Everyone knows the classics; “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”, “Deck the Halls”, “Oh Christmas Tree”, but are those really the right Christmas songs to know every word to? What are the greatest songs that emerge during the beloved holiday season? What are the songs that should just be avoided at all costs? Which of the hundreds of versions of Christmas songs are the ones to listen to? This will be your go-to guide to all things Christmas music: the most fun, the most boring, the weirdest, the coolest, the best, the worst and anything in between. This way, when you’re trying to figure out what to play when you’re waking up at 11 in the morning during Winter break, you’ll instantly know exactly what song to choose.

The best Christmas songs are the songs that embody the sense of happiness and excitement of the holidays. These three songs will keep the classic Christmas love in your heart, while still giving some extra fun to the holiday season. Whether you’re decorating the tree, making some warm sugar cookies, or sitting down to Christmas dinner, these songs will keep you happy and in that Christmas spirit everywhere you go.

1. “White Christmas” by the Drifters

Everyone knows the classic “White Christmas” from the Bing Crosby Christmas Album that, let’s be honest, is a bit of a snooze. Thankfully there’s a version of this great song that will keep you wide awake. Even though it’s not super upbeat, or what someone would call a “normal Christmas song,” it’s interesting to listen to, mostly because of its unconventionality. While not as well known as the other famous covers, the song made itself known as part of the soundtrack to the first Home Alone movie, when Macaulay Culkin is singing in the bathroom, and then makes his classic aftershave face. So, though there are many versions of “White Christmas” out there, “White Christmas,” by the Drifters will be a win every time you listen to it.

Listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfZPtkqXQIA

2. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey ft. Justin Bieber

I know you’re probably laughing at the thought of yourself, or anyone for that matter, actually liking a song that features Justin Bieber, and you probably just lost a lot of respect for Mariah Carey for singing a song that features Justin Bieber, but hear me out. This song was made pre-insane Bieber days, and is actually very upbeat and catchy. “All I Want for Christmas is You,” is a classic song that goes way back, originally sung by Mariah Carey. Her version is a little slow, and, though very pretty, is not necessarily one that will be stuck in your head all the time. This version featuring Justin Bieber, on the other hand, puts a modern twist on this classic song, giving it a good beat, and making it much more exciting and entertaining. So even though you probably will just discard this suggestion because of the Bieber component of the song, I highly encourage you to just give it a try, because who knows? You just might like it.

Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGFNmEOntFA

3. “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole

Everyone knows the classic first line in this song: “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose.” Though it may not be as well known as the true Christmas classics, it sure comes close to being a full on classic. I know this song has a slow beat, and can be a little boring, but it’s definitely something worth listening to. This song covers everything Christmas from Santa, to the weather, to food and mistletoe; it’s got everything. It’s a great song for Christmas dinner, when you’re just realizing Christmas won’t come back for another whole year. It will make you stop and really enjoy the magic and happiness of Christmas.

Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOszvL9lgSs

Now, there are good and bad things to everything; even something as good as Christmas music. Sometimes you’ll be listening to Pandora Christmas Radio, and a god awful song will come one that will fill you with instant hatred for the person singing that song. You’ll hate it so much, you’ll have to press skip. These are the songs you should definitely stay away from if you intend on having a good Christmas.

1. “O Tannenbaum” (any version)

Yes, this song is a classic, but besides being on the boring side it is sung in German, so comprehension of the song is out. A Christmas song should make you want to sing along, but whenever I find myself trying to sing along with this song, I’m usually making random noises that don’t sound much like the original song. How am I supposed to know that it’s saying, “O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, wie treu sind deine Blätter! Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit, Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.” How am I supposed to sing along to a song when the only word word I know is winter? And how should I know how to say any of those words? Now I know that songs in different languages are cool, but this one is just confusing, and the time spent trying to figure out what they’re saying is time that could be spent listening to a Christmas song that you know and love. Despite the language aspect, this song tends to drag on, and then you end up sitting there waiting for it to end. It also has a very basic tune, and slow tempo, making it not very interesting, and quite boring.

Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOgaSYYUpcY

2. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland

I’m sad to be writing this because Judy Garland is the best, but, quite honestly, this song makes her sound like a sheep. The whole song is beautiful singing and lovely music until it gets to “Have yourself ah-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h merry little Christmas…” This is nothing against Judy Garland, but there are moments in this song that make you think you’re listening to “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.” Again, Christmas music should be beautiful and enjoyable to listen to, but the sheep-like singing majorly takes away from that.

Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxxTHzERTsk

3. “Last Christmas” by WHAM!

This song is probably the worst Christmas song of all time. Not only is it unbelievably annoying, and the kind of song that will get stuck in your head because its incredibly annoying, but it makes you feel depressed at the happiest time of the year. The lyrics (though you probably already know them) are: “Last Christmas, I gave you my heart but the very next day, you gave it away.” Now, I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to listen to another Taylor Swift-like love drama when I’m trying to enjoy my Christmas break. Christmas songs are meant to lift your spirits and get you excited for Christmas. It should not make you feel depressed and want to stuff your face with chocolate (because around the holidays, the last thing we need is more chocolate).

Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uk_Fu8_UaQ

Hopefully these few music suggestions will help you navigate the holiday fun of Christmas music. And no matter what you decide to listen to over the holidays, whether it’s good or bad, new or old, funny or serious, it should bring you that happiness and warmth that the holiday season and holiday songs are supposed to bring. And of course, you should do some exploring yourself, choosing your own favorites and least favorites, so you can enjoy the holidays to the best of your ability. I hope you enjoy listening to the great music Christmas brings, and have a happy holiday season!