Very Indie Christmas: Originals and Covers for the Month of December
Growing up in the early 2000s, my mom’s car radio was largely responsible for cultivating my Christmas cheer. Each winter, I looked forward to Nat King Cole and The Carpenters welcoming in the holiday season, as their cozy sound crackled through our minivan speakers and squeezed my tiny shoulders. But just as I outgrew my car seat, I eventually outgrew my Christmas listening traditions.
Adulthood doesn’t come with a winter break. With bills to pay and existential problems to solve, you may not be in the mood for the commercial tunes you’re accustomed to this time of year. Instead of letting your holiday spirit smolder, spend December with these original songs and covers from your favorite indie artists!
“Every Holiday” by Mt. Joy
Situated in the middle of their 2020 album Rearrange Us, “Every Holiday” is Mt. Joy’s ode to the season, one filled with relationship tensions and a desire for things to be different. Vocalist Matt Quinn chirps out the opening lines “Every holiday I feel that depression / From all this division,” in his melancholy tone, instantly signaling to the listener that this isn’t your typical Christmas carol. In an Instagram post of Quinn singing the mournful track, he writes that the song “is about trying to pull yourself together during the holidays when inside you’re dealing with A LOT.” The song’s stripped-down production and piercing lyrics make for a beautifully sad tune to blend into your holiday rotation.
“We’re the Lucky Ones” by The Marías
If you’re new to The Marías like me, you probably didn’t know that the Los Angeles-based indie pop group has a Christmas single. Released on Oct. 29, 2020, “We’re the Lucky Ones” celebrates life—even when it feels hard. Front woman María Zardoya delights in the warm nostalgia of Christmas while also grieving those who are no longer here to embrace it with her, calling herself “one of the lucky ones.” Lyrics like “My mockingbird / I know it hurts / But if only for today / We’ve gotta love,” reflect Zardoya’s heartfelt sentiment by embracing the holiday as an opportunity to cherish those around us. With shimmering strings and Zardoya’s dreamlike voice, the seasonal track is nothing short of magical.
“Home Alone, Too” by The Staves
While Christmastime is often spent reminiscing on warm memories, The Staves depart from tradition by leaning into the chill of holiday loneliness. Curiosity gets the better of the sister trio in “Home Alone, Too” as the 2018 single reflects on what a former partner might be doing over Christmas—perhaps, watching Home Alone. The track admits to feelings of regret and unmet longing through heavenly harmonies and some jingle bells. Somehow, The Staves manage to hold your hand through resurfaced heartbreak during a not-so-jolly time of year.
“A Dreamer’s Holiday” by Julien Baker
Originally recorded and released by Perry Como and The Fontane Sisters, “A Dreamer’s Holiday” transforms into an idyllic lullaby when Julien Baker takes it on. Baker adds her signature sound to the Spotify Singles cover, enveloping the listener with a symphony of acoustic guitar, mandolin, and piano. Amidst all of the holiday chaos, this track has earned the right to be your sense of calm—even if it’s just for three minutes.
“So Much Wine” by Phoebe Bridgers
Give Phoebe Bridgers her crown. With “So Much Wine” as her sixth holiday release, Bridgers has undoubtedly mastered the indie, Christmas cover. Whereas the original recording by Americana duo The Handsome Family juxtaposes a bouncing melody with a heavier story, Bridgers’ rendition aligns the two pieces, coordinating the song’s tone with its message. The indie pop singer-songwriter makes a gentle yet heartbreaking plea at the top of the song’s chorus, “Listen to me, butterfly / There’s only so much wine,” creating catharsis with only her voice. Background vocals from some longtime collaborators, including Andrew Bird and Ethan Gruska, as well as Paul Mescal (if you know, you know) add the kind of sonic dimension that invites you to sing along.
“Celebrate Me Home” by Lizzy McAlpine
This Thanksgiving, Lizzy McAlpine surprised fans with a cozy cover of Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home,” and her take on the classic song couldn’t be more perfect. Initially released as an Apple Music exclusive in 2024, McAlpine’s seasonal single is effortless and intimate, stripped down only to vocals and a piano. While each lyric is delivered with her usual ease and purity, McAlpine shows off her strength as she belts out the bridge’s crescendo “Sing me home.” Just like the original, this cover is wonderfully timeless.
“Take It With You” by Cameron Winter
“Take It With You” is the closing of a door, a sorrowful but necessary goodbye. The 2024 single from Cameron Winter might not be an on-the-nose holiday tune, but it certainly embodies the December ache many of us know a little too well. Winter’s weathered vocals cut straight to the heart, ensuring that every word lands with painful honesty. “If you’re aching to come home, remember / It’s not here anymore.” Bravo.
“The Parting Glass” by boygenius and Ye Vagabonds
As a touching farewell to fans and one another, boygenius released their rendition of the Scottish and Irish song “The Parting Glass” alongside Ye Vagabonds in 2023. In three verses, the hymn-like cover bids adieu to good friends and kind memories, leaving listeners with the refrain “Goodnight and joy be to you all.” The release of this traditional ballad paid homage to the late, Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor with its net proceeds going to a Dublin-based, youth charity selected by the Sinéad O’Connor Estate.