December is the most wonderful time of the year, but as I’ve gotten older, I no longer get a two-week/full-month break from school and responsibilities to enjoy the season like Christmases past — I now have a job and obligations. Bah, humbug. One way I work around my adult responsibilities during the holiday season is by playing Christmas music at all times. Literally, at all times.

The Beach Boys blast as I get ready in the morning, The Nutcracker Suite is on a constant loop while I’m at work and need to focus and Bing crones to me on my drive home.

“But Mary,” you ask. “You can’t possibly listen to Bing and Judy Garland during your workouts?” You’re right I’ve tried, and I can’t. I do however listen to a kickass mix of upbeat mixes and covers as I sweat off all of the Christmas cookies (and peppermint bark, and hot chocolate, and stuffing—wow this is a fat holiday) I’ve consumed. Luckily for you, Spotify is a thing that exists so I can share my Christmas workout jams. Enjoy!

1. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by *NSYNC

My go-to warm up song. I don’t trust anyone who hears this and isn’t immediately in a good mood.

2. Last Christmas by Cascada

At last count, I have four other versions of this song in my music library, but this is the best one to do crunches to by far. (Sorry, Wham!)

3. (Everybody’s Waiting For) The Man with the Bag by Kay Starr 

This is perfect leg song. It also sounds like something the Rockettes might dance to, which is even more inspiring for your gams, right?

4. Christmas in Hollis by Run-D.M.C

I think we can all agree this is a new classic. Plus, if I can distract myself by rapping along with a song, all the better.

5. Christmas Tree by Lady Gaga

This isn’t the classy, Tony Bennett-BFF Lady G that we know today, rather the crazy, meat-dress wearing woman we look back at fondly. Slightly vulgar? Yep. But it has a great beat — stolen from The Little Drummer Boy — so it’s a must.

6. My Only Wish (This Year) by Britney Spears

What’s the saying? If Britney can make it through 2007, you can make it through this workout? Close enough. Also, have you seen Britney lately? She still looks phenomenal according to my friend’s close up footage of her Vegas show last month.

7. Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses

Because even the Scrooges of the world deserve a peppy song to sweat to this season.

8. Oh Come All Ye Faithful by Twisted Sister

You know what this reverent holiday hymn needs? More electric guitar. Thanks, Dee Synder and co. for gifting us this heavy metal gift.

9. Setting the Trap – Instrumental (Home Alone Soundtrack) by John Williams

You know what a great imagined motivation for your next workout would be? Trying to protect your idyllic suburban home from the Wet Bandits. Channel Kevin McCallister and get in the zone with this song.

10. Ice Skating Girl by Rekindle

A nice upbeat, non-denominational jam.

11. Christmas Time is Here – Markus Enochson Remix by Vince Guaraldi Trio 

The Peanuts gang usually sound pretty whiny/depressing, but add a little back beat and their upturned singing faces are suddenly great background music for a light jog.

12. Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town – Q Burns Abstract Message Remix by The Pied Pipers, Johnny Mercer

Every time this song starts by singing the phrase, “Fat man’s comin’” I am suddenly motivated to add another set.

13. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Mariah Carey

Isn’t there another, more popular Mariah ditty that would have made more sense on this list? Yes. But usually that’s playing when I am making merry (aka taking red/green jello shots at a holiday party) so this underrated Mimi jam earns itself a spot.

14. Hazy Shade of Winter by The Bangles

I’m going to be honest with you, I don’t think this is truly a Christmas song, but it’s catchy as hell and The Bangles sang it, so I feel like it’s acceptable.

15. Mistletoe by Justin Bieber

Cool down time! JBiebs HAD to make it on this list somehow, right?