Admittedly, I’ve been listening to Christmas songs (or Christmassy-like tunes) since mid-November. Cut me some slack though; we are still in a pandemic and I was feeling very nostalgic and excited this holiday season.

As someone who loves to sing, Christmas songs are my jam (pun … intended, I guess?). I wanted to share a non-exhaustive list of my favorite Christmas tunes to listen to/blast throughout the holidays. Let me know if you see any you love or any you’d add. Also, check out my friend’s list! Great minds, Cecilia!

O Holy Night – Andy Williams

O Holy Night absolutely ranks as my top Christmas carol. It is my favorite song to sing, and it really does fill me with a “thrill of hope.” Why Andy Williams? Not sure. Whenever I hear it, I picture my little hands putting ornaments up on the tree, so this version must have been played a lot in my childhood home.

The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole

As if there’s any other version to listen to. Classic, warm, wholesome. The first 5 seconds of this song immediately puts me in the Christmas spirit.

A Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives

Rudolph vibes! This song slaps. You can’t help but dance when this one comes on.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland

This one has hit home the past two Christmases – particularly during this challenging time (although “next year all our troubles will be out of sight” didn’t really come to fruition this year). Let’s hope for next year?!

Ave maria – Christina Perri

Christina Perri has a hauntingly beautiful voice, and I love her Christmas album “a very merry perry christmas.” The title is clever. This version is also very easy to learn on guitar, which I have yet to record and post!

Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town – Frank Sinatra

… Along with the entire “Christmas Songs by Sinatra” album and every Christmas song he’s ever recorded.

Christmas is A-Comin’ – Bing Crosby

The crooner himself. Bing Crosby’s entire Christmas album is a household favorite. I just love the lyrics in this one, particularly “Christmas is a-comin’ and the egg is in the nog.” Gets me every time. Special shout out to Christmas Is Here to Stay.

Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes

Ring-a-ling-a-ling-a-ding-a-ling.

O Tannenbaum – Vince Guaraldi Trio

Anything by those three really…

Mele Kalikimaka – Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters

While my idea of Christmas is a snowy one, I do enjoy the song’s vibes and The Andrew Sisters harmonies.

Silver Bells – Dean Martin

Another classic. I like the slowness and easiness of this one.

Man With the Bag – Jessie J

Pop-tastic. Feisty, fun, playful. I love it. Jessie J is one of my favorite vocalists and I love blasting this one in the car and pairing it with some impressive shoulder dancing.

Where Are You Christmas – Faith Hill

I love Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas almost as much as I love impersonating Faith Hill’s voice while singing this song.

What are your favorites? Happy Holidays!