The song, written by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, is followed in the list by The Pogues' Fairytale of New York and Slade's Merry Xmas Everybody.

The two organisations analysed data from shops, radio airplay, television, international performance and live music over the decade to come up with its chart.

They also report that:

o 1 in 4 people claim to be more generous when buying gifts if Christmas music is played