The best holiday albums you probably never heard are our playlist of the season

Do we start listening to Christmas music a little too early each year? Yes, we do. And do we then grow a bit tired of holiday songs by the time Christmas arrives? Maybe we do. But between those two phases, which is where we are now, there are a few glorious weeks when we set aside our fickle obsessions with trap or emo pop or whatever the current trend may be, in favor of timeworn songs about snow, Santa, gifts, family and good cheer.

At least, that is the plan. But to be honest, sometimes this soundtrack becomes a little repetitive, a little tiring. And while one person’s festive comfort might be another’s sonic kryptonite, it is safe to say we all need a refresh of the seasonal canon.

Although the greatest Christmas song of all time remains the David Bowie and Bing Crosby version of “The Little Drummer Boy”, and the greatest Christmas album will likely forever be “A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector”. And of course, someone’s new discovery will sometimes be someone else’s long-time favorite, but here are a few albums that are worth your time. After that comes a specially curated playlist of newer holiday songs we love. Our parameters: a. although there are plenty of unexpected Christmas covers, you will not find dubstep or reggae Christmas albums here and b. we limited our picks, both albums and singles, to mostly traditional melodies broadly suited to the whole family.

She & Him, A Very She & Him Christmas

The offbeat yet charming duo Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, who bonded on the set of The Go-Getter over their shared love of Phil Spector’s production, recorded not one but two Christmas albums. Both are beautiful, simple and lovely, although this one is our favorite.

Willie Nelson, Pretty Paper

Willie was at the peak of the critical and commercial success of his standards album, Stardust, when he released Pretty Paper in 1979. The title track, written by Nelson, had been a Roy Orbison hit in 1963. It is also our broad experience that every big family gathering, no matter the location, includes at least one aunt or uncle who practically lives for Willie.

Dean Martin, A Winter Romance

Skip the many Frank Sinatra Christmas compilations; in fact, skip The Dean Martin Christmas Album as well. This one, although not exclusively made up of Christmas songs (which is a good thing, in our opinion), has more feeling, better orchestration and a few more surprises.

Low, Christmas

This indie rock duo from Duluth, Minnesota, is known for the quiet intensity of their compositions, and this Christmas EP is no different. Play it late at night while sitting by the fire, or while looking out through a frozen window. It is enchantingly beautiful, but unfortunately not the soundtrack for a party.

Chet Baker, Silent Nights

Recorded in New Orleans only a few years before his untimely death, Chet Baker’s collection of Christmas songs (with a few gospel additions for variety) is another simple, evocative and meditative soundtrack. Aside from Baker on trumpet, the songs feature only saxophone and drums.

Vogue preporuke

Sometimes, however, it is the individual songs rather than entire albums that set the mood. This playlist highlights tracks from the last decade or two and includes everything from Wolf Alice and Courtney Barnett to Sia and Phoebe Bridgers. Happy holidays and enjoy listening!