Not just a great holiday song, but a perfect pop song, “Christmas” is the gold-standard by which all other seasonal music should be judged. Phil Spector’s wall of sound wraps around Darlene Love’s vocals like a blanket of snow, accentuating rather than drowning her out. By turns bittersweet, hopeful, and cozy, “Christmas” captures all the feelings of the season and transforms them into a freight-train of Yuletide spirit. — Larry Clow
“Christmas in Hollis” by Run-DMC: Want an instant holiday party? Start playing “Christmas in Hollis.” Few holiday songs are more cheerful and optimistic — Run finds Santa’s wallet on Hollis Avenue and tries to return it, only to be rewarded with a million bucks. And then there’s the Christmas feast DMC’s mom is making: chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese. It’s the musical equivalent of coming out of the cold and into a house full of family and friends. — LC
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey: Everything awesome about Phil Spector’s Christmas album turned up to 11. In a season full of serious reflection and somber songs, this is pure holiday sugar — loud, silly, and fun. For best results, eat a box of candy canes, crank the stereo, and have a Christmas Eve dance party. — LC
“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” by King Curtis: Holiday songs usually aren’t sexy, but King Curtis’ instrumental version of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” sure is. Curtis’ tenor sax takes a request for a New Year’s Eve date and transforms it into a mellow, insistent invitation that’s impossible to resist. — LC
“Stille Nacht” by Mannheim Steamroller: Picture a winter’s night on the edge of the woods, the snow moonlit. A single piano leads a soft, low chorus for a few minutes. Then, in fine Steamroller fashion, the ’80s electronics join in, with a solo violin and French horn call and response, building into a full-on orchestra. The piece ends with a synthesized “wind” across the snowy scene, quieting to reveal reindeer bells in the distance. Pure magic. — Alyssa Grenning
“O Tannenbaum” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio: Hundreds of artists have covered this classic song, but few are as touching as this version. It’s partly due to the song’s appearance on “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” but also because the hopping piano melody and the swish of the brushes are a reminder of pleasant winter walks through a snowy neighborhood. — AG
“Silver Bells” by She & Him: Zooey Deschanel’s voice has a great vintage style, and on this track, her velvety lower register is beautiful. Accompanied only by a ukulele, Deschanel turns “Silver Bells” into an intimate, sweet song best listened to with your sweetheart near a crackling fire. — AG
“Just Like Christmas” by Low: Poppy and pretty, complete with sleigh bells. — Chloe Kanner
“When the Bells Start Ringing” by My Morning Jacket (feat. The Head and the Heart): A little bit country and a lot of heart. “Take me home to the ones that I love.” — CK
“Great Big Stars” by Elizabeth Mitchell: Though part of the indie-rock band Ida, Mitchell is mainly a children’s singer, and she’s pretty much provided the soundtrack to my daughter’s life so far. Her sing-along folk songs are special for encouraging joy with quality and tradition. And while the album that “Great Big Stars” appears on is far from our favorite, this song is lovely. — CK
“It’s Christmas So We’ll Stop” by Frightened Rabbit: This song seems to be about how we’re only good little boys and girls for one magical day. But there’s the suggestion that “we could always be this way.” It’s an honest, but fun, listen. — CK
“Strictly Game” by Harlem Shakes: This song is so five years ago, but so are my dance moves. And listening to this song helps keep the resolutions coming with the promise that “this will be a better year.” First on my list is always better dance moves, but aside from that, this song reminds me to embrace the wild and get over the bad. — CK
“Rock N Roll Christmas” by The Connection: When it comes to rock ’n’ roll, The Connection enjoys the gift of giving. This track is off the local band’s new holiday disc, “A Christmas Gift For.” “I got enough socks, I got enough sweaters. / This year I want some rock ’n’ roll records,” they sing.
— Matt Kanner
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Dan Blakeslee and Kristin Jorgenson: Recorded last year on Christmas day, this is a sweet rendition of a classic tune. Jorgenson’s lead vocals, along with Blakeslee’s backing vocals and guitar, make for a magical duet that sounds as though transmitted from a long-gone, simpler time. — MK
“The Little Drummer Boy” by Johnny Cash: One could spend Christmas Eve listening to different versions of this song. It’s been done by everyone from Stevie Wonder to Jimi Hendrix, The Brady Bunch to The Jackson Five. And let’s not forget that duet between Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Cash recorded my favorite in 1963. — MK