Timeless Christmas Music Everyone Should Have on Their Playlist

Christmas is a season full of traditions, taking us back to wonderful memories of past celebrations and exciting us about the coming one. Christmas music is one way that we celebrate, and over the years certain classic Christmas music has become woven into the fabric of everyone's holiday traditions. There are lots of Christmas songs out there, and everyone has their favorites, but these five Christmas crooners define classic holiday music with standards that no one's music library should be without. If you haven't already, download this Christmas music and make it a part of your holiday traditions.

Bing Crosby
I grew up listening to Bing Crosby, both on the radio and in his movies. Films such as Holiday Inn and White Christmas were standards at our house, and I always loved when his rich, velvety voice filled the room with music. While Crosby had a long career of wonderful films and music, he is best known for his Christmas recordings, especially the song, "White Christmas." This tune has been recorded by all sorts of singers over the years, but none have captured its beauty better than Bing. Make sure you have this tune downloaded into your library-it's a must-have Christmas recording.

Nat King Cole
My grandparents introduced me to Nat King Cole's recordings when I was young, and I still picture sitting around my grandparents' holiday table when I hear his voice. His deep, full voice was always so soothing to listen to, and when I hear him belt out the first line of "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire . . ." from his best-known recording, "The Christmas Song," I'm taken to another place. Every time I hear this tune, I want to curl up in front of a roaring fire with a hot beverage and gaze at the lights on the Christmas tree. This is one of the most beautiful, peaceful Christmas songs ever, and it captures the warmth of the season like no other.

Johnny Mathis
Johnny Mathis's Christmas records hold a special place in my heart; we grew up listening to Merry Christmas on vinyl every year as we decorated our Christmas tree, and this album still signifies the beginning of the Christmas season for me. Mathis recorded several Christmas albums, and all are worth listening to. His upbeat tunes get you into the holiday spirit; you can almost hear the smile on his face as he sings them. While his ballads are well-sung, too, I recommend "Marshmallow World" as the one tune you don't want to be without. It's an upbeat tune hailing the fun and beauty of a snow-covered landscape, and it's best performed by Mathis in his joyous voice.

Frank Sinatra
No list of Christmas crooners is complete without "Ol' Blue Eyes," the incomparable Frank Sinatra. He is famous for singing so many standards, but his Christmas recordings warrant a place in everyone's holiday playlist. He's done plenty of duets and singles, and all are a great addition to your music library. And while you can't go wrong with his Christmas recordings, my favorites of his are "Jingle Bells," a jazzy, upbeat version that will put a spring in your step, and the dream-like "I'll Be Home For Christmas," sang with just the right mixture of longing and nostalgia.

Harry Connick Jr.
While Harry Connick Jr. is a newer Christmas crooner, his fluid, jazz-like voice has solidified him a place among the greats. He brought back Jazz and Big-Band style singing, and his Christmas recordings showcase his talents well. Harry's voice is one that's easy to listen to and fall in love with, and while he has lots of tunes to choose from, his rendition of the popular "Let It Snow" is a must-have. It's upbeat enough to get you going, and smooth enough to make you want to sit by the fire with him. This single will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit and have you singing right along.