Holiday season typically means great food, good times with family and friends. But while some are decking the halls, lighting the menorah, or playing Santa’s little helpers other are embracing the Grinch or just out right not in the spirit. Even with all of the tree lighting, baked goods and decorations, for some the holidays are a morbid time, which reminds them of lost ones, chilly weather and sadness.

Not to worry. Depression can be temporary. Music is the key to cheering up during the holiday season. Just ask Fabolous. For the past few years he has consistently gifted free mixtape hip-hop gospel on Thanksgiving and/or Christmas day. His latest song, “Summertime Shootout,” dropped on Turkey Day and made for great discussion at the office pot-luck and family dinner table. But Fab isn’t the only artist who is guilty of motivating and uplifting fans.

We dug deep to whip up the perfect holiday treat to get you out of your funk. These 20 songs will invoke warm feelings of strength, happiness and motivation. This holiday season if you need some one to lean on, we’ve got a song for you, if you are feeling defeated, we got you on that one too. It’s time to get jubilant!

So check out The BoomBox's 20 Songs to Get You Through the Holiday Blues. We promise you’ll want to laugh, cry, call up grandma or even book a ticket home.

  • 1

    "If I Ruled the World"

    Nas

    When you’re feeling down and defeated there’s nothing like cheering up and realizing you could rule the world. Nas and Lauryn Hill paint an epic picture of utopia; encouraging you to pick and the charge.

  • 2

    "4 My People"

    Missy Elliott

    Like she says on the intro “this is for my club heads.” The holidays equals, food family and days off from work (for most). Although it was released in 2001, you can still take Misdemeanor’s advice and put on your freakum dress and get down.

  • 3

    "I Believe I Can Fly"

    R. Kelly

    R. Kelly reinforces your spirits and encourages you to keep going with his three-time Grammy Award-winning hit “I Believe I Can Fly.” “See I was on the verge of breaking down/ Sometimes silence can seem so loud/ There are miracles in life I must achieve/ But first I know it starts inside of me, oh,” he sings to give that extra jolt of positivity energy.

  • 4

    "I'm Every Woman"

    Chaka Khan

    The original girl power anthem comes from living legend Chaka Khan. The 1978 track is a year round favorite. But ladies when you have a dinner party of 19, back logged files from work, and three children to juggle this holiday just think: “I’m every woman, it's all in me / Anything you want done, baby / I’ll do it naturally.”

  • 5

    "Respect"

    Aretha Franklin

    This track is perfect for our holiday blues mix, because it’s all about showing respect for your loved ones and yourself. As the Queen of Soul sings on this classic 1967 song all she’s asking is for a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

  • 6

    "The Boss"

    Rick Ross Featuring T-Pain

    "Fresh line up, fresh outfit," how could you not be a boss? Rick Ross tapped T-Pain on his Trilla hit single and this is the perfect jam to boost your confidence. Pull up and have the parking lot on smash, cause there’s not bigger boss thus far but you.

  • 7

    "The Good Life"

    Kanye West Featuring T-Pain

    Wealth, healthy and holiday cheer. Welcome to the “Good Life.” Kanye West and T-Pain’s two step, invoking track is all about great vibes, being nostalgic and just enjoying the feeling of living. Get out of bed and toast to better days.

  • 8

    "All I Do Is Win"

    DJ Khaled Featuring Ludacris, Rick Ross, T-Pain & Snoop Dogg

    Everyone catches an ‘“L” sometimes but when you have a winner’s state of mind it’s hard to remain defeated and down. For the hustlers and focused DJ Khaled wants you to keep winning. When you are always dedicated to winning most likely nothing can keep you down.

  • 9

    "Paper Planes"

    M.I.A.

    When Diplo and M.I.A. collaborate is going to be bonafide hit. Down and out, get nostalgic and show off your swagger. No one has swag like you. Poke your chest out and maybe light a paper plane and let the drama fade away.

  • 10

    "Keep Ya Head Up"

    Tupac Shakur

    Leave it to late rapper Tupac Shakur to deliver one of the most motivational hip-hop songs ever. The title alone lets you know 2Pac is all about the positive reinforcements on this track. Play the whole tune on repeat or just recite the chorus: "Keep ya head up, ooh, child, things are gonna get easier / Keep ya head up, ooh, child, things'll get brighter." You feel better already don’t you?

  • 11

    "The Light"

    Common

    If you have lost someone close the holidays can be a tough time to bare without them. It’s always great to have someone you can lean on during those times. Common is here to remind you, you are not alone. “There are times, when you'll need someone / I will be by your side / There is a light, that shines/ Special for you, and me,” the hook states.

  • 12

    "On & On"

    Erykah Badu

    There isn’t one track on Erykah Badu’s 1997 Baduizm that doesn’t make you feel good. Or at least feel like singing karaoke style with your squad. But “On & On” is designed for the chill stoners who want to kick back and watch some football after a hearty meal.

  • 13

    "Happy"

    Pharrell Williams

    The complete opposite of sad is “Happy.” Pharrell’s jubilee song is the great for getting you out of the holiday funk and smiling all the way to your in-laws' house for a holiday get-together.

  • 14

    "Empire State of Mind"

    Jay Z Featuring Alicia Keys

    Get in the zone and put on for your city this holiday. Jay Z and Alicia Keys’ duet is all about hometown pride and being happy about where you come from so that the outlook on where you are going is even better. If you are from NYC or California, “New York State of Mind,” will put you in the right mind state to head back and celebrate the holidays at home.

  • 15

    "Get Me Bodied"

    Beyonce

    There're the electric slide, the “Cupid Shuffle,” the “Cha-Cha Slide” and then the entire “Get Me Bodied” video routine. If you are cleaning up your pad or wish to get the party started, push play on Bey’s ultimate dance track and get ready to sweat your way to happiness.

  • 16

    "1 Thing"

    Amerie

    One thing's for sure, hi-hats, kick drums and snares have a way of awakening the soul. If you are depressed, sad or just not feeling the holiday vibes, throw on Amerie's "1 Thing" and get that burst of energy you need to lift you up on a cloudy day.

  • 17

    "Who's That Girl?"

    Eve

    Before you were feeling yourself, you asked yourself “Who’s That Girl?" So pick yourself up, head to the salon and make sure your hair and nails are on fleek. Because after your done pampering and dolling up they will be asking you the same question.

  • 18

    "Bet You Can't Do It Like Me Challenge"

    DLow

    Challenge yourself to get in the spirit and try something new this holiday. DLow encourages you to get on over the your aunts house and get the party started with an ultimate family dance off. Incorporating all the latest dance sensations, including the Milly Rock and twerking, DLow dares you to show off your skills and ask your "perfect" cousin, "bet you can't do it like me?"

  • 19

    "Dreams & Nightmares Intro"

    Meek Mill

    If you thought you had it bad and have been through tough times, well Meek Mill confirms you are not alone. On his hard-hitting "Dreams & Nightmares Intro," Meek takes it back to paint of pictures of his trials and tribulations before the fame. This track is a reminder that nothing happens overnight, the struggle is real, and that you should always take one day at a time.

  • 20

    "Jumpman"

    Drake & Future

    Drake and Future sure were up to something when the collaborated on the club banger "Jumpman." The respected hit makers had one goal with this track: to get you hype. No matter your mood "Jumpman" will take you from feeling down to way, way, way up.

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