Everything one does during the holidays requires the perfect background music to put one in the spirit of the season. Whether baking Christmas cookies, wrapping the perfect gift or decorating the tree with family, a merry playlist deems essential for the holiday season. With the season of giving underway, The Chant put together a list of the best Christmas songs to fit everyone’s holiday mood.

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey 

The moment you clicked on this article, you probably expected this song at the top of the list. The multi-platinum song, which first appeared in Mariah Carey’s 1994 album Merry Christmas, constantly tops the Billboard Holiday Hot 100 every year. This song defines the holiday season thanks to its unyielding Christmas spirit and upbeat tempo, which creates the ultimate experience of festive cheer with a perfect mix of nostalgia and pop sound thrown in for good measure.

“Hot Chocolate” by Tom Hanks 

Appearing in the 2004 film, The Polar Express, “Hot Chocolate” remains one of the film’s most iconic songs. The catchy chorus brings joy to one’s ears as it brings back all of the childhood memories from our elementary school Christmas parties. Make sure to grab a cup of hot chocolate and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit.

“8 Days of Christmas” by Destiny’s Child 

Released in 2001, this Destiny’s Child hit takes a spin on “The Twelve Days of Christmas” by Straight No Chaser. Instead of true love giving you useless things like a partridge in a pear tree or turtle doves, the members of Destiny’s Child asks for gifts like quality time with their partner and a brand new Mercedes. The fun beat combined with the trios amazing vocals creates a unique Christmas experience. 

“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson 

Released in 2013 as the lead single in Clarkson’s Wrapped in Red album, “Underneath the Tree” talks about Clarkson spending time with her lover during Christmas and how spending time together makes her feel at home. Thanks to Clarkson’s strong vocals, jazzy vibes, saxophone and bells ringing, “Underneath the Tree” deems as an optimistic and catchy holiday track. 

“Make it to Christmas” by Alessia Cara 

Reminiscent of Wham!’s “Last Christmas”, Alessia Cara’s recently released single talks about a couple during the holidays whose declining relationship might not make it to Christmas, but to avoid the infamous family questions and the holiday loneliness they try to stay together until Christmas is over. The upbeat sound of the song combined with the sad tone and emotion of the lyrics create an amazing holiday song. 

 “Winter Things” by Ariana Grande

The song, included in the singer’s Holiday EP Christmas and Chill, tells about the experience of those celebrating the holidays in warmer weather. While they can’t do the conventional “winter things”, they find a way to overcome the heat and take place in a handful of holiday activities. While the song does not contain a large number of instrumentals, the ukulele and vocals help it feel extremely warm and wholesome.

“Santa’s Coming for Us” by Sia 

Similar in feel to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Here Comes Santa Claus,” Sia created an extremely jolly song embracing her excitement for Santa’s visit. This song’s music video provides engaging visuals since it creatively takes inspiration from classic sitcoms by using a midcentury aesthetic and a black and white filter. 

Thanks to these songs’ catchy choruses and upbeat tempo, the perfect holiday season awaits, so light the fire, cozy up with family, and listen to this playlist over and over again.