Offbeat Christmas Classics

1. “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses: this new wave tune tells an irreverent and cynical story of one victim of holiday fatigue. The lively bassline underscores reflective lyrics, creating a catchy song that leaves listeners hoping for a happy ending.

2. “River” by Joni Mitchell: from the 1971 album Blue, “River” is a haunting, melancholic song that departs from any typical seasonal liveliness. Although it’s not technically a Christmas song, Mitchell transforms the wintertime into a moving period of reflection on loss and love with her plaintive piano, wistful lyrics, and yearning for escape.

3. “Christmas in Hollis” by Run-D.M.C: with its memorable hook and playful narrative, this Christmas hip-hop track brings Santa and his sleigh bells to Queens. Run-D.M.C.’s accompanying music video adds another level of energy and spirit to the song, showcasing their famous new-school flair.

4. “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” by Bleachers: Jack Antonoff, known for his production and lyricism, puts a semi-festive spin on introspection in this 2024 release. Centering around family tension, the song is a sharp and arresting example of the conflicts that the holidays can create.

5. “8 Days of Christmas” by Destiny’s Child: released in 2001 at the peak of the group’s fame, this R&B track reimagines the holiday season with a smooth, confident twist. Highlighting the festive extravagance of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” Destiny’s Child celebrates fun, love, and luxury.

6. “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes: while a little less edgy than other nontraditional holiday songs, “White Winter Hymnal” showcases Fleet Foxes’ masterful arrangements and deceptively simple storytelling. This acapella group classic emphasizes the quieter, more peaceful moments of the wintertime with a folksy, wholesome tone.

7. “Last Christmas” by Lucy Dacus: Dacus’s rendition of this Wham! staple takes an 80’s hit, cuts the synth, and transforms it into a speedy, guitar-focused anthem that feels fresh and emotive. The result is a Christmas song that blends celebration with heartbreak — the perfect counter to any overly dreamy holiday fare.

8. “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl: this Irish folk-and-punk ballad is poignant, raw, and distinctly gritty. Alternating between hopeful, romantic, and scornful, The Pogues chronicle the long and eventful nights of December in New York City.

9. “That Was the Worst Christmas Ever!” by Sufjan Stevens: one jaunty installment of Stevens’s Songs for Christmas, this acoustic performance captures the familiarity of the holidays and turns it on its head. Themes of family dysfunction intermingle with Stevens’ signature homemade sound to create a confessional, messy tale of an emotional Christmas.

10. “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney: weird and electronic, “Wonderful Christmastime” sets itself apart from other songs of its genre. It's grown increasingly popular, and for good reason — McCartney’s peppy lyrics culminate in an explosion of synthesizers and ad-libs that encapsulate holiday cheer without sounding cliché.

These songs, festive in their own right, offer a refreshing alternative to the more traditional jingles that flood the airwaves each December. They speak to a broad range of holiday experiences, making them the perfect companions for navigating the season. So, don’t mind hearing these earworms in the grocery store, on the street, or while you try to work on midterms: it’s the offbeat tunes that truly stick with us into each new year.