The entire score is full of iconic moments (who can forget the Nutcracker March or Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies?), but the lesser-listened tracks are performed with peak precision for a calming and enthralling journey into the land of sweets. The timeless music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet was re-recorded by conductor Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmoniker. “ The Nutcracker Ballet” by Sir Simon Rattle On an even cheerier note, the proceeds from the album (and every album sold under Merge Records) are donated to the nonprofit 826 National. Ward for this stripped-down compilation of classic Christmas covers. If indie pop is more for you, you’ll find a Christmas treat with the duo “She & Him.” “New Girl” star and ukulele aficionado Zooey Deschanel duets with musician M. Pull up a blanket and a cup of cocoa for these 11 holiday albums that ring in the merry-and the mellow. Whether you’re studying for final exams, need a break from the constant shopping or just need to step away from everything, there is holiday music to keep your spirits both bright and calm. We seem to forget that the merriest season of all should be full of mellow moments too, and it is important to find the time for them. With the holidays in full swing, there seems to be more pressure than ever to be holly and jolly 24/7. While 2021 is no 2020, it hasn’t been much easier.

The best holiday albums