As the semester comes to a close, many of us are excited for a well-deserved break. Many holidays occur over winter break and bring magic to the cold and snowy season. This week’s 13 Beats features some holiday and winter songs to wish you a happy holiday season and spice up your break:

1. “All I Want for Christmas is You” – Mariah Carey (1994)

Mariah Carey’s music has become a staple of many people’s holiday seasons, as they joke about Carey “defrosting” as soon as Thanksgiving ends. I always find myself singing and dancing to this song, even though I don’t celebrate Christmas.

2. “Wintering” – The 1975 (2022)

“Wintering” describes both the positive and negative feelings one experiences going home for the holidays. The upbeat and eccentric production illustrates the uniqueness of family gatherings.

3. “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” – Dean Martin (1959)

“If you really hold me tight, all the way home I’ll be warm,” croons Dean Martin in this classic track about embracing snowy weather. Many artists have tried to cover this song, but there’s nothing as cozy as the original.

4. “’tis the damn season” – Taylor Swift (2021)

Taylor Swift tells the story of two ex-lovers reconnecting when they’re both in their hometown for a holiday break. Swift sings that “the holidays linger like a bad perfume, you can run but only so far” to describe the uncomfortable but magnetic pull of this reunion.

5. “The Chanukah Song” – Adam Sandler (1996)

Adam Sandler created and recorded this track to celebrate Hanukkah and different Jewish celebrities. “I hope I get a harmonica on this lovely Chanukah,” croons Sandler, infusing his infectious humor into this holiday song.

6. “White Winter Hymnal” – Fleet Foxes (2008)

“White Winter Hymnal” incorporates feelings of storybook friendships into a dreamy and catchy melody. Lyrics like “I was following the pack, all swaddled in their coats” illustrate the winter setting Fleet Foxes is trying to create.

7. “Jingle Bell Rock” –  Bobby Helms (1957)

This rock track has become a no-brainer for Christmas carolers and holiday playlists alike. I also can’t help but think of the iconic talent show scene in “Mean Girls” whenever it plays!

8. “Snowman” – Sia (2018)

“I want you to know that I’m never leaving ’cause I’m Mrs. Snow, ’til death we’ll be freezing,” croons Sia, reassuring her lover. The song incorporates snowy imagery as a metaphor for the singer’s everlasting love.

9. “Coffee” – beabadoobee (2017)

Bea Kristi creates the coziest winter vibe with this track’s slow and soft guitar melody. “And I’ll make a cup of coffee with the right amount of sugar how you like it,” sings Kristi about wanting to do deeds for her lover because of how safe they make her feel. 

10. “Winter Wonderland” – Tony Bennett (1968)

Another winter classic, “Winter Wonderland,” celebrates the magic of the colder months. “In the lane, snow is glistening; a beautiful sight we’re happy tonight,” carols Tony Bennett about the joy that winter brings.

11. “Last Christmas” – Wham! (1984)

“Last Christmas” is a jolly-sounding track but actually tells the tale of a broken heart. Lyrics like: “My God, I thought you were someone to rely on” describe the heartbreak that the singer feels after losing the lover he spent last Christmas with.

12. “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” – Frozen Cast (2013)

While this track is from the popular Disney movie “Frozen,” it always evokes the whimsicality of winter. “Do you wanna build a snowman? Come on, let’s go and play,” sings Anna, begging her sister Elsa to enjoy the snow with her.

13. “New Year’s Day” – Taylor Swift (2018)

“Hold onto the memories they will hold onto you,” sings Taylor Swift about holding onto her lover even after the craziness of New Year’s Eve parties. The song curates the vibe of resetting and evaluating relationships, something done by many on Jan. 1.