Music is arguably the most cheerful part of the holidays. For me, music makes the season so much livelier. Everyone knows the classics like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, Santa Baby, Silent Night and many, many more. As great as these classic tunes are, I listen to so much music over the holiday season that only listening to only the classics got repetitive. Then, I went on a search for more obscure Christmas music and uncovered some real gems. These are the top ten songs (from many different ends of the genre spectrum) you may not have on that holiday playlist, but totally should!
1. “Gingerbread Man” by Melanie Martinez
Melanie Martinez is an artist made popular by the famous show “The Voice.” Her songs have creepy tunes and imagery, but very complex meanings. When I realized this underappreciated artist put out a Christmas song, I had to give it a listen. I was not disappointed.
2. “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy” by Brad Paisley
A country twist on the song “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” It is about a boy who walks downstairs in the middle of the night to see his father dressed as Santa and kissing his mother.
3. “The Miser Bros. Song” (Heat Miser/Snow Miser)
This has been my favorite Christmas song ever since I was a child. As I grew up, I realized it was not as commonly known as I had once believed. This tune is from the movie “A Year Without a Santa Claus” (also a really cute family-friendly animated movie for the holiday season, if you’re looking for one). The song features step-brothers heat miser and snow miser, arguing over whether to have a green or white Christmas.
4. “I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus” by Standstill
This song is your typical Christmas song which features someone kissing Santa and a wandering child overseeing it. This song is unique because it breaks the hetero-normative holiday often depicted in classic Christmas tunes and hallmark movies. It is important to have music and television that represents the diverse culture we live in.
5. “Mele Kalikimaka” by Jake Owen
Do you prefer a Green Christmas over a White Christmas? This country tune will make you feel like you’re spending Christmas on the beaches of Hawaii.
6. “Meet Me Under the Mistletoe” by Never Shout Never ft. Dia Frampton
Much like the Christmas music we are all used to, this is a soft, cheerful tune about someone undergoing heartbreak and hoping to find love again. This song is likely not a chart-topper simply because the band is more unknown, but definitely worthy.
7. “When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney” by ?????????
This tune is a little more geared towards the children this time of year, but is comical for adults and adolescents as well.
8. “Shake Up Christmas” by Train
A big complaint many people have about Christmas music is it all has soft tunes. This Christmas song is a good way to revamp your holiday and get everybody up on their feet.
9. "The Chanukah Song" by Neil Diamond
Much like the Standstill's song, "I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Clause," this tune represents the diversity in our culture by incorporating Hanukkah. Its also sure to get everyone together laughing.
