Whether it be a nostalgic melody from Nat King Cole or an upbeat ode to Santa's fleet of reindeer, there's no denying that everybody has a favorite holiday song. As Christmas quickly approaches, ESSENCE.com called upon a handful of celebs--each of whom were fully-entrenched in the holiday spirit--to chat about their most cherished tunes, who they want to be with this season and what they hope to find under the tree.

Regina R. Robertson Dec, 23, 2009

Celebrity Holiday Playlist

Anika Noni Rose

Favorite Song:

What Child Is This by Johnny Mathis is such a beautiful song.I get goose bumps when he gets to “the babe, the son of Mary,” at the end.My favorite song to sing is Oh, Holy Night.The melody is so moving and I imagine myself singing it for the tree-lighting at Rockefeller Center before I leave this Earth!

Holiday Wish:

I’d love for everyone to donate to the Charter Oak Cultural Center (www.charteroakcenter.org), a multi-cultural program that exposes disenfranchised children to the arts.A monetary gift – no matter the amount – will make the holiday, and the rest of the year, bright for our future stars.If someone wants to put a little something in my stocking, I’d love a jar of Korean tea mix.Honey ginger is my favorite.

Tristan Wilds

Favorite Song:

Whenever I hear Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Me, by Stevie Wonder, I feel like the kid who the star is talking to…and Stevie is one of my favorites.

Holiday Wish:

This Christmas, I’m looking forward to spending time with my family.Exchanging gifts is great, but the holidays have never been about that for me.It’s about being home with the ones you love.

Jazmine Sullivan

Favorite Song:

The Christmas Song is a classic.It’s one of those songs that you associate with the holidays and Nat King Cole has one of the smoothest voices, ever.

Holiday Wishes:

I’m really looking forward to spending time with my family and friends who I don’t get to see enough… and maybe spending some time learning how to cook!

Michelle Williams

Favorite Song:

Let It Snow by Boyz II Men is the perfect song to play while drinking apple cider and nestling up by the fireplace with your boo.

Holiday Wishes:

I want new flat-screen televisions and I’d love to have all of my shoes replaced that were stolen while I was traveling this year.I also wish for everyone to have happy and healthy holiday with their loved ones and a prosperous New Year!

China Anne McClain

Favorite Song:

My favorite holiday song is Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer.I saw the video for that song and it was really funny.I’ve loved it ever since!

Holiday Wish:

I will never forget the Christmas when Mr. Perry gave me the honor to give out gifts to children at a shelter in Atlanta.It made me happy to see how excited they were about getting toys, so this year, I’m looking forward to giving to people who are less fortunate than I am.

Kandi Burruss

Favorite Song:

What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas by the Emotions is my favorite.A lot of times, I dump someone right before Christmas, so I’m usually by myself during the holidays.That song is pretty hot and I’d even thought about remaking it, with Tiny, but we took too long to put it together – maybe next year!

Holiday Wish:

I’m usually with my family at my Aunt Bertha’s house for Christmas, but this year, I’m looking forward to vacationing with my mom and my daughter, Riley.This is the first time I’ve gone away for the holidays, so I’m excited.