10 Delightful Christmas Songs to Lift Your Holiday Spirits This Season

Like lots of people, Christmas is my favorite time of the year. The sights, the sounds, decorations, food, and festivities are like no other months. There are songs for every taste whether you're a traditional caroler or you'd prefer a more modern approach. Most of the classics have been covered by a multitude of artists spanning various genres from pop, to jazz, to rock, and more. Here's the list of my top ten Christmas songs to give you a boost this holiday season! I've also included a few artists who've covered the song so if you're not into the traditional presentation you can pick something up you'll like.

10. Silent Night

Covered by Reliant K, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt

Silent Night is one of the first Christmas songs I can remember learning. There was a duet for a pianist, and a vocalist (which was me one year) every Christmas at our church. At my Elementary school there was also a janitor that would play the song for us on his guitar when I was in kindergarten. It was written in 1816 as a poem, and became a carol soon after.

It's one of the most famous Christmas carols in the world, and an instant classic. Something everyone always knows the words to, and so can be easily added to any holiday agenda.

9. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Covered by Enya, Reliant K, and Ashanti

This is just a really fun song, and is always upbeat. With ridiculous verses about figgy pudding, and a chorus that has had way too much sugar! Reliant K's version is particularly hyper so if you know somebody who isn't a fan of everyday Christmas carols then this could get them in the cheery mood. If you still can't get them going then you'd better just point them to number 4.

8. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Covered by Stand Still, Green Day, Jessica Simpson, and The Jackson 5

This song has several versions including 'I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus' by Stand Still, and 'I Saw My Parents Kissing Santa Claus' by Greenday. It's another Christmas favorite, and if you haven't heard the more humorous versions you should give them a listen. It adds just the right amount of chuckles to your holiday atmosphere; enough to perhaps help chase off the Grinch!

7. I'll Be Home For Christmas

Covered by Matchbook Romance, Jordin Sparks, and Kenney Chesney.

Christmas seems to bring around a special feeling in people. Even if they've been so busy for the other 364 days of the year that they couldn't call or write; they want to be home for Christmas. Everyone wants to see their friends and families. Keep the presents wrapped, and the fireplace warm! I'll be home soon.

6. All I Want For Christmas Is You

Covered by Dave Miello, Mariah Carey, and My Chemical Romance

It's hard to forget about the material things in life sometimes, especially at Christmas. Everyone is giving out presents, but not everything can be bought with money. The most important thing about the holidays is having the people you love. If they aren't there then your Christmas list will be short.

5. Winter Wonderland

Covered by Dolly Parton, Bing Crosby, and Lonestar.

I've lived my entire life in Florida so I've never had a 'white Christmas'. This song is the closest I've ever come to that, but I hope to experience it someday! I always imagined walking down a lovely country path covered in snow with this song playing on my headphones.

4. Mr. Grinch

Covered by D.I., Rupaul, and Busta Rhymes.

I can always remember watching the Christmas specials every year. It never seems to matter that I've seen them a hundred times each; I still want to see them again. A long with Rudolph, Charlie Brown's Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman; I always watch the Grinch as well. That Dr. Seuss could sure make a charming children's story. Besides being a classic cartoon the song itself has been recorded by a few artists. Make sure to dress your faithful canine up with one antler this year as well.

3. So This Is Christmas? (War Is Over)

Covered by Acceptance, Garth Brooks, and Jimmy Buffet

The new year is supposed to be about resolutions, and change. Too often we carry our old baggage over, and we don't make any steps forward. This songs reminds me to leave my struggles behind, and move on. January 1^st will mark a new year, and a chance to make better decisions.

2. The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Covered by In Memory, Garth Brooks, and Brian Mc Night.

This song is wonderful, because its exactly how I feel about Christmas. I listen to this on repeat at work just because I love it so much. If I didn't have my own headphones I'd be driving people crazy with it. Here's to decorating, picking gifts for people, making food, going to parties, and loving life in general.

1. What's This?

Covered by Fall Out Boy

If you can't place this song then don't feel too badly. It's actually from the movie 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. I'm not a huge fan of the movie, but I do love this song. It's number one on my list simply for the concept of it. Imagine if you'd never heard of Christmas before, and suddenly you see it for the first time. Snow, lights, singing, presents, and happy people everywhere. In the cartoon Jack wanders through Christmas town with a joyful grin exploring this lovely new thing that he's found. I want this to be the way I feel every year, because you know what? Christmas is wonderful.