Unwrap These Obscure Holiday Gems: Tunes for Your Festive Playlist

Last week, I woke up to the exciting news that Wham had finally made their way back to the top of the charts with ‘Last Christmas’. As a huge George Michael fan, it made my day. However, there are only so many times I can hear that song before rolling my eyes, along with the likes of Mariah Carey, Shakin’ Stevens and Wizzard. I find this is a recurring phenomenon for not only myself but those around me, so I went to the liberty of compiling some of my favourite, more obscure, festive hits for us all to play over the winter break to stop us from going insane. From old to new, really niche to not-so-niche, I hope there is something here for everyone to add to their holiday playlists.

Starting it off with an oldie, Chuck Berry’s 1958 hit ‘Run Rudolph Run’ is a fairly predictable pick for your Christmas lineup, but sometimes I feel it is forgotten each year it gets older. If you like a bit of Rock and Roll with some bluesy guitar this one is definitely for you. Every time this one comes on, I can’t help but want to get up and do some sort of Jive (despite the fact I can’t dance); it’s the perfect tune to lift up the energy.

If upbeat isn’t your style, why not give a bit of Bob Dylan a try? Personally, I never see ‘Winterlude’ on any of the playlists at the Christmas events I have been to. However, this sweet folk song transports me to an American wintery wilderness that makes me want to reflect on everything that’s happened this past year. Even better, this could be your gateway into Dylan’s music, if you’ve never tried him out before, just in time for A Complete Unknown’s release early next year.

I’ve given some older hits here, so here’s one that came out in 2022. ‘Wintering’ by The 1975 is one of my favourite winter songs that isn’t explicitly about Christmas or Hannukah; it simply talks about the feeling of coming home to see your family around this time. I can already hear the shouts coming from behind the screen: “But Ruby, I hate the 1975; they suck!” Well, to that, I say, what other holiday song can you hear the singer talk about a 10-year-old that is obsessed with fat ass? I didn’t think so. Despite the joking around, I really think people should give this band a second chance. This tune is perfect for a positivity boost that will get you feeling ready to reunite with your extended family.

Next up is a tune about Hannukah that the gracious editor of this newsletter, Stan, brought to my attention. ‘8 Days of Hannukah’ by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings has the groovy vibe of a School House Rock tune. It's the perfect addition to your holiday playlist if you're in the mood for something unique, upbeat, and with a whole lot of soul. This one will definitely be going on my playlist, so thank you, Stan!

Growing up, this next song always made an appearance in winter, thanks to my mum, and it’s stuck with me ever since. Mike Oldfield’s ‘In Dulce Jublio’ might seem a strange choice to some, but to me it’s perfect. Every time I hear it, all I think of is my mum and I doing a strange sort of Irish jig to the medieval-sounding recorders in my old family home. Good times. There’s something about its simplicity and charm that feels so evocative of childhood winters, even now. I hope to pass on this bizarre tradition to everyone else so you, too, can dance around your home to it after putting up some decorations.

Last but certainly not least, I have some Run—D.M.C because who doesn’t love a bit of rap? Bringing their signature New York sound to Christmas, ‘Christmas in Hollis’ is an old-school hip-hop track sure to drown out the number of pop anthems and choir songs heard this time of year. It’s playful, it’s cool, and it’s proof that holiday music doesn’t have to be cheesy.

I hope some of these songs will make their way onto your playlist this year—there’s a whole world of festive tunes outside of the ones on the charts just waiting to be uncovered! Either way, I hope you all have a great Christmas break and here’s to a fantastic 2025.

This article was originally published in the 7th issue of the Fuse FM newsletter, which also happened to be its Christmas edition.