Every year around the middle of November the Christmas songs begin to play on the radio. Whether you're going for a quick trip in the car or a dander in the shopping centre, it is difficult to avoid the a festive tune.
There are some songs that you're guaranteed to hear. It simply isn't Christmas without a bit of Mariah Carey or the Wizzard, and without knowing you're able to sing along to every word.
That's why it is so hard to believe this next list of Christmas anthems never made it to the top of the charts.
1. All I Want For Christmas Is You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY
Despite the Mariah Carey's Christmas hit re-entering the charts every year since it was first released in 1994, this song only made it to number 2, losing out to East 17's 'Stay Now.'
2. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoxQ4Ul_DME
Wizzard's Christmas single, like Mariah's hit re-enters the Top 40 every single year. Back in 1973 it was beaten to the top spot by Slade's 'Merry Xmas Everybody.'
3. Last Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI
Wham! lost out on Christmas No.1 1984 to Bob Geldof's charity record 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'
4. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
http://youtu.be/73UqDX_quk0
It wasn't the most wonderful time of the year for Andy Williams back in 1963, after his label decided to release it as a single, opting for his cover of 'White Christmas' instead.
5. War Is Over
http://youtu.be/yN4Uu0OlmTg
John Lennon's protest song about the Vietnam War was first released in 1972 and was beat to the top of the charts by Thin Lizzy's 'Whiskey in the Jar.'
6. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdnaPAJgAQI
This Comic Relief record by Mel Smith and Kim Wilde was unsuccessful in 1987. The Pogues and Kirsty claimed the Irish Christmas number one instead.
7. Walking In Air
http://youtu.be/wQt6NmOKzYw
This is Christmas song people either love or hate. The track was originally recorded in 1982 for The Snowman, however didn't become a hit until Aled Jones' re-recording in 1985. The song still didn't manage to make it to the top slot and Dermot Morgan's 'Thank you very much Mr. Eastwood' topped the charts instead.
8. Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQhuoY5h2kE
The Darkness failed to take the top position in 2003 however this catchy tune remains a classic ten years on.
Fairytale of New York
http://youtu.be/j9jbdgZidu8
The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl 1987 classic festive hit made it to number one here, however in the UK missed out on the top slot to Pet Shop Boys' 'Always On My Mind'. Shane MacGowan apparently said: "We were beaten by two queens and a drum machine."
