Christmas music doesn’t just start in December, it starts as early as November, which says a lot about how joyful this time of year is. It’s more challenging to create a Christmas playlist than in contrast HalloweenThere are many, and I mean many, great Christmas songs from the 1950s, 1970s, 1980s and even more recently.

There are many things to consider: This playlist needs to be fun, nostalgic, hopeful and happy. Above all, it must bring back memories of Christmases past. Here are six quintessential Christmas songs that are guaranteed to evoke that feeling.

A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives:

This is a classic Christmas song full of joy and happiness. The catchy guitar riffs make you want to dance while decorating a Christmas tree. The bells and drums from the 1964 Christmas movie “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” have become a timeless favorite.

Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms:

As you wrap your presents with friends or family, with this tune playing in the background, you can look forward to Christmas gatherings and reunions where you will be surrounded by family and friends. This song has been covered many times by artists around the world, but Bobby Helms’ version is the most famous and popular ever.

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams:

This is a unique song as the introduction is an intriguing build up to the beginning of the song. This song sets the mood for any Christmas party or gathering and tells us what Christmas is for: how family and friends help make this season the happiest time of the year. It sings to us all the Christmas activities you can do this time of year – caroling, marshmallow toasting, winter wonderland parties – the possibilities are endless.

Merry Christmas from Frank Sinatra:

This song perfectly evokes nostalgia for Christmases past. Sinatra’s relaxing voice is very calming and calming. “From now on our worries will be out of sight” – isn’t that what Christmas is all about? It is a time to forget our struggles and embrace the people around us. This song inspires gratitude for Christmas and inspires hope for future holidays.

All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey:

This song was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive years, from 2019 to 2023 during the holiday season. This is undoubtedly the most famous modern Christmas song, no other song comes close. A great song to dedicate to someone, be it as a simple thank you or even something more meaningful. Played on the radio and across all devices throughout December, it reminds us that no laptop, money, book, or anything else truly matches the ideal gift from the person we love.

Last Christmas by Wham!:

The Christmas song will be “All I Want For Christmas Is You” or this classic Christmas song about heartbreak. Talk about themes like love, the spirit of the season, and hope. Everyone around me tells me how good this song is, my friends, family and colleagues. The truth is, this is a phenomenal song. This song reminds us that Christmas can be a time for new beginnings, whether it’s getting over heartbreak or getting to know someone new.