Christmas is coming up and many are getting into the holiday spirit by listening to festive music. Whether that be while driving in the car, shopping in a store or just hanging around the house, Christmas music brings holiday cheer to life. 

There are lots of artists from all genres who have created a Christmas album or covered a classical song. According to Billboards “100 best Christmas songs of all time,” the top songs are Mariah Carey, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (1994), Darlene Love, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (1963) and Nat King Cole, “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” (1961).

Mariah Carey is a famous artist whose Christmas songs are a fan favorite. According to People magazine, Carey is “the queen of Christmas music”. Carey’s album ‘Merry Christmas’ came out Oct. 28, 1994. Her single “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has reached 1 billion listens on Spotify and achieved the RIAA Diamond award.

Senior Ashanti Jennings expressed, “My favorite Christmas song is ‘All I want for Christmas is you (super festive)’ because it’s the ultimate Christmas collaboration between Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey.”

Country artist Carrie Underwood created a Christmas album where she covered classic songs such as “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Another country artist Dolly Parton released the Christmas album “A Holly Dolly Christmas” that included songs such as “Christmas On The Square” and “Hard Candy Christmas.” Other genres such as Hip-hop and R&B have released their own remakes and rendition of holiday classics like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” by Tyler, The Creator, and Run-D.M.C., “Christmas in Hollis.” The acapella group Pentatonix has created many festive albums and covered various classical Christmas songs like “Little Drummer Boy.”

“My favorite Christmas song is ‘Mary Did You Know’ by Pentatonix because the way they put together the songs and work together is amazing,” junior Jazmine Parker said. 

Individuals have traditions that go along with Christmas songs, whether that be caroling, or just simply listening to the music as families bake. The festive songs bring people together and put people in the holiday mood.

“My favorite part of Christmas when I was little going to church and holding the lit candles while singing ‘Silent Night’” Central teacher, Hope Keeports stated. 

Christmas music has been around for many years, and more artists come out with holiday albums each year. What’s your favorite holiday song?