This is the paradox of sad music: We generally don’t enjoy being sad in real life, but we do enjoy art that makes us feel that way. Countless scholars since Aristotle have tried to account for it.

And sorrowful art can bring solace. "When I'm sad and I listen to Elliott Smith, I feel less alone," Sachs says. "I feel like he understands what I'm going through." 'It makes me feel human' ...

We've compiled a list of sad Christmas songs for when you're not in a holly jolly mood. While the holidays can be a holly jolly time, they can also bring up feelings of grief, loss or sorrow.