It’s December and Andy Williams didn’t lie; it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas is right around the corner and it’s by far my favorite holiday ever. I simply can’t pick a favorite part. The tree. The giving and receiving of gifts. The family. The snow. The baked treats. The movies. All of them combine to make the whole month of December magical and full of bliss. But one of my favorite parts of Christmas has to be the music. I may be a little biased, of course, since I’m a musician myself, but Christmas music has to be a tradition every year. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey playing in people’s earbuds the day after Thanksgiving. No matter how early you start, you have to admit you can get down to a good old carol.

Though I love the vocals of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and The Carpenters alike, sometimes you need to switch it up. The classics do it best, but the best part about listening to the same classics for years is the opportunity for new artists to come along and perform their own take on the song. That’s why I’m taking this opportunity to introduce you to some of my favorite Christmas songs that, unfortunately, are either unpopular or not very well known. I’m not saying you should delete your old favorite. I’m saying you should simply add these and hopefully, your Christmas will be twice as bright.

1. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" by Daniela Andrade

2. "The Christmas Song" by Mindy Gledhill

3. "Joy To The World" by Sufjan Stevens

4. "That’s Christmas To Me" by Pentatonix

5. "Maybe This Christmas" by Ron Sexsmith

6. "Frosty The Snowman" by Fiona Apple

7. "Mele Kalikimaka" by Kacey Musgraves

8. "Christmases When You Were Mine" by Taylor Swift

9. "Santa Stole My Lady" by Fitz And The Tantrums

10. "Christmas Treat" by Julian Casablancas

To listen to these songs and others I suggest, check out my Spotify playlist: