Whether you’re working at the office or eating dinner at your favorite chain restaurant, Christmas songs will play around you. Like them or not, you’ll eventually hear them at some place anyway. I’m going to be honest and say that Christmas songs are one of my guilty pleasures. If there’s any way to get me into this “holiday spirit,” it would be listening to these songs; they brighten up my mood no matter what. A guilty pleasure, indeed. Many new songs have been added to the traditional Christmas carols, so here’s how I would rank some modern Christmas songs I hear often:

14. “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt

“Santa Baby” has been covered by many artists, and is a favorite on the radio. But as much as I want to like it, I just can’t. The lyrics sound as if they’re coming from a pleading brat or from a desperate, awkwardly seductive person. Either way, the song is weird and slightly inappropriate, one you should not let your kid sister sing at her school’s holiday concert.

13. “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande impressed us with her high notes in “Santa Tell Me,” but I really don’t see the hype with this song. So, she’s asking Santa for her crush so she won’t “fall in love again?” Something like that? Well, big deal. Leave the boy drama out the door and just enjoy your Christmas with the ones who actually do care about you. Next!

12. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by *NSYNC

Ah, *NSYNC. Being a 90s kid, I have no shame of listening to them every once in a while. Just like many of their other songs, “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” carries a catchy tune that makes you want to dance. But for four minutes, the chorus is repetitive AF. By the third verse, I bet the choir or backup singers are tired of singing it. So are we.

11. “This Christmas” by Chris Brown

“This Christmas” is generally a nice song, but Chris Brown might have overdone it with his vocal runs. The middle part of the song—“We’re caroling through the night”-- makes me want to sing along; that’s about it, though. “This Christmas” is just basic, and is nothing to be too excited about.

10. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Michael Bublé

This has also been covered by many popular artists, but Bublé performs it best, in my opinion. His voice is rich, soothing, and oh so sexy. I would rank this song higher if its meaning isn’t so sad! “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is loosely about a solider trying to make it to his loved ones for Christmas, but can’t because of, you know, duty. It’ll bring you tears, and no one should feel sad during the holidays.

9. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby

“White Christmas,” at least Crosby’s rendition, makes me sleepy—not necessarily a bad thing, though. The tune to this song relaxes me, especially after finishing a hectic Fall semester. When you want to cuddle with your lover or sleep with your little brothers and sisters in the living room on Christmas Eve, this is the song you should listen to. The lyrics are also warm and super optimistic, so no matter what your “day will be merry and bright.”

8. “Green Christmas” by Barenaked Ladies

The optimistic view of Christmas in “White Christmas” turns upside down in Barenaked Ladies’ “Green Christmas” (Is there a “Red Christmas”?). “Green Christmas” depicts a guy complaining that everybody is happily participating in all of the festive activities, while he’s not, or more so, cannot. This song was featured in Ron Howard’s film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Go figure. This song is an edgy take on the beloved holiday, but still nice to hear, especially if you can’t get into the holiday spirit.

7. “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole

Nothing like the classic. Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” does no wrong on the holiday. This song truly proves how everyone should feel happy and welcomed for the Christmas season. No need to worry about anything. Unlike “Santa Baby,” “The Christmas Song” seems appropriate for an elementary school concert.

6. “Mary, Did You Know?” by Pentatonix

I’ve recently heard this, and while Pentatonix’s performance isn’t the original rendition of “Mary Did You Know?,” they still did a spectacular job. Their voices perfectly blend together, lifting up the song’s powerful message about the birth of Jesus Christ. This song is hauntingly beautiful; I get chills every time I listen to it. Even Pentatonix’s music video gives me goosebumps. They’re so talented!

5. “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” gives a no nonsense message about Christmas, as the chorus goes, “Simply having a wonderful Christmastime.” It’s simple as that—no need to give an extravagant description of what you’re doing for or how you’re feeling during Christmas. Some critics deem this song annoying, but I honestly don’t see why. Is it because of the “ding-dong-ding-dong” lyrics? Whatever. This is definitely a Christmas song you and your friends should sing along to in the car.

4. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

Songbird Mariah Carey would rather be with her significant other rather than open her presents. Aw, how cute. At least the lyrics make much more sense than “Santa Tell Me.” “All I Want for Christmas is You” is a tad overplayed and over-covered, but it still sounds catchy and fun. It will not get out of your head, and I think it’d better to dance to this song than to sing along with it. Carey’s insane vocals will blow my larynx off the roof. “All I Want for Christmas is You” makes a great love song as well, so you shouldn’t say no to this.

3. “Last Christmas” by Wham!

OK, when did a cheating song sound great as a holiday tune? And how? There is something so likable and charming about “Last Christmas.” The song angers me, saddens me, and cheers up at the same time. I get an honest emotional reaction each time I listen to this song. So if you have had your heart broken this year, “Last Christmas” is the song for you. This is perfect for karaoke, too.

2. “My Grown Up Christmas List” by Kelly Clarkson

Originally performed by Amy Grant, Kelly Clarkson’s “My Grown Up Christmas List” is soulful, profound song that encourages us to acknowledge others during Christmas, especially those less fortunate than us. We shouldn’t just care about our own blessings. I love this song because it expresses how Christmas is truly a season of giving, and giving is what we should do. The lyrics, as well as the astonishing orchestral background, get me every time.

1. “Where Are You Christmas?” by Faith Hill

What can I say? The non-animated version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has, hands down, the best Christmas soundtrack. “Where Are You Christmas?” does not only sound beautiful, but also speaks to us personally. This song tells us how Christmas becomes a part of our soul and consciousness, and is not just a typical holiday. That’s pretty deep, and one of the many reasons why this is my favorite modern Christmas song. The piano background to this song will bring some tears, too.

Did I miss any of your favorite Christmas songs? Comment below! Merry Christmas!