‘Tis the season to be jolly—and shamelessly musical as well! The holidays always bring out our inner caroller, given that Christmas jingles are played as early as September, and we Filipinos have the capacity to perform at a moment’s notice. The trouble is, hearing the same old songs year after year soon becomes tiresome—and leaves you with a bad case of clichéd LSS!

If you’re weary of the traditional tunes you’ve been singing since childhood—or just prefer a fresh take on your favorite classics—here’s a pop-rock playlist that’s guaranteed to inspire. Take a gander at our modern Christmas compilation, and we’re certain you’ll be belting out ala-Mariah in no time. Whether or not that’s a good thing we leave up to your audience to decide!

All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey (1994)

Lauded by The New Yorker as “one of the few worthy modern additions to the holiday canon,” this song by Mariah Carey was a smash in the ‘90s, exuberantly detailing her desire to be with her lover for Christmas Day. See if you can resist bopping your head along to the catchy tune, co-written by Mimi herself!

Last Christmas – Wham (1984)

Penned by George Michael for his now-defunct duo Wham!, this song tells of the failed romance between a man and his unfaithful flame over the last holiday. It’s a sad tale, to say the least, but the misleadingly chipper tempo and likeable melody will have you mouthing along to the lyrics whether or not you were a child of the ‘80s.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Sheryl Crow (2008)

While better known for her alternative-pop sound, Sheryl Crow doesn’t disappoint with her jazzy rendition of this half-a-century-old song. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” takes homesickness for its subject, so it makes for great listening when missing a loved one abroad.

Where Are You Christmas? – Faith Hill (2000)

Specially written for the soundtrack of 2000’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Faith Hill’s touching holiday tune about a lost Yuletide spirit still makes a wonderful sing-along almost a decade later.

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon

Christmases When You Were Mine – Taylor Swift (2007)

Taylor Swift made headlines this year, not just for that infamous Kanye West scandal, but more importantly for sweeping up awards like the AMA's coveted Artist of the Year. Hear this 19-year-old singing sensation’s take on holiday heartbreak with her song “Christmases When You Were Mine.”

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – David Archuleta & Charice Pempengco (2009)

What do you get when you pair up an OPM darling with American Idol’s resident sweetheart? A Christmas hit, of course! Check out David and Charice’s duet to see how they fared with this time-worn tune (but trust us, they make some beautiful music together!)

The Christmas Song – Christina Aguilera (2000)

With its unforgettable opening line, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” the aptly titled “Christmas Song” is a bona fide favorite among Yuletide-lovers the world over—whether or not they experience the cold of winter. Christina Aguilera’s soulful rendition, complete with all the runs and licks we’ve come to expect of the diva’s performance, will certainly send chills up your spine.

My Only Wish (This Year) – Britney Spears (2000)

Former Mouseketeer-turned-sexpot Britney Spears gave Aguilera a run for her money when they both debuted back in 1999. Relive some of that childhood rivalry as you listen to Brit’s teenybopper pleas to Santa for her “true love.” For all its sugary themes—and the pop singer’s limited vocal abilities—this song is actually a whole lot of fun!

Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy – David Bowie & Bing Crosby (1977)

You’re not alone in thinking that the Bowie-and-Bing combo, while innovative, is still rather strange: in fact, it’s been called “one of the most successful duets in Christmas music history—and surely the weirdest.” Reworked especially for Crosby’s 1977 “Merrie Olde Christmas” TV special—which almost fell through due to Bowie’s initial reluctance—this brilliant version of “Little Drummer Boy” proves that Christmas music can be totally cool.

Wonderland – Heidi Klum (2006)

We didn’t know she could sing, either—and we’re not exactly saying that she can—but Heidi Klum’s cutesy Christmas single released exclusively in Germany will have you bidding “Auf widersehen!” to those bothersome holiday blues.

Believe – Josh Groban (2004)

In 2004, operatic crooner Josh Groban shocked the pop music industry when his sophomore album “Closer” rose to No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Listeners will remember the track “You Raise Me Up,” which was the year’s breakthrough hit—but Groban’s holiday song “Believe” also held its own, snagging a spot on the “The Polar Express” Soundtrack and an Oscar nod for Best Original Song.

8 Days of Christmas – Destiny’s Child (2001)

A glammed-up version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” (minus four), this R’n’B number by Beyonce’s former band will get you shaking your booty—and asking your honey for denims, diamonds, and designer goods.

Let It Snow – Dean Martin (1945)

This nostalgic tune by Sinatra’s fellow Rat Packer is the epitome of a modern classic. Who doesn’t recognize—and subsequently smile at—the sound of bells that hits you right from the get-go? If only we had all four seasons in this country… oh, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Oh Holy Night – Nsync (1998)

The ‘90s were dominated by a plethora of boy bands, the most prominent of which was NSYNC. Admit it, you cried when Justin left the group! Hearken back to better times with the boys’ a capella take on “Oh Holy Night.” Whether or not you were a teenage groupie, you can’t deny this Christmas song’s heartfelt execution.

What songs are on your Christmas playlist? Leave a comment below or talk it up with other GIRLTalkers on our forum!

(Photo courtesy of Columbia)