Hey there Forest Scout reader! As Christmas rounds the bend, everyone seems to have their own favorite list of Christmas music. Seeing as Christmas music plays off the walls the second Thanksgiving is over, I always have it playing in my head during the holidays. Today, I’ll be giving my short top twelve hits of Christmas, from the classics to the newer music. 

#1: White Christmas by The Drifters:

This classical Christmas playlist isn’t complete without a White Christmas, made unforgettable by my experience watching Home Alone. I always flashback to Kevin lip syncing and shaving as I listen and enjoy this song.

#2: Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby: 

Once again, my choice in movies during the holidays has led me to this great song. While National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation may not be on everyone’s viewing list, this is a movie that I’ve gotten into thanks to family tradition. The fact that it has an instantly recognizable tune also helps this one stand out in my mind as a must play holiday song.

#3: Here Comes Santa Claus by Gene Autry:

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: Christmas Vacation has really influenced my Christmas music playlist. The scene that takes place  while this 1950’s Christmas song plays in the background helps nail this one down in my playlist.

#4: Baby It’s Cold Outside by Idina Manzel ft. Michael Bublé:

While there have been many versions of this song over the countless Christmas celebrations, this one stays with me because of how slowly it is sung compared to the other versions: This feels like a song you could listen to while snow falls as you cozy up to the fireplace.

#5: It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas by Michael Bublé:

Like every great Christmas song, there are multiple versions by many talented artists, but Bublé takes this slot once more. The better background music and tune compared to the classic versions makes me want a blanket and drink some hot chocolate while it snows.

#6: Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano:

This Spanish song has taken on a few other versions itself, but in this case, nothing can beat out the original. The energetic beat makes it a song you’d find at a traditional Christmas party.

#7: Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! by Frank Sinatra:

This throwback song reminds me of a simpler time. Spending winter break with my family as the snow fell softly onto grass. Since there was no place to go (especially school) why not let it snow! 

#8: Marshmallow World by Dean Martin:

Marshmallow World may be a song that is forgotten among the holiday shuffle. While it may stick out in many people’s minds as the little sibling to some more famous Christmas songs, this song is another soft-spoken ode to Christmas that I really like to hear as I’m driving in the snow.

#9: Walking In A Winter Wonderland by Michael Bublé:

Walking into this song on shuffle, is again, a special treat. While the lyrics have barely changed, the updated tune and sound really shows Bublé’s special gift when it comes to Christmas tunes.

#10: Silver Bells by Dean Martin: 

While many of the songs on the list have been modernized and improved, another original song makes this list. This version of Silver Bells has a certain bliss to me that only comes from this song at Christmas time.

#11: Jingle Bells by Frank Sinatra:

From Silver bells to Jingle bells, Sinatra has all the bells ringing while he sings one of my favorite sing-along Christmas songs. This one song has the same energy of Let it Snow! with the pace of Silver Bells: something that’s super rare to find in modern Christmas song remakes.

#12: I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by Frank Sinatra:

This final slot has been left for Sinatra. The potent combo of love and Christmas enthusiasm makes it my final edition to this list 

Honorable Mentions:

All I Want For Christmas by Mariah Carey:

When I listened to it the first time, it was amazing, but, unfortunately, this song really isn’t one I could listen to over and over again this Christmas. I’ll listen to it a couple of times this year, for sure, but it doesn’t hit nearly as close to home as the other songs on this list

Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt:

Honestly, it’s the same issue as All I Want For Christmas: I love the song, but not nearly as much as the others. Maybe it’s because of the Christmas taste I’ve developed over the years, but I can’t fully enjoy it as some of the other classics on this list.