In my opinion, the only types of playlists you should be listening to in December are holiday ones. There’s a host of classic holiday music that you probably grew up listening to, from older tracks, like “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Winter Wonderland,” to newer hits, like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and Wham!’s “Last Christmas.” But if you’re looking for a fresh festive twist, artists release new holiday songs every year.

While sometimes it’s good to stick to tradition, this winter I challenge you to stir up your hot cocoa — and your holiday playlist — with something new. Here are some of the best original holiday songs released in the past few years.

“buy me presents” by Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter’s 2023 holiday EP, “fruitcake,” is truly a delight, but its second track, “buy me presents,” stands out with its warmth and sass. This song is a festive taste of Carpenter’s cheeky lyricism and clever metaphors. And it’s true: If your partner can’t buy you all the things you want and deserve, there’s always an older man waiting to treat you right (Santa, of course!).

“Ugly Sweater” by Jimmy Fallon & Carter Faith 

Jimmy Fallon makes music? Believe it or not, this one is pretty good. Released earlier this week and starring rising country singer Carter Faith, “Ugly Sweater” is a satirical country song about a woman falling in love at a Christmas party with the only man there wearing an ugly sweater. Faith’s smooth vocals carry just the right amount of twang, establishing the song’s humorous storyline quite well.

“Santa Drives an Astrovan” by The Philly Specials & Mt. Joy 

Rock band Mt. Joy’s debut single, “Astrovan,” got a Christmas revamp last year… with none other than former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce hopping on the track. “Santa Drives an Astrovan” keeps the original song’s integrity, but intertwines clever holiday-themed lyrics that will send you on a field trip comparing what’s different between the two tracks. Kelce’s voice also sounds very Santa-like, which is a plus!

“Love to Keep Me Warm” by Laufey & dodie

If you’re looking for a more jazzy and classical tune, look no further than “Love to Keep Me Warm.” Laufey and dodie’s light and airy vocals will make you want to do the Charleston for two and a half minutes. This track is sweet, heartwarming and just plain fun.

“‘tis the damn season” by Taylor Swift 

While this totally isn’t a holiday song, it’s still on the list because: 1) It’s an absolute masterpiece, and 2) It’ll certainly be relatable for some NU students returning home for winter break. Taylor Swift paints a wonderfully wintry, but simultaneously heartbreaking, picture of someone meeting a former hometown lover while home for the holidays. “‘tis the damn season” might not get you in the festive spirit, but it’ll certainly kickstart your winter blues.

“So Much Wine” by Phoebe Bridgers

In this same vein, Phoebe Bridgers takes the crown for the best depressing holiday music. Let’s be honest, though, when is her music not depressing? “So Much Wine” is a floating track about a family member abusing alcohol on Christmas Day. While its lyrics are tragic, the song’s production — with its strumming guitar, lilting violin and catchy whistling interlude — is perfect for a pensive wintertime stroll or moody contemplation by the fireplace.

“Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” by Bleachers 

You can always count on Jack Antonoff to produce a banger. Bleachers’ “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” might also have depressing lyrics, but the song has a robust feeling that is perfect for the wintertime. The bridge sounds exactly like how it feels to be standing in the snow, with snowflakes gently falling down around you.

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Related Stories:

— Tree lighting, trolley rides bring community together during Central Street Holiday Stroll 

— The Daily’s 2024 holiday playlist 

— Liner Notes: New holiday EPs by Laufey, Sabrina Carpenter are merry and bright