I don’t want a lot for Christmas, this is all I’m asking for: stop overplaying Christmas songs! Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas and Christmas songs. However, radios, stores, and social media enjoy replaying the same few Christmas songs from mid-November to December and to jazz them up a bit, famous singers throw in unnecessary and laughable riffs to a straightforward tune. Thankfully, there are alternative Christmas songs that you can add to your Christmas playlist in case you are looking for fresh songs to sing along with this Christmas season.

All Alone On Christmas – Darlene Love

The first song on my alternative Christmas playlist is All Alone on Christmas, performed by Darlene Love. This song is featured in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York with the lyrics relaying a story of someone missing someone during the holiday season. The lyrics mention various places and notable things in New York City such as Rockefellers’ Tree and Fifth Avenue. The lyrics are able to conjure images of a lonely and frigid New York winter where the singer is missing someone dear. I personally love this song because of how upbeat it is, despite the isolated mood. 

25th of the 12th – Bill Compton

Bill Compton’s 25th of the 12th is trippy in the sense that it sounds as if it were a vintage Christmas song, but was actually released in 2012. The song features several aged male voices that warmly sing of Christmas joys in a classy style. The 25th of the 12th shares that “When Santa will share his wealth/there’ll be a gift for everyone”.  This song is definitely overlooked, especially considering its sophisticated sound.

The Christmas Can-Can – Straight No Chaser

The Christmas Can-Can, a comical and vocally animated Christmas song, was released in 2009 by Straight No Chaser. This song particularly stands on on this list because it is acapella, fast-paced, and rhymes. The Christmas Can-Can shares the diverse aspects of Christmas and the holiday season such as shopping, replaying the same Christmas songs (quite fitting really), as well as mentioning other celebrations during the season and beloved Christmas characters. This song is witty and humorous and an overall great addition to any Christmas playlist.

All I want for Christmas (Is My Girl) – New Edition

New Edition’s All I want for Christmas (Is My Girl) is an 80s Christmas song I believe to be in league with Wham!’s Last Christmas. I find it unbelievable that this song is virtually unknown, while Last Christmas floats around on different radio stations each year. Released in 1985 on their album “Christmas All Over the World”, All I want for Christmas (Is My Girl) is an almost cheesy, yet sweet song about a boy singing about…well how wishes for his girl for Christmas. While the lyrics are repetitive, there are unique sounding instruments that make for a groovy song.

From the Cold – Cody Fry

While most people probably know Cody Fry from his viral TikTok song, I Hear a Symphony, Fry released From the Cold back in 2016. His Christmas song takes on a tone of solemnity and reflection, with the lyrics sharing an uplifting message of perseverance. “I’ve been lost and I’ve been broken/I’ve been buried in the snow/But I hear your voice and I keep walking”. 

All of these alternative Christmas-y tunes can be listened to on YouTube. I encourage you to add these songs to your Christmas and winter playlists this holiday season to give yourself a break from the overplayed melodies we love. The Sandscript wishes you a wonderful holiday season!