The Many Moods Of Christmas

My Mixtape’s A Masterpiece is a weekly feature in which a guest compiles a playlist around some theme. This week, Kiley Fox assembles some tracks that span the emotional spectrum of the holidays. Read Kiley’s thoughts on each song and listen along to the Spotify and YouTube playlists below.

When it comes to Christmas music, I lean just as hard into the sad songs as much as I do the joyous carols. Some of the most beautiful pieces of art I have seen surrounding this holiday explores the emotional rollercoaster that it puts us through. Take for example, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The majority of that story is about sorting through the bitterness, sadness, and hopelessness we carry in our hearts. Throw in some gnarly ghosts, morbid fortunes, a dead kid, and it’s not really the bright and jolly narrative the media somehow sells it to be. Thank god for that ending! But I digress.

The point is that Christmas should be celebrated in its entirety and that means understanding that the hard stuff makes us who we are, too.

1. “My Favorite Things (2009 Remaster)” by John Coltrane

I adore this Christmas song, because I never understood what made it a Christmas song. I like things that don’t make sense but feel right. As for this version, John Coltrane breathed life into it with stunning complexity while balancing moody melancholy and subdued optimism. I always imagine myself riding through the city at night during Christmas when I hear it.

2. “Pure Imagination” by Bootsy Spankins, P.I.

Delicate, whimsical, elegant, and gentle, this cover captures the childhood wonder of Christmas. Meanwhile, the musicianship is exceptional and the sound so refined that adults can enjoy it. It has a big cool factor for both beauty and nostalgia.

(Editor’s Note: This song is not on Spotify, but you can hear it as part of the YouTube Playlist at the end of this post.)

3. “Snow (Alternate Version)” by Harry Nilsson

I am a positive and hopeful person who values heavy and sad feelings. There’s a lot of love in our grief and a lot of wisdom in our suffering. To me, Christmas symbolizes the full spectrum of the human experience. I revere the melancholy as well as the joy. Harry Nilsson was a full spectrum musician.

4. “Peace on Earth/ Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby & David Bowie

My father’s favorite Christmas song, and it is one of mine as well. Tender, traditional, yet modern, this song famously bridges the musical gap between generations. Full of love and hope, it sounds like it is literally twinkling. Christmas never sounded purer than this.

5. “Pond Inlet” by Susan Aglukark

Susan Aglukark is a Canadian Inuk singer/songwriter. In “Pond Inlet” she sings about being separated from people and memories she loved. At Christmas, nostalgia for our past and loved ones plays a large role in establishing our traditions. The soft ethereal tones and use of indigenous elements makes this feel like a love song connecting people across the wind.

6. “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison

Regardless of religion this song is a lovely diddy with chill and happy vibes. The play on words in relating it to Christmas has made it a staple on my holiday playlist. It also has tremendous sing along cred which again lends itself to caroling. This song is a jar of honey among Christmas songs.

7. “Christmas Card from A Hooker In Minneapolis (Blue Valentine Version)” by Tom Waits

Impossibly cool, magnificently soulful, tastefully bittersweet, and always clever, Waits turns the idea of the Christmas letter yearly update on its head. This is the Christmas they don’t show on TV—the kind that millions are living every year.

8. “The Winter Requiem” by Joe Hisaishi

Mostly known for his work with Studio Ghibli, Hisaishi’s other albums are often overlooked. He is a master of synth and dreamscapes for a modern world. This particular song is effortlessly hip, chaotic, and serene all at once. Just like Christmas.

9. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears

I always thought this intro sounded wintery. If falling snow made a sound, it would be this song. It is an anthem of all our hopes and wishes to be bigger than we are. This track is appropriate for celebrating the last gasp of the year.

10. “White Days” by The Juliana Theory

I only became aware of this song this year and fell in love instantly. It captures the fraught of the holiday while recognizing the impermanence of time. It’s sad, hopeful, and thoughtful.

11. “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)” by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

This is a jukebox party song that everyone can sing along to once the guests are good and boozed up. I’m surprised it hasn’t already been widely loved as a holiday song. It’s about a freaking party and hook up in December. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” has nothing on this gem.

12. “Put A Little Love In Your Heart” by Al Green & Annie Lennox

Yes, I am biased: I love SCROOGED. But they knew what they were doing by ending the film with this song. With a resounding message of joy, kindness, hope, peace, and love, this energy is representative of the magic we’re all chasing at Christmas. It is also very good advice. If “Oh What A Night” was an injection of boogie into the holiday shindig, then you play this song when you want to end the party on top, but you also need to let your guests know that it’s time to go.

(Editor’s Note: You are 100% going to want to check out the YouTube Playlist, if only for the music video to “Put A Little Love In Your Heart”. TRUST ME.)