Why did Santa Claus come down the chimney? Because the door was too mainstream! This playlist is made to celebrate the most conventional holiday in the most unconventional way.
Angel Won’t You Call Me – The Decemberists
I chose this song over “Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas)” for obvious reasons. Heartwarming and cute, even though its about being a lost cause coward, Colin Meloy’s gruff voice is the best way to folk up this Christmas season.
That was the Worst Christmas Ever – Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens is no closet Christian. The guy has released 10 discs worth of Christmas music! Still, his indie-folk takes on classics and his quirky originals make each one better than the next.
A Christmas Compromise – Inara George
The voice behind The Bird and the Bee, Inara George brings us this tongue-in-cheek Christmas carol. “A Christmas Compromise” is about how a Jew deals with wanting to partake in the traditions of Christmas while still leaving Jesus out. I personally love the Yiddish woven into it.
Christmas – Leona Naess
Leona Naess is the stepdaughter of Diana Ross and it’s a shame she hasn’t gone farther than the indie world. She’s got a soothing voice and these lyrics are en pointe.
Miracle – Trails and Ways
Ok, so this song has nothing to do with Christmas, but it’s a holiday about miracles right? Well the samba that’s happening in this Ghost Beach remix is a miracle in and of itself. If you love it, check out CollegeMag’s exclusive interview with Trails and Ways here.
Cocoon – Bjork
A classic from the Icelandic singer, “Cocoon” was written while Bjork was pregnant with her son. The song is obviously about the pregnancy, and its touching nativity lyrics are the closest thing to immaculate.
Jesus the Mexican Boy – Iron and Wine
In this Christmas playlist we include songs about Jesus. It shows we mean business.
Early Christmas Present – Kate Nash
I always get Kate Nash, Bush and Moss confused. But if this were a game of Kill, F*ck, Marry, it’d be obvious to marry the Nash. Like all her songs, Christmas Gift is no exception to all the quirky goodness she puts into all her music. Even Zooey Deschanel would be impressed.
Ghost of Corporate Future – Regina Spektor
This song is a play on the Dickens classic, with just as important of a moral. This song will make you want to quit your job, hug your kids and make your wife moan. But are you unemployed, childless and gay? Don’t fret, anyone who listens to Regina usually is.
All I Want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey
No Christmas playlist is complete without this gem. Nothing spreads Christmas cheer like a Mariah belt session. Whether you’re having a merry Christmas, a happy Hannukah or an ambivalent atheist winter, enjoy the holiday music anyway you can.
