It's the most horrific time of the year: the holiday season. Unfortunately, for people like me, the holiday season is anything but exciting. I know for most it gives you a warm special feeling to have family celebrations around this time of year, but it's just not my cup of tea. The most cringe-worthy part of the holiday season to me is the music. There's nothing that sends shivers up my spine quite like the fifty different arrangements of the same five songs that are considered "seasonal."

So I have compiled a list of music to listen to during the holiday season for those of you who share the same perspective as me. If you happen to be a kind friend you could also consider this as a list of music you can listen to around your Grinch-type friends.

1. "Images" by Claude Debussy:

When winter begins to approach and the air becomes frigid I tend to listen to music that gives me the same feeling as being wrapped in a blanket with a cup of tea. Debussy's piano works tend to have this effect on me.

2. "A World at Peace" by Ibrahim.

If you've never explored the world of Lo-Fi Hip Hop, you must give this a try. The basic form of this style of music is just over-laying different music samples, but it is a treat for the ears.

3. "Lingus" by Snarky Puppy.

If you're into jazz Snarky Puppy is a great band to explore. Their style is very modernized and offers a larger variety of sounds. When groups of skilled musicians get together and have a fun time making music together the music is as fun to listen to as it is to play. Snarky Puppy is one of the few great modern jazz jam bands that encapsulates this concept.

4. "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven.

Moonlight Sonata is a very familiar piece for most, which is why I hesitated with putting it on this list, however since it is being performed on one of my favorite instruments I felt compelled to share. The Harpejji is an instrument where it is fingered similarly to a piano but the strings are exposed and played with direct contact from the fingers. The sound of a Harpejji is similar to that of a harpsichord combined the sound quality of a guitar.

5. Waltz of the Flowers by Tchaikovsky.

I saved this favorite of mine for last because I feel it is perfect for the holiday season. It paints a beautiful landscape in your head just as other holiday music is intended to do without the unnecessary schmaltz (if Tchaikovsky isn't too schmaltzy to you).

I hope you enjoy your journey exploring new music this holiday season as you painstakingly try to avoid singing along with the dreaded Christmas radio that you are bound to encounter.