Find some modern holiday joy with these new holiday hits

By Angelica Hernandez     12/3/24 11:15pm

Mariah Carey’s been whistle-toning in our ears since November 1st, but if Christmas classics are feeling a bit dull, try out these new holiday releases – both originals and reimaginings – aiming for a spot on your Christmas playlist. 

1. Laufey’s ”A Very Laufey Christmas”- Album

Featuring a Laufey-style reimagining of “Santa Baby”, “A Very Laufey Christmas” brings together all of Laufey’s Christmas releases. A modern but classic jazzy Christmas feeling flows throughout this collection, bound to bring you into the holiday spirit. If you’re a fan of Laufey’s other music, try this out for a very Laufey Christmas indeed. 

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1. Charlie Puth’s “December 25th” - Single

Many recognize Charlie Puth from heartbreak tracks like  “We Don’t Talk Anymore”, and the New Jersey-born singer isn’t letting go of that relationship pain this holiday season. If you’re currently experiencing a holiday season breakup, this song might not be for you. The deceptively joyful melody does little to disguise the heartbreak explored throughout the song. However, for those who aren’t experiencing heartbreak, this song has a catchy modern tune, a memorable chorus and a unique sound. Try this out for a break from those familiar Christmas chords. 

1. Conan Gray’s “Holidays” - Single

Who doesn’t need a bit of holiday melancholy? Conan might have jumped the gun, releasing this on an incredibly early October 18th, but he does well in capturing the feeling of visiting your hometown and your childhood friends– making this the perfect track for the college student who has left their childhood friends behind. If you’re finding the holiday season a bit too cheery, grab a couple of tissues and let Conan Gray bring you back to Earth with this quiet, but impactful song. 

1. Jennifer Hudson’s  “The Gift of Love” - Album

Jennifer Hudson takes a break from the big screen and the stage for this Christmas album. A joyful mix of old and new, this album inspires the true joy of Christmas from the first note to the last. Featuring a jazzy and uplifting background, Hudson’s voice shines across Christmas classics, and a few original songs. “Santa for Someone” discusses the struggle of giving gifts this season and “Make it To Christmas” encourages everyone to look to the holidays for some extra strength to make it to the end of the year (something we might all need as finals come near). In sum, if you’re looking for a classic but invigorating Christmas album, Jennifer Hudson has it, all wrapped up in a bow. 

1. Dan+Shay’s  “Its Officially Christmas: The Double Album”- Album

Dan+Shay have gone all out this year, with a double album featuring Christmas classics, and a complete album of original holiday tracks. There’s a very Western rock feeling throughout the album, great for a Texas holiday season. The originals feel a bit formulaic, but not every new Christmas song is a hit. The album is a very joyful take on this holiday season, with a romantic focus, which might not be great for the chronically single. If you’re looking for a Christmas album with a bit of a country twang and a romantic feel, take a chance on this album. 

1. Jimmy Fallon’s “Holiday Seasoning” - Album

Surprisingly, this is not Jimmy Fallon’s first foray into the Christmas music space. Of course, to fit right in with his Tonight Show, every song seems like a bit of a joke. It might not be the most inspirational listen, but the melodies are alright, and the multiple celebrity features make this a fun album to listen to with some friends and a willingness to laugh about this holiday season. If you’re looking for a fun take on the holiday season, let this album season your holiday with its jokey songs. 

1. Pentatonix’s ”Meet Me Next Christmas” - Single

Definitely the king of the modern holiday, this a capella group has made itself known for its iconic Christmas music. This year, they’ve come out with a single for everyone missing their long-distance relationship this holiday season. While I wouldn’t say it’s as iconic as some of their earlier releases, this song introduces a couple of different notes into the holiday mix, along with a fun chorus and the trademark Pentatonix sound. 

1. Kelly Clarkson’s  “When Christmas Comes Around… Again” - Album

Kelly Clarkson has definitely cemented her place in the Christmas music hall of fame, with over 685 million listens to her hit “Underneath the Tree”. This year she’s provided a sequel to her 2021 album, “When Christmas Comes Around”. Chock-full of classic Christmas music with a few new originals to boot, Clarkson also collaborates with Ariana Grande for the song “Santa Can’t You Hear Me” – a great opportunity to hear two icons sing together. All in all, the album is a fun introduction to the holiday season, but with an overall very classic feeling. It might not be anything groundbreaking, but Kelly Clarkson is known for the holiday season for a reason. Give this album a listen, or pick out your favorites for some belty Christmas music this season. 

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