It's Christmas all over again.

Ah, the sound of Christmas. I’m not talking about the echoes of laughter that erupt over Christmas dinner, or the strains of petty arguments that make their reliable appearance every Christmas morning without fail.  It’s the songs that take entry on those Christmas compilation albums every year  that I’m referring to. They appear in November and linger until Christmas time before they're forgotten about for another 12 months like the Christmas shops that appear in towns across the country for a limited time. You're just glad to see the back of them. 

Wham, Cliff, Slade, Mariah, Wizzard, East 17, Shakin Stevens and co all attempt to make a dint into the charts around this time after their heavy rotation in shops and on the airwaves .  But where are the contemporary festive carolings? Excluding Rod Stewart and his 'Merry Christmas, Baby' obviously. (That guy's a genius) Pins, Dan Croll, Lower Than Atlantis and Foe provide the best  for 2012. Although it’s unlikely that they’ll sit pretty at the crux of the charts, they’ll undoubtedly make you feel festive. Don your Christmas jumper and take time to listen to these merry offerings.

If they fail to get you into a festive mood, my last suggestion is Mele Kalikimaka by legendary crooner, Bing Crosby. 

I’ve also shared a thought for those on Boxing Day. A day where I normally spend glued to the TV, still in my PJs and gorging on the leftover strawberry creams that no one ever eats, ever. But for those brave enough to face the sales, it takes great determination and commitment to tussle your way through the swelling crowds. I have the perfect song to motivate you to barge past those in your way like a quarterback so you can nab the last JW Anderson jumper in the Topshop sale.