A Hazy Shade of Winter

This Simon and Garfunkel song is a holiday classic. I personally like to play it on foggy days when I'm feeling a bit under the weather. It's a great tune to dance to with a glass of cranberry juice (vodka optional) in hand.

If you are into more guitar-heavy rock, The Bangles made an excellent cover of the song. So did Gerard Way.

Don't Go Breaking My Heart

The instrumental accompaniment to Elton John and Kiki Dee's voices reminds me a lot of holiday music, for some reason. It's also a really sweet song to sing along to with a significant other, whether driving to dinner or cuddling beside the fireplace.

Top of The World

Similar to the previous one, the music just evokes a certain holiday je ne sais quoi. The opening ukulele also reminds me of Hawaiian beaches, which is a nice memory when its so cold you can't feel your toes.

Winter Song

This is a really sweet, wistful song that captures the sentiments of the season beautifully, in my opinion. Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson's voices work well in concert. It is a soothing listen if you are home alone or working late during the holidays, or missing someone else who is.

Let It Snow

I know this one is on pretty heavy rotation this time of the year, but the title of this article is "Secular Holiday Playlist", and this charming Dean Martin ditty fits that to a tee. Best listened to while sipping hot chocolate with people you love.

Sleigh Ride

Another classic, this is my favorite version of the song. It's got nice instrumentals and The Ronettes really do deserve a lot more love when people talk about 20th century music. An upbeat tune perfect for walking around campus or driving along to.

There's No Place (Like Home for The Holidays)

It's Cyndi Lauper and Norah Jones singing about Americana and family. This is a lovely song to play on your own way home for the holidays, wherever and whatever home means to you.

Joy To The World (That I Just Saved)

I make no secret of being a massive Marvel geek, so this one is for all the other geeks out there. The album is basically Spidey singing Spider-Man-themed carols. Miles Morales also makes an appearance on one of the tracks, singing about how while crime doesn't pay, neither does freelance heroing.

Another Christmas Song

This one makes the list because it is a perfectly parodic spoof of classic Christmas songs. My mother smiled crookedly when she heard this song (which is as close to hysterical laughter as she gets) so I'll take that to mean this one also appeals to older generations' senses of humor.

Snow

Loreena McKennit does hardcore Celtic music. But this song is from her Christmas album and the lyrics are very poetic. It makes for good listening while watching the snow fall outside the window. Curl up with a heavy wool blanket and warm tea for added effect.

Winter in the Air