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Santa Claus reads letters from children from around the world in his office at Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi, Finland. Reuters

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and everyone knows what that means. As the famous holiday songs go, men who live in Tennessee will be heading for Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie and someday soon, families will all be together, if the fates allow, to have themselves a merry little Christmas.

Christmastime means families coming together, everyone from the very old to the very young. While it’s fun to gather once more, it sometimes creates a problem in finding things that can please all age groups, such as Christmas music. Sure, if you’re 24 you might like to play “Father Christmas” by the Kinks or “Fairytale of New York” by the Pogues on repeat, but that may not be appropriate for your 8-year-old cousin. Here are some of the best Christmas songs for kids and families, with links to the lyrics.

"Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town"

How to get kids excited for Christmas? Just remind them that the man in the red suit is gearing up to come down the chimney with gifts. While the song informs kids that Santa sees them when they’re sleeping and knows if their awake, it is bound to get them to bed early so that he'll have time to bring the gifts they were so good for.

"The Christmas Song"

While it may not be meant for children, it’s still the ultimate classic Christmas song. With images of Christmas past — chestnuts roasting on an open fire, choirs singing Yuletide carols — it’s the ultimate listing of all the things that mean Christmas to us.

"Here Comes Santa Claus"

Another Santa-centric tune, this one reminds all kids, no matter if they’re rich or poor, that Santa loves them. Elvis' take on the tune is a little more modern than Gene Autry's original, but any version is still good.

"A Holly Jolly Christmas"

Most famously sung by Burl Ives in the Christmas special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” this is about as lighthearted a Christmas song as you can get, and kids are sure to sing along with the easy-to-learn lyrics.

"Jingle Bells"

The ultimate singalong for kids, this remains a classic at Christmas gatherings everywhere. The lyrics leave room for interpretation, as evidenced by the ultimate troublemaker Bart Simpson when he started to sing “Jingle bells, Batman smells” in "The Simpsons Christmas Special."

"Deck the Halls"

This is perfect to put on your playlist for kids to listen to while you prepare for your Christmas party. It’s about all the things you do getting ready for the holiday season.

"Up on the Housetop"

This classic got new life when the Jackson 5 recorded it for their 1970 Christmas album, so we recommend that version. It's bound to get the kids dancing.

"White Christmas"

While this December has been unseasonably warm in parts of the U.S., you can give kids the sense that they’re playing in the white fluffy stuff with this Bing Crosby classic. Who says you can’t have a white Christmas?

"What Christmas Means to Me"

This Stevie Wonder great is played in the Christmas movie “Elf” when the characters Buddy and Michael run through a department store jumping on beds and having fun. The song will get your kids in the same spirited mood.

"Little Saint Nick"

The Beach Boys may be more associated with warm, sunny California than the snow and cold that usually come with Christmas, but this song is still one of the best Christmas tunes out there. It’s catchy, talks about Santa and is just all around fun, so kids are bound to love it.