With the Christmas season officially here, I’m happy to release the Avery Daffer Approved Christmas Playlist! Granted, it’s only ten of the thousands of wonderful Christmas songs out there, but in your writer's humble opinion, these are the cream of the crop. To me, these embody the Spirit of Christmas the most without being strictly religious (that is another article and playlist entirely). A lot of these come from my childhood, where Christmas was the one holiday we REALLY went all out for, and some are from later in my teens and early adult years. May you enjoy these wintry tunes as much as I always have!

1. You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Written by Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel, performed by Thurl Ravenscroft

This one goes without saying; if you don’t watch the OG “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” cartoon every year, SORRY, you need to start now. I don’t make the rules, it’s just the natural order of things.

2. Cold December Night - Michael Bublé

This is one from my teen years, with rashes of covers of classic Christmas songs, I was rather indifferent to the Christmas music scene for a time. That is, of course, until I was introduced to Michael Bublé’s Christmas album. I now listen to this album every Christmas. This song is the first track, and I think it’s a very apt choice; it’s classically Michael, talking about a lady that he wants to kiss and spend Christmas with. It’s a different spin on “All I Want For Christmas Is You” really, but if you’re feeling a little blue about being single for Christmas, Michael’s got your back, fam.

3. Blue Christmas - BEST ARTIST TO BE DEBATED

4. Feliz Navidad - José Feliciano

I WANNA WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEAARRRRTTT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(I headbang to this every Christmas, don’t get it twisted.)

5. Mistletoe - Justin Beiber

Okay, for real though, let’s talk. Justin may have had some real flops in his career, but this will always be a bop.

6. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

Do I really need to comment here? No. This speaks for itself .

7. Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives

This is a childhood favorite. Burl Ives Christmas album was the first Christmas Album I remember listening to as a kid, and his voice brings a lot of nostalgia for me. Plus, it just sounds so happy! (Jolly, even.)

8. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

This song makes me think of Christmas decorations and ornaments and tangled lights. Again, a childhood/nostalgia thing. Always a fav, Brenda.

9. What’s This? - Jack Skellington

INSPIRED! This is THE song for December first, when Christmas season officially starts (for those of you who thought it started after Halloween). It also warms the dark gothic cockles of my heart.

10. Christmas Lights - Coldplay

Okay, so this one is actually pretty sad, but I’ve always found it to be comforting. It’s about being on the rocks with someone when things like Christmas are going on and it’s supposed to be happy. It’s sad, but you remain hopeful that things will get better and maybe, just maybe, the magic of the season will work a miracle on your love life. Keeping hope is what Christmas is about.