It’s the 23rd of December, meaning you are already up to your eyeballs in Boney M and traditional Christmas Christmas anthems. From Michael Buble to Mariah Carey, Christmas songs can be as predictable as an Eskom press release. To combat this, we have put together a Christmas songs list that offers you something a little different. From sad and rueful to cheesy and weird, these are the songs you can use tomorrow to change things up for your guests.
Christmas Song by Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe knows that come Christmas we adults don’t necessarily want to be kissing Santa Clause or Decking the halls. Sometimes we just want to feel a little sad and nostalgic. With just the tiniest hint of sleigh bells Bridgers transports us to a Christmas years ago where we didn’t have our loved ones around and makes it all feel okay.
Tim Minchin – White Wine in the Sun
It’s never really made much sense to me that Christmas songs keep talking about dashing through the snow, when the sun is in full blaze outside and I am in my swimming costume. Fortunately I am not alone as Aussie comedian and musical writer Tim Minchin has written the quintessential summer Christmas song, White wine in the sun.
Destiny’s Child – 8 days of Christmas
12 days of Christmas has needed an update for centuries. No one wants maids a milking Steven! Fortunately, 20 years ago Destiny’s Child delivered us 8 days of Christmas is which the greed and avarice of the original are kept in tact, but just given a new and modern twist. Diamond belly ring anyone?
Amy Winehouse – I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause
This one is a classic, but no one does it like Amy Winehouse. This groovy bossa nova style refreshes a tired hit and makes it suitable for a modern playlist.
Pearl Jam – Let me sleep (It’s Christmastime)
For all those who remember how magical Christmas was as children, and who now feel it lacks the same charm, Pearl Jam’s “Let me sleep” is perfect. Eddie Vedder’s slow lyrics over a simple beat and guitar arrangement are basically the counterpoint to every other upbeat Christmas song.
Chuck Berry – Run Run Rudolph
This one has the makings of a classic, but of course it never did get there. Uptempo and dancey like only Berry could do, this is the one you want to play when everyone has had a few drinks and need to let off steam.
Blink182 – Won’t be home for Christmas
Reckless, bouncy and very skater punk, this is a classic for those who will be purposefully avoiding their families at Christmas this year.
The Kinks – Father Christmas
Never mind the Christmas songs, are you tired of the excesses of Christmas in general? Enjoy the kinks.
“Have yourself a Merry Merry Christmas, have yourself a good time, but remember the kids who got nothing, while you’re drinking down your wine”.
