Imagine the scenario…you're stuck on the motorway, haven't moved in ages and the only thing that feels slightly Christmassy is the cold weather. But don't despair - because if you're heading home for the festive season today, here at Trackdays, we've queued up our five favourite festive songs to lift the spirits and banish the traffic jam frustrations.
Welsh wonder, Shakin' Stevens, is no stranger to musical success, being the UK's biggest-selling singles artist of the 1980s, with four number ones to his credit.
"Merry Christmas Everyone" was one of his chart-topping tunes and hit all the right festive notes in 1985. Upbeat, with a catchy melody, its lyrics are packed with seasonal joy – so it was always bound to do well.
Other big hits for Shakin' Stevens, real name Michael Barratt, include "This Ole House", "You Drive Me Crazy" and "Green Door" – all guaranteed to pack the dance floor.
One of the UK's most successful singer-songwriters, Sir Elton John, well and truly got into the Christmas groove in the early 1970s. As you'd expect from a musical genius, in collaboration with Bernie Taupin, the song brings a smile to the face from the opening note.
Although the song is more than 50 years old, its energy is as strong as ever, making it an obvious Christmas floor filler. Of course, Sir Elton has dominated the music scene at home, and around the world. He has 10 number 1 UK singles and 10 number one albums – that's even more than Shakin' Stevens!
Sticking with the 70s next, Slade are another musical outfit that have racked up some big hits, including no less than six number ones in the UK. One of these is the perennial favourite "Merry Xmas Everybody" which was released in 1973.
Brimming with singable lines, a big tune and Noddy Holder's powerful vocals, it's an upbeat Christmas classic that gets better with age. We salute the Black Country's finest for the happiness this festive favourite continues to deliver year after year.
You may have heard of Paul McCartney, he used to play in The Beatles! After the Fab Four, he continued to enjoy musical success and turned his eye to the Christmas season with this 1979 song.
While this song didn't actually top the charts in the UK, we're pretty sure Sir Paul McCartney isn't too worried as The Beatles had more than 15 UK number ones alone. So, if you want a Christmas song to sing along to when stuck on the M25, then you won't go wrong with "Wonderful Christmastime".
Irish punk band The Pogues took an unexpected seasonal diversion away from their usual material for Christmas in 1987, teaming up with the late and legendary folk singer Kirsty MacColl for "Fairytale of New York" - perfect for a rousing in-car duet between yourself and any passengers!
Although it has as of yet never bettered its peak position of #2 in the UK charts, it has remained a seasonal evergreen since, and has charted again in December every single year since it was re-released in 2005, and it also continues to generate over £400,000 a year in PRS royalties. Proof, if any, that if you create a good Christmas classic, you're onto an annual winner.
Christmas Belters
These are our favourite Christmas driving tunes, no matter if the traffic has ground to a halt, unlike an exciting driving experience at a race circuit. Wishing you a musical Christmas from the Trackdays team.Don't forget to check out our Christmas Gift Guide for many incredible last minute gifts and special offers on driving packages that all the family will love - free e-mail voucher delivery is available on all orders, including those placed on Christmas Day!