For all the nay-sayers and Scrooges out there, Christmas pop is an annual scourge of the high street and TV advertising from November onwards, and the uncouth younger sibling of the traditional carol.

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by Plastic Ono Band and "Father Christmas" by The Kinks are all among the very best classic rock Christmas songs.

Let’s face it, most Christmas music is painfully, unabashedly straight. The festive season is a time for colour, ambiance and festive cheer, but if you listen to the radio, it’s all the same tired songs.

There’s something truly magical about a classic Christmas song and its ability to fill a person with the Christmas spirit, conjure memories of the kind of holiday you’re meant to dream of when Bing Crosby sings “just like the ones I used to know ...

Since 2013, Pat Muir has recommended over 100 Christmas songs. Find out what made this year's edition of 'Christmas Songs That Are Actually Good' playlist.