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20 Modern Holiday Songs That Won't Make You Want To Hang Yourself By The Chimney With Care

By Joanna Robinson | Lists | December 12, 2013 |

By Joanna Robinson | Lists | December 12, 2013 |


It’s that time of year. Time when the never-ending rotation of The Ronettes, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong swing out the year every where you go. I’m a huge sucker for the holidays. Not the presents or even the religious aspect, but the other trappings. I love the cold weather and warm drinks or the twinkling lights and the smell of evergreens. I love all kinds of Christmas songs, too, from the cheesy nonsense to the over-earnest chorale music to, well yes, Bad Religion if you must know. But I appreciate that’s not everyone’s cup of hot cocoa laced with peppermint schnapps. For our own listening pleasure, last night, my boyfriend and I crafted a playlist of modern/alterna/indie Christmas music so I could listen to my tinsel-strewn heart’s content without making him sick. We’re actually really disgustingly pleased with it, so go have a listen if you’re so inclined.

But here’s a collection of new classics (most on that playlist, some not) that won’t make you go into sugar shock this holiday season.

Christmas Treat — Julian Casablancas

Christmas In The Room — Sufjan Stevens

Christmastime — Aimee Mann

Christmas Wish — She & Him

Merry Xmas (Says Your Text Message) — Dragonette (I know, I know. But it’s catchy as hell.)

Just Stay For The Night — Key & Peele

Miracle — Matisyahu

Christmas Is All Around — Billy Mack

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day — Wizzard (Okay not so modern but how in blazes could I resist this video?)

Cry Cry Christmas — The Sweptaways

Present Face — Garfunkel & Oats

Come On Santa — The Raveonettes

Twinkle (Little Christmas Lights) — JD McPherson

The Blizzard — Camera Obscura (SADNESS ALERt: Don’t listen too closely to the lyrics.)

Just Like Christmas — Low

All My Bells Are Ringing — Lenka

Christmas All Summer Long — Deer Tick

No Christmas For Me — Zee Avi

All I Want For Christmas Is You — Mariah Carey, Jimmy Fallon, The Roots and Some Kids

White Wine In The Sun — Tim Minchin (This is the ultimate. Minchin gets right down into the heart of why I love Christmas. It’s perfect.)