As our title suggest, Yule 2020 will truly be a Christmas like no other we’ve experienced in these modern times. The lingering threat of COVID-19 hangs on our heads and because of it, out goes the Filipino traditions we’ve observed of Christmas past: the Simbang Gabi, the numerous (class, office, barkada, basketball team) Christmas parties, and even the large family gatherings that is ubiquitous of the Filipino holiday.

But as a popular adage also suggest "the more things change, the more they stay the same." And it somewhat applies here too. We will have to reinvent the ways in which we celebrate the Holidays and we’ve already seen some. The FB live/YouTube Simbang Gabi, the virtual get-together via Zoom (app), and my favorite, the "e-numan!" As Martin Nievera sang in his recently released Yule-themed song "you can’t stop Christmas / no matter what people say."

Right. So, here’s a listing of Holiday songs to get you in the mood.

“Run Rudolph Run” by Foo Fighters is the perfect Christmas ‘e-numan’ kickstarter. This rock and roller is by Chuck Berry. And like most of Berry’s tunes, the tune is in classic one-four-five rock and roll progression. The Foos’ souped up take does Chuck Berry proud, plus you know, it’s the Foo Fighters.

If you have Spotify then just look up ‘New Christmas Songs of 2020’ and it will lead you onto a listing of new Christmas songs. Among the cool finds we stumbled on is Liam Gallagher’s “All You’re Dreaming Of,” which is at once sentimental sounding and hopeful. Liam sings "paint the night sky while the morning waits/ with a field of stars to keep the dark at bay / take your spotlight underneath the moon / sometimes a miracle is all that can carry you."

Also found on this playlist is a cool one from Phoebe Bridgers. The singer-songwriter sings “If We Make It Through December” – an original by Country music legend Merle Haggard – sung here by the dulcet-toned Bridgers with sparse instrumentation that gives the song an affecting atmosphere. Especially when she sings the part about ‘why daddy can’t afford no Christmas gift.’ Heartbreaking.

Local side, Marion Aunor teams up with Toma Cayabyab (son of Ryan) for the spirit rousing “Ngayong Pasko.” Brass synths, or is that a real brass section driving this big band inspired Christmas song? Marion’s voice sounds sexy and, er, rubs nicely with Toma’s manly baritone. Catchy and playful and makes you want to cuddle.

Vocal powerhouse Katrina Velarde sings a nice sounding, R&B tinged Yule tune in “’Tis The Season.” Katrina shares the song with Daryl Ong, Dea Formilleza and Yuki Ito. The singers trade verses and blends well and each singer catches the other so well that we can’t discern who’s singing what, but that’s a good things. This song, written by Mike Shapiro and Jarrett Johnson, can stand on its own as a proper R&B pop song if it wanted to. Also a good thing.

And then there’s “Noel,” a tuneful little number by popular local lite rock band Magnus Haven and featuring the Kristong Hari children’s choir. The overall sentiment is that of hope as they sing ‘simpleng saya bagong pag-asa /basta’t tayo’y magkakasama.’ Which sums it all up really.

So don’t forget to count those blessings. And there’s bound to be lots if you really look for it. To quote Martin Nievera once more, we wish you all a “Merry Christmas, a better new year, a brand new Christmas, a Christmas without fear.”

Mask up and keep safe!