It’s December! For us Christmas fans that won’t acknowledge the holiday until after Thanksgiving, this means it is now acceptable to decorate our houses, put up our trees, and most importantly, listen to Christmas music. From Bing Crosby to Pentatonix, my family loves Christmas songs. These are some of our favorites:

• Bing Crosby, “White Christmas”

Though Crosby has entire albums dedicated to the holiday, this song is one of my favorites because actually having a white Christmas in Texas is pretty rare. Also, the movie and musical by the same title are classics as well.

• Elvis Presley, “Blue Christmas”

Elvis is completely underrated in the 21st century, which is depressing. He is a legend and needs more representation always, and this song is classic Elvis but Christmas-y, and it’s great.

• Paul McCartney, “Wonderful Christmastime”

This song is super cheesy but it has a good melody and it sounds really happy. The vocals of course sound like The Beatles, too, and that’s a plus.  

• Leroy Anderson, “Sleigh Ride”

Played by the Hebron Wind Symphony every year at our Christmas concert, I love this piece because of the memories I’ve had playing it, but also for the whip cracks, trumpet horse whinny noise and fun jazzy section.

• Pentatonix, “O Come All Ye Faithful”

Pentatonix has made a name for itself in Christmas music just as much as its regular songs, and has succeeded in making some modern Christmas hits. This is one of my brother and I’s favorites.

• Mariah Carey, “All I Want for Christmas is You”

Nominated for best Christmas karaoke song, especially on a bus to a football game in November.

• Bonus Christmas Hymn: “O Holy Night”

My church does a candlelight service every Christmas Eve, and we always sing this song or similar hymns like “Silent Night” or “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”