With this most successful of public holidays basically around the corner, it is inevitable that every record label, pop artist and his dog will be in a mad rush to release a song for the shopping crowds. A synthed monstrosity with a key change just after the second verse, or a tinny cover of “Last Christmas” sung by a teeny bopper that is just one notch away from being muzak in and of itself. You know the kind. But I’m not writing about those. Nor am I writing about the more valuable Christmas offerings, like those offered by the Killers every other year or so.

No, this is a hug, an ode to some of those Christmas songs that everyone knows. Yes, they plague every department store you muster the courage to enter for your Christmas shopping and yes, they will be pumped out at Christmas work parties and coffee houses. If you are unlucky enough to work at one of these establishments, you have probably harboured a desire to strangle someone with tinsel to the background music. But for the rest of us, they are as much a part of Christmas as the tree, the stockings and the undeniable fact that you WILL eat too much come the 25th, their sound bringing back years of memories and if you’re not  a Scrooge-ian cynic, you will smile and maybe even sing along.

1. Last Christmas – Wham

In the 80s “Every Breath You Take” school of merging happy tunes with morose lyrics, this 1984 classic has nonetheless stood the test of time. A karaoke favourite for many, this song has been covered by more acts than years it has been existence, testament to its behemoth popularity. Only a Christmas song could turn tinny synth from a sneer-worthy deficiency into a positive benefit and key characteristic. Plus, who hasn’t been emotionally scarred around Christmas time?

2. Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid/Band Aid 20

Perhaps more of a phenomenon in the UK than across the pond, this is an epic collaboration tradition by the people of Band Aid in 1984, a lesser known stab in 1989 (Band Aid II) and a 20th anniversary retake in 2004. Band Aid is a charity collective of famous musicians (primarily British) to raise money towards famine in Ethiopia and later, in Darfur. Again, despite a slightly darker selection of lyrics, this song is a triumph because a) the song is still immensely catchy, b) with so many names backing the project it feels like a massive musical institution and this is endlessly  impressive, c) it’s fun to play the ‘ooh, is that Bono? Is that Sting?’ guess-the-musician game!

3. White Christmas – Bing Crosby

Contrary to popular belief, this was first introduced in the 1942 film “Holiday Inn”, rather than the 12-years-later “White Christmas”. Either way, the soft crooning voice of Bing Crosby is so round and warm that it makes you feel like you’re in that era: one of bear skin rugs and log fires, surrounded by your family and overshadowed by a giant decorated pine tree. Little wonder then that this is the best-selling single of all time (or by some sources, second).

4. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues

This immensely popular 1987 hit is in the style of an Irish folk ballads and seemingly sung by a drunkard. The brazen lyrics and coarse tone to this (slightly overcast by the use of the word ‘faggot’ though apparently not intended in a homophobic way) only adds to the ‘good ol’ boys’ charm of this song that subsequent covers have always failed to capture. Oft voted as a favourite Christmas song by more adult crowds, this ditty will have you jigging after a few mulled wines!

5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland

From the 1944 MGM musical “Meet Me in St Louis,” this is from the same glorious 1940s era of American Christmases as “White Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Another classic, hug your family, let’s open presents and love each other essential part of the holiday period.

6. Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea

The sound is warm and the lyrics strangely poignant for anyone who has studied or worked a long way from home. A must-listen for anyone making that cold and lonely commute back on Christmas Eve!

7. All I Want For Christmas – Mariah Carey

The love-it-or-hate-it song for Christmas, you will either have fallen in love with this song and Mariah Carey (way back when, before her head grew bigger than her ample posterior) or flip into homicidal festive mode at the mere opening. For the aficionados, this sums up all the joy, playfulness and holiday cheer in four minutes.

8. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

Again, oft-covered but never bettered, this song has appeared on the soundtracks for many of the films we consider Christmas staple: for my generation none more high profile than “Home Alone”. Old fashioned, yes, but undeniably cheery and timeless.

9. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Vaughan Monroe

Interesting fact, this 1945 tune was composed and set to lyrics by Jewish composers, and thus Christmas is never explicitly mentioned! Also known as “that Christmas song from the and of the two good Die Hards,” I defy anyone not to hope it snows during the Christmas holidays, just to have an excuse to sing this song.

10. One in Royal David’s City – Gauntlett

Because it wouldn’t be a traditional Christmas without a carol. Reminding me personally of the school Carol services in St Alban’s Cathedral, every attendee of a church or traditional school will have attended one of these, Christian or no. As Christmas-y as mince pies, and customarily opening the carol services, this is a wonderful Nativity-story-based song.