1

"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby (1942)

Image: Ivan Dorofeev

This is a perfect choice to start with. One of the most iconic holiday songs of all time, "White Christmas," definitely holds a special place in the hearts and minds of all Americans.

Released in 1942, the song became an instant hit and was played on every radio station. It even went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide!

Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Bublé are just a few of the legendary artists who made their own version of this classic song. It's one of our favorites for the holiday season!

2

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley (1956)

Image: Drew Beamer

The 1950s introduced one of the most exciting musical innovations to the spotlight: rock and roll. And when it comes to rock, we have to mention the King.

In 1956, Elvis released his iconic "Heartbreak Hotel," which had everyone singing along at the top of their lungs with the unforgettable line, "You made me so sad, oh, so sad."

An undeniable hit, "Heartbreak Hotel" was pivotal for Elvis Presley's career, as the song became his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. We've already rushed to play it; we hope you do too!

3

"Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry (1958)

Image: Erik Mclean

We know we promised "only one per decade," but it's just too hard to stick to that rule! We couldn't resist including this legendary Chuck Berry track.

Yes, we're talking about "Johnny B. Goode," the 1958 hit that could make even a statue dance! When this song hits your ears, it’s nearly impossible not to give in to its charm and start moving. With its unforgettable electric guitar riff right from the start, this tune is instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever set foot in this beautiful country.

Not only was this song an instant hit, but it also gained even more fans when it was featured in the 1985 film Back to the Future.

4

"Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan (1965)

Image: weston m

Now, let's pause the dancing for a moment to focus on the lyrics and melody of one of the greatest songs ever.

"Like a Rolling Stone," released by the amazing Bob Dylan in the year 1965, introduced listeners to Dylan's iconic rock sound. Acclaimed and celebrated by critics and audiences alike, the song features something unusual for the time of its release: it's almost 6 minutes long!

But its lengthy duration did not hinder the track from becoming a hit, and it certainly didn't prevent it from evolving into a classic.

5

"Hotel California" by Eagles (1976)

Image: Diane Picchiottino

When someone mentions the Eagles, the first song that instantly comes to our minds is the iconic "Hotel California," released in 1977.

This hit features great lyrics and an exceptional sound, reaching millions of listeners and inspiring covers in different musical genres and languages. While interpretations of its lyrics are many and varied, one of the most popular theories is that it metaphorically explores the dark side of rock stardom.

Featuring one of the most iconic guitar solos in rock history, "Hotel California" remains a timeless gem that we continue to enjoy to this day.

6

"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson (1982)

Image: Markus Spiske

It's time to put on your dancing shoes again. Just two seconds of this song is enough for anyone on Earth to recognize it.

Every time Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" plays, it's like magic—everyone starts moving. And that has been true since its release in the early 1980s. In fact, the song spent seven consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the best-selling singles in history!

Did you know that Michael Jackson first showcased his Moonwalk dance during a performance of this hit?

7

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana (1991)

Image: Jurian Kersten

This song is the quintessential symbol of the 1990s and one of the most defining tracks of grunge.

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was released in 1991 as the lead single from Nirvana's second and most iconic album, Nevermind . It quickly became a sensation and is often considered an anthem for Generation X.

There’s a humorous story behind the song’s title: Kurt Cobain's friend wrote "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on a wall as a joke, and the singer just loved it. It turns out "Teen Spirit" was actually a brand of deodorant, but Cobain didn't know that!

8

"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston (1992)

Image: israel palacio

Get ready to grab some tissues, because this one might bring on a few tears.

Remember the 1992 movie The Bodyguard ? Beyond the incredible performances of Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, one of the most celebrated aspects of the movie is its beloved soundtrack.

The song was originally written and recorded by the great Dolly Parton in 1973, almost 20 years before the movie. Whitney Houston recorded "I Will Always Love You" in 1992 specifically for The Bodyguard . Her cover surpassed the original version in popularity, becoming one of the most listened-to romantic hits of all time.

9

"Umbrella" by Rihanna ft. Jay-Z (2007)

Image: Kittitep Khotchalee

Welcome to the 21st century, where everything is a bit more accelerated.

You've probably heard, "Under my umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh." That's the catchy chorus from "Umbrella" by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z, released in 2007 as part of her album Good Girl Gone Bad.

The song got people all over the world dancing and singing along, topping charts in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries.

Its iconic music video, featuring rain and an impressive umbrella choreography, inspired countless replicas.

10

"Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2014)

Image: Greyson Joralemon

If you feel like dancing, this is the track you should play. This song is all about rhythm!

Released in 2014, "Uptown Funk" combines modern sounds with a funky retro beat that immediately takes you back to the 1980s. This mix was the key to captivating everyone! This song quickly became popular, with everyone knowing the lyrics by heart. Its success was unprecedented, spending an incredible 14 weeks at #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

With its upbeat vibe and infectious rhythm, this is one of the defining songs of the mid-2010s.

1

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Image: Nik Shuliahin 💛💙

Imagine camping beneath the biggest trees in North America and in the whole world . That incredible experience is possible in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, where some of these trees are thousands of years old.

You can choose from 14 scenic campgrounds—including Grant Grove Village, the foothills of Sequoia National Park, the Lodgepole and Giant Forest areas, Cedar Grove, and Mineral King—and make a reservation.

2

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Image: velichor

Open only during the summer months, Crater Lake National Park is home to the country's deepest lake and a dormant volcano , making it an incredibly photogenic location. Campers can pitch their tents or park their RVs in the forest at Mazama Campground.

As locals say, the best views are from the areas looking out over Annie Creek, but the whole place is a no-miss.

3

Olympic National Park, Washington

Image: Scott Goodwill

Camping along the coastline with the sound of the waves in the background is a beautiful experience that can be accomplished in the Olympic National Park, where you can camp right along the beautiful coastline , which is marked by several sea stacks.

There are many different campgrounds, some next to the ocean and others in the rainforest. While most are first-come, first-served, some allow reservations for stays in the summer.

4

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Image: Levi Jones

Few camping experiences beat waking up on the rim of the Grand Canyon . While the South Rim is easier to get to, the North Rim is usually less crowded. There's one North Rim campground inside the park and another just north of the park boundary, both open from mid-May to mid-October.

Several sites along the South Rim are open year-round, including the Mather Campground and Trailer Village in Grand Canyon Village. Only two other South Rim spots, Desert View and Tusayan Montane, are open seasonally.

5

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado

Image: Mike Erskine

The Rocky Mountains offer magnificent scenery for a beautiful day and a night out. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests have 56 campsites set in a variety of landscapes, including open meadows and evergreen forests, amid mountains, and on lakeshores .

While most are open seasonally, a select few stay open all year long, so make sure to check the website for road conditions beforehand if you plan to camp during the winter months.

6

Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Image: Andreas Rønningen

The Smoky Mountains are a picturesque part of Idaho, with dozens of places to camp. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is a fantastic place to go hiking, canoeing, or cycling, and you'll be treated to awe-inspiring mountain views in every direction.

About half the campgrounds welcome campers on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can also make reservations ahead of time to secure a site. The camping season is open in the summer months.

7

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Image: Rahul Bhosale

Don’t mind the name, there is nothing bad about the Badlands. Between the many rock formations you'll see throughout Badlands National Park, you'll also find prairies and places to peek at ancient fossils . The Cedar Pass campground is larger and offers more amenities, but the smaller Sage Creek campground puts you in a better position to see bison wandering around .

8

Ozark–St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas

Image: Alex Holt

The Natural State has 1.2 million acres of recreational space including beaches, lakes, and streams, and more than 400 miles of hiking trails , in the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests. Campers can choose between several developed campgrounds for both RV and tent camping, some of which are open year-round.

Other campgrounds are open from May through October. Primitive camping is also permitted within designated areas—just remember to bring your water (or a water filtration device), and leave the place untouched.

9

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Image: Blake Wisz

At Dry Tortugas National Park, in Key West, Florida, you can camp right outside of one of the world’s largest barrier reefs . Visitors can rent snorkel gear, spend their days relaxing on the beach, or check out Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fortress used by the Union army to blockade Confederate shipping channels during the Civil War.

This pristine area, perfect for stargazing and bird-watching, requires campers to bring everything they will need, including water, fuel, ice, and food. Ferry transportation from Key West must also be secured as early as possible.

10

Minnewaska State Park Preserve, New York

Image: Esther Tuttle

More than 2,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by rocky terrain, Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers a lot of space to hike, bike, and enjoy the view . Reservations for the Sam F. Pryor III Shawangunk Campground can be made online starting each March, as it is closed during the winter.

The campground features 50 parcels, as well as five car-camping sites, and amenities such as Wi-Fi, coin-operated showers, communal fire pits, and picnic pavilions.

1

I Love Lucy

Image: Nick Fewings

Airing from October 15, 1951 , to May 6, 1957, I Love Lucy was undoubtedly a pioneering sitcom that marked the way people produce and watch TV. This show was one of the first to be filmed using a multi-camera setup and in front of a live studio audience!

Lucy Ricardo , portrayed by Lucille Ball, was the protagonist who won the hearts of many Americans with her enthusiastic and funny personality. In addition, her ambition to reach stardom inspired many women to fight for their dreams beyond the diverse impediments that society put in their way.

2

All In The Family

Image: Lucrezia Carnelos

All in the Family , which first aired in 1971 , was among the first shows to bring to television the controversial social, cultural, and political issues that were central during the 1960s.

With a humorous tone, All in the Family put on the screen some topics that other sitcoms didn’t dare to handle, with characters that embodied different ideas very well.

Thus, this sitcom marked American TV, influencing other shows that came later, including some spin-offs of the series itself, such as the iconic The Jeffersons.

3

Barney Miller

Image: Pavan Trikutam

While there are many series and shows about police departments and detectives today, in 1975, TV gave us Barney Miller , one of the sitcoms that would pioneer the genre.

Set in New York City, the show focuses on the lives of detectives Barney Miller (Hal Linden), Philip K. Fish (Abe Vigoda), Stan "Wojo" Wojciehowicz (Max Gail), Ron Harris (Ron Glass), and Nick Yemana (Jack Soo); characters with personalities as varied as they are funny.

What made Barney Miller stand out was the realistic way it narrated the lives of the different detectives, all influenced by their peculiar jobs.

4

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Image: Senad Palic

The 70s were years of premieres. And one of them was The Mary Tyler Moore Show , a sitcom that came to revolutionize television.

With an independent , smart, career-focused, and single woman as the main character, this show stood out in those days. This aspect led the sitcom to win several Emmys and Golden Globes for its acting, writing, and impact on TV and society.

Mary interacted in the show with funny, witty, and adorable characters, such as Rhoda and Murray.

5

The Golden Girls

Image: Lance Asper

Airing for seven years, The Golden Girls is undoubtedly one of those sitcoms that all Americans remember. Four grown women sharing a house in Miami is enough premise to create countless scenes and comedic situations. Among them, the legendary Betty White fills the screen with sweetness and grace, playing "Rose."

The Golden Girls drew attention at the time for being one of the first sitcoms to show women of their age living different aspects of life like any other adult, without restrictions of any kind. If you haven't seen it yet, run to the TV and turn on an episode!

6

Cheers

Image: Edgar Chaparro

Boston, Massachusetts, is the setting of Cheers , the sitcom that ran for more than ten years, from 1982 to 1993.

"Cheers" is the name of the bar where the main characters work: Sam, Diane, Carla, Coach Ernie (later replaced by Woody Boyd), Cliff, and Norm. All kinds of stories, encounters, misunderstandings, and much more unfold there, all highlighted by a witty script and hilarious performances.

Winner of several Emmys, the series marked an era, leaving jokes that were repeated on TV throughout the decades that followed.

7

Seinfeld

Image: Patrick Tomasso

Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld together created one of the funniest sitcoms this country has ever seen.

First aired in 1989 , Seinfeld was humorously described as "a show about nothing," as it portrayed the daily lives of four friends in New York. However, the characters were enough of a driving force to make things happen. Jerry Seinfeld, a stand-up comedian, and his three friends -George, Elaine, and Kramer- brought to life a series of hilarious situations, each character more eccentric than the last.

Seinfeld stood out because it focused more on each comic situation than on the long-term development of its characters. In addition to that, the show consistently used an ironic tone to critique social norms and stereotypes !

8

Friends

Image: Ilse Orsel

One of the sitcoms influenced by Seinfeld was the iconic Friends , which aired for ten years, from 1994 to 2004.

Which was your favorite character: Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, or Joey? Each of these quirky guys living in New York had a huge fan base in the 90s when the series aired on NBC. The success of Friends was undeniable, and its actors went on to earn sums of money that few comedy actors had ever earned before.

Although it has been criticized in recent years for its lack of diversity, there is no denying that this sitcom has given us a good dose of laughs and touched the hearts of many Americans over the years!

9

The Office

Image: Adolfo Félix

You'd think a run-of-the-mill office wouldn't have much to give the viewer, right? Well, The Office appeared in 2005 to prove that's not true at all.

To achieve the success it enjoyed (and continues to enjoy), this sitcom only needed a great script, superb direction, and some seriously exceptional actors.

While the American version of this mockumentary is an adaptation of the British original, it was the American one that went around the world. That was largely thanks to actors like Steve Carell as the unusual boss Michael Scott, Rainn Wilson as the hilarious Dwight, and the talented John Krasinski as Jim. They, along with the rest of the cast, made this series a comedic masterpiece.

10

The Simpsons

Image: Stefan Grage

When it comes to iconic animated characters, The Simpsons instantly comes to mind.

Probably the most famous animated family in the world, the Simpsons have been on our screens for many years, debuting in 1989 and continuing to this day. The mastermind behind the show, Matt Groening, created characters that, while hilarious and charming from their first appearance, evolved to reveal complexity and depth over the years.

The biggest fans may say that the series is no longer what it once was. While this may be true, no one can deny that Homer , Marge, Bart , Lisa, Maggie, and other iconic characters like Flanders, Crusty, Barney, Burns, and Skinner will always be part of American culture.