(in no particular order)

1. “All I Want for Christmas is You” (Michael Bublé): Are you ever tired of hearing Mariah Carey blaring on every radio station? This one might be a good alternative. Unlike the Mariah Carey version, which is cheery and upbeat, this one is more mellow and mystical, with some of that great soul that Bublé’s voice brings. While it may not have those iconic whistle pitches, the song naturally crescendos as his vocals become stronger and stronger, before finally climaxing at the final chorus, filling your ears with the most magical blend of instruments! I especially love that piano; it really elevates the piece to a whole new level. This would be a great song choice for sitting on the couch Christmas Eve while sipping white wine (not that I would know what that’s like or anything). Definitely one of my favorites!

1. “Sleigh Ride” (from Elf): I love the song Sleigh Ride in almost every version (except the ones with lyrics), but my favorite has to be the version from the movie Elf. This movie already has a banger soundtrack, but this song perfectly captures the feeling of strolling through a thoroughly decorated mall at Christmas time. Once again, the piano is really what allows this song to soar. Contrary to the fully orchestrated versions, the piano in this one is light and cheery, like what I think snowfall would sound like. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the iconic string and brass hits throughout, though. This version is a perfect combination of frantic and exciting, but also gentle and soothing. It really hits my ears the right way every time!

1. “Run Run Rudolph” (Bryan Adams): This is one I discovered this past season. We are all familiar with the classic version of the song from Home Alone, but this one is a hard rock arrangement by the one and only Bryan Adams. Yes, Summer of ‘69 Bryan Adams! This one has that energy which makes you want to wildly shake your head around! That guitar is truly allowed to go wild, and Adams’ voice perfectly complements it with its raspy and rocking feel. It makes me imagine Santa whipping around on a motorcycle across the city, with this song blaring on the speakers. Truly one for the ages!

1. “Mele Kalikimaka” (Bing Crosby): Heads up, brah! We got a relaxing island Christmas song from Bing Crosby himself. The richness of his low voice is music to my ears, and that is especially the case with this song. Seeing how relaxing Hawaiian beaches are, the smoothness of Crosby’s vocals are a perfect fit. The backup vocalists are nothing to sneeze at either; their harmonies and tone are impeccable. The instrumentation combines a Lap Steel Guitar, which is where you’ll hear those Hawaiian sounds, with a brass band, synonymous with the style of the 40s and 50s. Listening to this song will whisk you away to the calm ocean shore, watching the waves wash up sand on the beach while sipping champagne (I swear I don’t drink alcohol). I definitely recommend giving this song a listen!

1. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (Straight No Chaser): I won’t spoil too much about this song if you haven’t watched the performance yet, but this version is a comedic classic. Ever worry about forgetting lyrics to a song you’re singing? This performance sees the group mixing up the order of the days, the gifts, and even singing the completely wrong song! It will be a video at which you can’t help but smile. This is what Christmas is truly about: coming together, sharing a smile or a laugh, and keeping the spirit alive all year long! Man, I sound like such a cornball.