Countdown playlist for the Twelve Days of Christmas

Christmas music is something I live for and take very seriously. Every year, I anxiously wait until the clock hits 12 a.m. on Dec. 1 when it’s socially acceptable to play Christmas music. The only downside to the holiday is the actual waiting that you have to endure before the magical day. Christmas music helps to relieve some of that agony, and I’ve made a list of 12 Christmas songs to help get you through the last 12 days before the greatest holiday ever.

Day 12.  “Winter Wonderland” – Bing Crosby

This is it. The weather has dropped to freezing temperatures and, depending on where you are, a blanket of snow possibly covers everything you see. Even if you hate this weather, you can’t help but be impressed at the change of landscape and how much everything glistens when it’s covered in snow — if you’re on the East Coast, that is.

Day 11. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms

It’s only fitting that you get ready for the holidays by doing the jingle hop with Bobby Helms. I keep warm by moving to the bells in this song while jingling around the clock.

Day 10. “Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season” – Andy Williams

By now, other people have caught on to their surroundings and the Christmas joy has reached them too. The holiday season is the time when people seem happier than usual, and the abundant decorations are a sign that Christmas is coming. If only things could be this great all year long …

Day 9. “Last Christmas — Pudding Mix”  – Wham!

… But that usually isn’t the case. In fact, sometimes the holidays can be a bit of a letdown. Wham! knows the struggle of giving someone a Christmas gift they don’t want or appreciate, and this timeless cautionary tale will hopefully keep you from making the same mistake.

Day 8. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about gifts; it’s about spending time with loved ones and being thankful that you get to cherish these moments together. But, having said that, gifts are really important too.

Day 7. “Christmas in Hollis” – Run DMC

Now that the hard work of deciding what you want for Christmas is over, Run DMC will help you celebrate by telling the tale of their best Christmas ever in their native neighborhood of Hollis.

Day 6. “Little Saint Nick” – The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys keep the party going by telling you how Santa has the need for speed in his lightning-fast hot-rod of a sleigh. He definitely needs all the speed he can get if he wants to leave gifts or coal at every house in the world before sunrise.

Day 5. “Christmas Time Is Here” – Vince Guaraldi Trio

Santa might like to take things fast, but it’s also important to slow things down — but not too slow. Everything about Christmas time is fantastic, and if you don’t slow down to appreciate it, it’ll pass you by before you know it.

Day 4. “Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney

Who better to enjoy this time of year than with Paul McCartney? He made a Christmas song that perfectly captures the simply wonderful time of being around friends and family during the holidays.

Day 3. “Sleigh Ride” – Johnny Mathis

Even though “Sleigh Ride” has an obscene amount of covers and variations, the Johnny Mathis version is the best in my opinion. Just as soothing as it is a song for a night filled with ice-skating, hot chocolate and (obviously) sleigh rides, this song is the go-to song to get anyone in the mood for holiday cheer.

Day 2. “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (Dean Martin)

Two days. Two days away from the greatest holiday ever. Give thanks to the reindeer that single-handedly helps Santa each year with his bright nose, because without him, there probably wouldn’t be a Christmas — unless Santa puts some new headlights on his sleigh.

Day 1. “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)” (Nat King Cole)

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the most agonizing day of the year: Christmas Eve. Each grueling second seems to take twice as long, and your mind is only thinking about all those gifts that will be under the tree tomorrow. Not to worry, Nat King Cole is here to ease your pain with a Christmas song that everyone loves.

Hopefully, your wait won’t be too painstaking. You’ll be ripping open presents in no time. These songs will help with the wait, and remind you that it’s worth it. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Merry Christmas!