Turning on your car and driving off through a Christmas town is truly a feeling of serenity. Instead of just playing a station with repeats of some over-done Christmas songs, I decided to form my own playlist to add to my cheerful car rides. So, this is it: Belle’s Ultimate-It’s-Not-Christmas-Time-Without-It Playlist.

1.) “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé
This classic song originally sung by Bing Crosby is a sweet soulful take. It’s calming and perfect to ease yourself into the Christmas spirit. As soon as the month of December hits, and decorations start to surround the Bel Air streets, you can sing this tune.

2.) “My Favorite Holiday” by Jessie James Decker
If you enjoy hitting all those high and low notes without ripping out your vocal cords, this slow and cheerful song is it. It has all the aspects that make up a perfect Christmas song, a catchy chorus and mentioning Santa and his sleigh. And who doesn’t like an original written song from Jessie James Decker?

3.) “I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by Jackson 5
There’s something so timeless about this staple song. It’s cute, funny, and catchy. While some Christmas songs can be deep, romantic, or religious, this song takes an ironic spin on a Christmas song and provides an underlying message. Did Mommy really kiss Santa?

4.) “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson
This upbeat song just leaves you wanting to get up and dance around a pine tree. It also has a deeper meaning that there’s more to the holidays than gifts. It’s being with people who are a gift in your life. Besides all that meaningful stuff, it’s a must-have belt song on the way to school.

5.) “Christmas In the Sand” by Colbie Caillat
This artist is most noted for her late 2000s hits such as “Brighter Than the Sun.” However, she’s more than a one-hit-wonder. In 2012, she released an entire Christmas album with 12 songs; however, this is the most popular on the album. It’s a spin on having a snow-white Christmas and instead having Christmas with Santa riding waves.

6.) “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey
This goes without saying. This hit is arguably the most popular and known Christmas song to ever exist. Everyone must know all the lyrics which makes for a great karaoke session with friends and family.

7.) “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber
Another teenage classic that anyone born in the early 2000s has to know by heart. Young Justin Bieber just brings out the best in everyone making the holiday energy contagious. It even brings in the extra element of snapping heard in the background of the sound. You could have a full band performance.

8.) “The Holiday Season” by Andy Williams
Since 1976, this song has remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for this slow seasonal hit. Every member of your family, no matter the generation, has most likely heard this song before. On the way to cut your tree or buy ingredients for cookies, play this perfect tune.

9.) “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway
This song screams joyful vibes. If you want this Christmas to be the best yet, there’s no other way to build that energy than this song. Not to mention it’s a perfect sing-along for anyone who may or may not know the song. After the first chorus, it’s guaranteed everyone can join in.

10.) “Snowed In” by Conor Matthews
There’s no denying that the holiday season is also what teens call “cuffing season.” The holiday just brings out an obvious romantic feeling that you can’t refuse. If I had to pick any Christmas love song, this would be it. It just makes you want to be snowed in while watching Christmas movies with someone you care about.