Just like how times have changed, so have the holidays. Despite the twinkling Christmas decorations in homes and buildings, many no longer feel the Christmas spirit in the air. Yet, the moment the first notes of a favorite Christmas song plays, nostalgic emotions and the longed-for holiday vibe return in an instant.

Christmas songs have always been the herald of yuletides as early as the first day of September. Much like the scent of freshly-baked gingerbread filling the air, it spreads warmth making the holiday spirit feel tangible.

On TikTok, a video of Christmas traditions showing how the holidays used to be in previous years over a classic Christmas song has gone viral for its sentimental appeal. 

“POV (point of view): Christmas in 2010,” the caption said, reflecting how familiar notes and melodies evoke emotions and transcend generations

If you want the holidays to bring back memories old and new, here are a few diverse Christmas songs you can listen to:

1. Jose Mari Chan songs

Many of the balladeer and composer’s classicals have become not just a holiday anthem but cherished lullabies and lifelong companions, such as “Christmas in Our Hearts, “A Perfect Christmas,” “Mary’s Boy Child” and “A Wish on Christmas Night.” They have become fundamental to the season, with the songs’ melodies woven Filipino holiday traditions. Listening to these definitely elicits a sense of nostalgia, reminding families of joyful holidays past and the warmth of togetherness.

“A very important thing to remember is that Christmas is for the family. Christmas won’t be complete without our family [sharing it with us],” he said in an interview with GMA Online.

2. OPM Christmas songs

Pinoy Christmas songs also transport listeners back into childhood days, where you and your cousins do not only participate in games for a prize but for the fun and memories that will be made. Ariel Rivera’s “Sana Ngayong Pasko” reflects this longing, for the good old days to come again. The melodies, along with its soulful lyrics, resonate deeply with many Filipinos are away from their family for the holidays. “Pasko Na Sinta Ko” by Gary Valenciano also speaks of people’s yearning and unfulfilled love at Christmas. This makes it a timeless song that captures the listeners’ experiences of separation during the most important day of the year.

Meanwhile, “Maligayang Pasko at Masaganag Bagong Taon,” “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit” and “Namamasko” express the cheerful atmosphere of the season. These songs are commonly sung by children’s caroling from house to house, often accompanied by clapping, makeshift instruments made from tin cans, and their joyous laughter after the legendary “Thank you, thank you! Ang babait ninyo, thank you!”

3. Classic Christmas carols

Carols like “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Jingle Bells” and “Feliz Navidad” bring the holiday season to a bliss. From soulful melodies to upbeat rhythms, these classics embody the diverse emotions of the season, either making listeners feel like floating in the Christmas air or inspiring them to groove to its jingles.

4. Christmas K-pop

The South Korean music scene is also a fantastic choice for uplifting the holiday vibe. In this generation, K-pop songs never fail to add its unique flair to the festivities just like boyband EXO’s “First Snow,” which gained traction last year and is once again taking over the internet this holiday seasons for the second time around. For a cutesy and warm vibe, NCT Dream’s “Candy,” their remastered version of first generation Korean boyband H.O.T’s original, offers a cheerful and vibrant accompaniment, perfect for adding a playful touch to anyone’s Christmas playlist. Meanwhile, for a serene and jazzy vibe, BTS V’s recently released “Winter Ahead” and his own rendition of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” for a cold, cozy evening with red wine and a slice of chicken pot pie, capturing the essence of a tranquil holiday night.