It’s time to trim the tree, wrap the gifts, and listen exclusively to festive tunes from now until December 26. We’ve put together a list of our favourites: one for each of the 12 days of Christmas.
Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt
Tiffany jewels, a light blue convertible and a yacht… Eartha Kitt sure knew how to put together a Christmas list.
8 Days of Christmas by Destiny’s Child
Long before Mrs Carter sang about her surfbort, Beyonce was waxing lyrical about her Christmas presents in this R&B flavoured festive hit. FYI Jay-Z: “Chloe shades and a diamond belly ring” went down a treat with Queen Bey back in 2001.
Last Christmas by Wham!
No annual office party would be complete without a sing-along to this festive tune. We’re awarding extra points for the cheesy video – check out the après-ski chic, 1980s style.
All I Want For Christmas by Mariah Carey
Many a young pretender has taken on this classic (we’re looking at you, Ariana Grande), but no one can hit those high notes quite like Mariah – not even that cute schoolgirl in Love Actually.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Sam Smith
His heart-wrenching ballads have been the soundtrack to 2014, and now music’s hottest property is rounding off a stellar year with this typically soulful rendition of one of our favourite Christmas songs.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
We love this 1958 tune for many reasons, but mostly because it reminds us of watching Home Alone – an essential festive ritual.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Michael Buble
Michael Buble’s Christmas album is our soundtrack of choice when decorating our tree, and not just because he looks good in a suit. His singing’s not bad either.
Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono
John Lennon’s way of delivering a political message with, as he put it, “a little honey”, this anti-Vietnam War song soon became a holiday favourite.
Stay by East 17
Sure they look dated now, but in 1994 it seems white fur trimmed parkas were all kinds of cool. Unlike the band’s wardrobe, their massive Christmas hit had lasting appeal.
Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea
If you’ll be travelling between various relations over the holidays, note that this song is guaranteed to lift the spirits on even the most fraught of Christmas car journeys. Turn it up loud.
Fairytale of New York by The Pogues featuring Kirsty McColl
The Grinch himself couldn’t fail to get into the festive spirit after listening to this, our ultimate Christmas tune. Sure, the lyrics describe crushed hope and stolen dreams; but it still makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Band Aid (original) by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure
Forget Band Aid 30, we’re enjoying the 1984 original, featuring everyone from Sting to Spandau Ballet. Take note 1D: Duran Duran’s John Taylor was the Harry Styles of his day.
Just in case you are a fan of the new version, here it is:
