12/13 – “My Only Wish” – Jessica Simpson
Ok, funny story – I got this song as a “Free Single of the Week.” But before you inevitably start hating on Jessica Simpson, give it a listen. It’s actually really good.
12/14 – “Sleigh Ride” – the Ronettes
Another classic. If you ever find yourself riding a sleigh, you basically have to be listening to this song. While drinking hot chocolate. And wearing ear muffs.
12/15 – “Ave Maria” – Josh Groban
Because his voice is velvet. And because he’s hot. And because he’s hilarious. Go follow him on Twitter. Now.
12/16 – “Mele Kalikimaka” – Bing Crosby & the Andrews Sisters
ANOTHER classic. This song virtually transports you to some place warm with palm trees and sand, but imagine ornaments hanging from said palm trees. The works. And Bing Crosby is the man.
12/17 – “The Christmas Song” – The Raveonettes
Nabbed this off of the Christmas with the Kranks soundtrack. This is not the same thing as Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” but I promise it’ll have you boppin’.
12/18 – “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” – Sugarland
Sugarland kills this song. In a good way. It is earthy, wonderful, and touches your soul.
12/19 – “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande
This song just came out, and I’m kind of an Ariana Grande fangirl because she’s perfect, so of course I bought it. It did not disappoint—I already know all the words. Ask me to sing it sometime. I’ll comply.
12/20 – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Michael Bublé
Bublé, along with my fav, Josh, also has the voice of a velveteen angel. There are many covers of this song but Bublé nails it. Definitely the best version.
12/21 – “Christmas this Year” – TobyMac & Leigh Nash
I’m pretty sure no one knows this song but me—but I promise it’s good! This is the type of the song that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. There’s children’s laughter in it. It’s happy. Don’t ask questions.
12/22 – “Mary, Did You Know?” – Cee Lo Green
I may have gone into temporary shock when I first heard this song and then was told it was sung by Cee Lo. Talk about some versatility in genres of songs! It’s incredible, but in a quite different way than some of his other songs (i.e., “Forget You, “Crazy).
12/23 – “O Holy Night” – Glee Cast
I DON’T EVEN LIKE GLEE BUT THIS SONG IS FLAWLESS.
12/24 – “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – MercyMe
This is like a rock version of what typically is a much calmer song. It rocks. Pun unintended and not planned, but there you go.
12/25 – “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” – Bruce Springsteen
Little known fact: Bruce Springsteen is Santa Claus.