the almost-holiday playlist
less than conventional music for the most wonderful time of the year
every year the radio plays the same old stuff, and don’t get me wrong—the classics are classic for a reason.
but sometimes we need a break from the classics for a fresh take on the holiday season.
there’s a whole world of holiday-adjacent songs that never make it onto the mainstream playlists: tracks that hint at christmas, paint a winter scene, or just feel like cold air and twinkle lights without going full sleigh-bell mode.
this is for the cozy, in-between moments of winter: wrapping gifts on the floor, late night subway rides heading home from a holiday party, or just enjoying the glow of a quiet night in. seasonal, but cool.
you’re in the right place to celebrate without the holiday overload.
Wintering - The 1975
“and it’s christmas, so it’s gonna be a nightmare, I just came for the stuffin’ not to argue ‘bout nothin’ but mark my words, i’ll be home on the 23rd”
Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call - Bleachers
“and the toughest part is that we both know, what happened to you, why you’re out on your own, merry christmas, please don’t call.”
So Much Wine - Phoebe Bridgers
“I had nothing to say on christmas day, when you threw all your clothes in the snow.”
Horchata - Vampire Weekend
“in december drinking horchata, I’d look psychotic in a balaclava.”
Did I Make You Cry on Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved It) - Peach Pit
“this time of year you always disappear, you tell me not to call.” (callback to bleachers)
Winterlude - Bob Dylan
“the snow is so cold, but our love can be bold, winterlude, this dude thinks you’re fine”
‘tis the damn season - Taylor Swift
“the holidays linger like bad perfume, you can run, but only so far.”
Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses
“‘bah humbug’, no that’s too strong, ‘cause it is my favorite holiday, but all this year’s been a busy blur, don’t think I have the energy.”
Christmas Woman - Sufjan Stevens
really, Sufjan’s entire Silver & Gold album, but I love the callback to the pagan roots of the season with this one.
Another Year - FINNEAS
“don’t waste a dime on me, just want your company, beside a christmas tree if the dog allows it.”
check out the full playlist here:
i just knew tis the damn season and so much wine would be on here! my personal pick is white winter hymnal by fleet foxes because it just SOUNDS like snow to me, if that makes sense. not explicitly christmas but definitely december-y.
Thanks for the playlist!! 💚