With the holidays rapidly approaching, music always sets the vibe for any occasion. It’s a good way to touch up old playlists, and just add a little spice to the holiday festivities. Music is very important in establishing how I feel, and with Christmas right around the corner, here are the 10 Christmas songs of the newer generation. Some are new takes on old classics, and others are fresh material for future Christmases.

10. “Holiday” by Lil Nas X

“Holiday” by Lil Nas X is my least favorite on this list, but it is still my top 10 for new-age Christmas songs. Lil Nax X’s new take on Santa’s “Ho Ho Ho.” This song is trendy and upbeat, matching Lil Nas X’s chaotic aesthetic and if you are a fan of his music you will definitely appreciate this take on Christmas music. The music video has snow, and Santa, even though he definitely went through a wardrobe change and lost a couple of pounds, but overall this song is a vibe for the Christmas season.

9. “What Christmas Means To Me” by John Legend featuring Stevie Wonder

“What Christmas Means To Me” by John Legend featuring Stevie Wonder is a partial cover. It’s a cute attempt at modernizing a classic, and it does a nice job of it. It reminds me of how it feels to decorate the house while drinking hot chocolate and goofing around with my family. It gives a warm feeling and feels like what a Christmas song should be. The jazz instrumentation gives it that punch that it really needs to drive the song home.

8. “Christmas Without You” by Ava Max

“Christmas Without You” by Ava Max is another sad Christmas song about missing your love at Christmas time. The jingling bells definitely give the song the spirit of Christmas, really ensuring that even the instrumental is infused with Christmas melodies. If you couldn’t tell this song was about Christmas based on how many times Max says “Christmas,” you’ll definitely be able to tell by the music; this is definitely a good song to listen to if your heart is broken around Christmas time, and you don’t want to cry to the same song another year in a row.

7. “Like It’s Christmas” by The Jonas Brothers

“Like It’s Christmas” by The Jonas Brothers is a happy and upbeat love song. “You make every day feel like Christmas,” is such a cute line, and it’s a good contrast for the other songs on this list. It adds a lovely, happy, upbeat song about love and happiness. The brothers also do a bit of rapping, which is interesting for it to be the Jonas Brothers, but it was still really cute and a good addition to any playlist.

6. “The Christmas Song” by Ne-Yo

“The Christmas Song” by Ne-Yo is a new take on ‘The Christmas Song’ by Nat King Cole. It is one of the best covers of this song I have heard, and I think it’s a good way to reintroduce old classics to people in a new way. The baritone singers paired nicely with Ne-Yo’s falsetto to establish a perfect contrast. Giving the song a soulful feeling. The beatboxing is a nice little addition as well, and it adds an urban feel to it.

5. “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande

“Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande isn’t as new as some of the others on the list but it is still a banger, and is in my top five for newer Christmas songs. This song is just so upbeat, and the lyrics are about not wanting to fall in love with someone if they won’t be there in a year to come. For Ariana Grande fans everywhere, I’m sure you have already heard the song but for the people who haven’t, I definitely recommend it.

4. “Lonely Christmas” by Bryson Tiller, Justin Bieber, and Poo Bear

“Lonely Christmas” by Bryson Tiller, Justin Bieber, and Poo Bear is a twist on the typical sad Christmas song. This song is not as happy as others on this list, but it brings its own flair to the party. Unlike all the other sad Christmas songs like ‘Every Year At Christmas Time’ by Luther Vandross, and ‘What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas’ by The Emotions this song still has an upbeat feel to it with the guitar in the beginning, and the really nice base, bringing the song to a newer place than just ‘ sad Christmas music.’ All three singers make this song special with their unified harmonies.

3. “Underneath The Tree” by Kelly Clarkson

“Underneath The Tree” by Kelly Clarkson came out in 2013 so I’m not sure if you would call this a new Christmas song, but I only recently discovered it, and I figured if it was new for me it would be new to someone else too. I absolutely love this song. It makes me want to aggressively shake my head to the beat and do an old-school dance that involves an unnecessary amount of snapping. There are lots of sounds that are associated with the holidays in this song, making it a true Christmas song. I believe it should be on everyone’s playlist.

2. “Snowman” by Sia

“Snowman” by Sia is a beautiful song that I originally heard on TikTok. For the entire time it was on TikTok it was a trend to sing the hook without taking a breath. Deciding to listen to the song outside of the 15 seconds videos on TikTok, I fell in love. After being out for more than 4 years, it is still in my top three. The piano in this song is so pretty and Sia’s voice is even prettier. I wish the song was longer than 2 minutes and 45 seconds. I will definitely be listening to this song for years to come.

1. “Winter Wonderland” by Bryson Tiller and Halo

“Winter Wonderland” by Bryson Tiller and Halo is the definition of a perfect cover. It has everything you would want in a Christmas song. The original singer is Michael Bublé, but Bryson Tiller and Halo add such an adorable twist to this classic. The new harmonies and Halo’s childish voice really make this the perfect song for the newer generations. The little assurance, and guidance that Bryson gives Halo throughout the song gives it the vibe that he is her talented older brother who is helping her reach her full singing potential, and it is so adorable. When they sing together it’s like Christmas but in the form of music. This is definitely the best cover of a Christmas song I have ever heard.