Watch video footage of ten of the greatest Christmas songs.

1) The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale of New York
Narrowly missing out on the top of the charts on its first release (it charted at No.2 in December 1987), 'Fairy Tale of New York' frequently tops opinion polls of the nation's favourite Christmas song. Much to Chris Moyles' disgust, Radio 1 dubbed out 'offensive' words from the recording in 2007, but the original version continued to be played across the rest of the BBC.

2) Slade - Merry Christmas Everybody
Written back in 1967 (Slade's 'psychedelic days') Slade's Xmas anthem was originally entitled 'Buy Me A Rocking Chair'. Thankfully (!) Noddy Holder changed the lyrics six years later, and unleashed his Christmas monster on the world.

3) Wham - Last Christmas
Back in 1984 Wham, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Band Aid battled it out for the coveted Christmas No.1 Spot. Wham missed out by a whisker with Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas' taking the trophy. Fact fans will be fascinated to know that 'Last Christmas' is the biggest-selling single in UK chart history not to reach the top spot.

4) John Lennon and Yoko Ono - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Originally intended as a protest song calling for the end of the Vietnam war, the lyrics to 'Happy Xmas' were based around Lennon and Ono's campaign, WAR IS OVER! (If You Want It). One can't help but feel that the song's meaning has been lost over the years!

5) Wizzard - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
Famously beaten to the Christmas No.1 slot in 1973 by Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everybody', Wizzard's festive classic still holds a special place among the nation's hearts. Don't miss Jimmy Saville introducing them in the video, wearing a coat that would make Peta weep.