All of us know someone who hates Christmas music. Like, really despises it. These Grinches grimace each time they hear a jazzy rendition of Jingle Bells. “It’s fine,” they say, unconvincingly, through gritted teeth.
And while most of these afflicted souls don’t seem to mind other Christmas-y things (like presents, spending time with family, and cookies), holiday tunes—which seem to get played earlier and earlier with each passing year—are just too much for them.
As a salve to those who succumb to such seasonal sentiments, we’ve pulled together a list of tracks that celebrate the holidays in a different way. Some of them may be familiar and some may be entirely new. Either way, they’re a break from the same old tunes that are repurposed by pop stars each year.
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“Father Christmas,” The Kinks
This department store “Father Christmas” clearly had the worst Christmas ever.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjaPXihbORk&w=420&h=315]
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“Got Something for You,” Best Coast and Wavves
You might associate these two laid-back bands with surf and sun (and yes, actual waves), but together, they create the perfect wintry mix.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OYBzktBJ0k&w=560&h=315]
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“Last Christmas,” Wham
This Christmas, I gave you a list, of Christmas songs that are somewhat better.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI&w=560&h=315]
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“Fairytale of New York,” The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl
This song came into being after Elvis Costello bet The Pogues’ lead singer Shane MacGowan that he couldn’t write a decent Christmas duet. The outcome: a call-and-response between a bickering couple that’s just as sweet as it is salty.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq9hdMIVpac&w=560&h=315]
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“Birthday,” The Jesus and Mary Chain
It counts as a Christmas song because the word “Christmas” is in the chorus.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41SP25T0wjg&w=420&h=315]
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“Christmas in Hollis,” Run D.M.C.
This Rick Rubin-produced track name checks the trio’s hometown of Hollis, Queens in New York. Twenty-five years after its release, the song is a holiday standard.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR07r0ZMFb8&w=420&h=315]
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“It Doesn’t Often Snow on Christmas,” Pet Shop Boys
Despite a danceable vibe, this song is mostly about how we’ve all ruined the spirit of Christmas. Sorry, Bing Crosby.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL8HqSzb9TM&w=560&h=315]
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“Christmas Was Better in the 80s,” The Futureheads
This rollicking track by post-punk rockers proves a very solid point: Christmas is always better when you’re a kid.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHNpS-pnH-M&w=420&h=315]
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“Christmas Wrapping,” The Waitresses
Bonus points if you remember the Spice Girls cover.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SzjDOk_u9I&w=560&h=315]
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“All I want For Christmas Is You,” Mariah Carey
This song is a classic regardless of your feelings about Christmas music.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY&w=420&h=315]