New Delhi, Dec. 1 -- As Christmas approaches, familiar melodies once again fill shopping centres, radio stations and streaming playlists. Despite thousands of festive songs released over the decades, only a select group returns to global charts year after year.

These tracks have become embedded in popular culture, soundtracking everything from family gatherings to film scenes. Here is an expanded look at the top 10 Christmas songs of all time and what makes each of them so enduring.

Mariah Carey's festive anthem remains the unofficial soundtrack of December. With its nostalgic 1960s-inspired production, catchy chorus and joyful energy, the song resurfaces on charts across more than 20 countries every year. Its popularity has grown with ...