It engulfs the country as December 25th ticks closer and closer. It is played in malls, parties, and can often be found blasting through car radios. As the first snowflakes of the season fall, Christmas music appears right next to it.

In the name of research, I listened to over an hour of Christmas music and filtered out the bad from the mediocre to the best. Here are my top 5 Christmas songs, perfect for any holiday occasion.

5.) “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Buble

Bubles smooth voice brings is the main attraction of this song. He never goes overboard with high notes or showing off, he just illustrates his pure talent. Despite Bubles version not being the first, with the original being published in 1951, Buble sings it the best. Furthermore, the simplistic lyrics can’t help but put a smile on your face. The only downside to this song is the slow and somewhat tedious instrumental introduction, which sets it as number 5 on the list.

4.) “Jingle Bell Rock” by Buddy Helms

This song throws it back all the way to 1957, and it shows in how the song sounds. The song has a more “gritty” feel to it, that is only broken by the piercing guitar that presents itself as the opening of the song. This song has found prominence in the heart of teens due to the movie Mean Girls. In the movie, the four main characters are found dancing on stage to this Helms Christmas classic. It makes sense considering this song makes you want to get up and dance, which is why it landed number 4 on my list.

3.) “Last Christmas” by Wham!

Although the Taylor Swift version of this song proves itself strong, the original takes the steal. This song is slow and calm, with the lead singer, George Michael, singing with a breathy tone of voice. The line “last Christmas, I gave you my heart but the very next day you gave it away” is recognizable to all. It exudes emotion and, in my opinion, is a song that can really make anyone really feel the heartache that Michael sings of.

2.) “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

No Christmas playlist would be complete without the high notes of Mariah Carey. From the tinkling bells at the beginning of the song, to the sudden fast change in pace signified by a hammering piano medley, this song can be described as no less than a masterpiece. This song is guaranteed to get everyone in a room singing, despite being a quarter of a century old. It’s completely over the top, but it works. The only flaw in this song is how long it goes on, the beginning of the song and the end of the song pack the biggest punch, while the middle of the song is forgettable.

1. ) “Happy X-Mas (War is Over)” by John Lennon

This song completely exudes what Christmas is about: Peace and love. Ever since I was young, my parents have always loved The Beatles, and I’d be lying if I said their obsession didn’t rub off on me. With lines such as “And so happy Christmas for black and for white, for yellow and red ones, let’s stop all the fights,” it’s hard to miss the meaning of the song. Oftentimes, it’s good to take a break from sappy Christmas songs and listen to a song pushing an agenda of peace of love. This is why this song takes first place, not only is it soothing to the ears, but it is also a song with real substance and meaning.