The holiday season has become a time of year where everyone is either especially joyful or especially stressed out, with very little in-between. Many become so wrapped up in the commercial part of Christmastime that they fail to remember what this season should really be about. For me, the wholesomeness and bliss that this time of year is based on can only be rekindled through music – specifically, certain favorite carols of mine. Only through these genuine, uplifting and hopeful songs can we attain what the holiday season is about: peace, selflessness, and love.

1. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon & Yoko Ono

One of my favorite Christmas songs of all time and an absolute classic. This was released in 1971, the same year as the beloved "Imagine," both as protest songs against the Vietnam War. Year after year, this song stays relevant as a desire for peace around the world. This time of year holds peace as an influential theme, and we should be inspired by songs like these to do what we can to work for more peace in the world.

2. Someday At Christmas – Stevie Wonder

This is a classic that's been covered again and again because it's so loved. It expresses shared dreams about an idealistic and harmonious society that will one day evolve enough to achieve world peace. These messages unite us as a divided society and evoke feelings of kindness towards others. One Christmas day in the future, Stevie says, we'll be able to have finally achieved such harmony.

3. Do They Know It's Christmas? – Band Aid

Released by a group of modern famous artists in the 80s, recreated in the early 2000s, and again in 2014, this song has been adored for generations. It forces people to think of those who aren't as fortunate as to have a Christmas season filled with present-opening and lots of food. It also has raised millions of dollars since its first release for charities around the world. This is what Christmas is all about, giving and maintaining our humanity. And who doesn't love seeing all their favorite artists singing for charity together?

4. Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie

Another uplifting song about the dream of a distant world filled with people living together in peace. The mixing of a classic Christmas song with a new one about future generations working for a more peaceful world is heartwarming and inspiring. Also, if these two iconic voices don't soothe you and put you in the holiday spirit, I don't know what will.

5. Auld Lang Syne

So, not technically a Christmas song, but a holiday season song nonetheless. This song, devoted to new beginnings, is derived from a poem written in the 1700s, and has been covered by countless artists since. Personally, I think it's underrated and extremely powerful. We should all take the time to appreciate all the experiences we've had in the past year and look forward to the ones coming, promising to make our future days better than our past.