“Hindi lang si Jo-mari Chan ang may Xmas Song” is the title of a little playlist I’ve had for some time.

All done in jest, of course. Much respect for this Christmas music icon, but I can only take so much of those memes, and there are tons of Christmas songs to listen to without wanting to throw the speakers.

So, here’s a playlist update that will hopefully serve as an alternative.  

Grammy-awarded music artist Norah Jones' YouTube channel features some very interesting pairings, and one of them features Jones and jazz artist Laufey playing “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Norah Jones tinkling away at the keys and singing with her instantly recognizable voice, coupled with Laufey’s low registers, immediately gives us toasty warm feels for Christmas. Plus, Laufey’s basslines on cello combined with Norah’s piano is the perfect pair as both women show their command at their instruments performing this jazzed-up classic, an instant Top 5 fave.

“Kumukutikutitap” by Ryan Cayabyab finally debuted on streaming platforms and is now a swipe/type and tap away for the holidays. This a cappella classic will give instant bounce, mirth and an OPM flavor to accompany your holiday celebrations.

Alt-pop band Cup Of Joe had another breakout year this 2023 thanks to a handful of hit singles that connected to a lot of Gen Z listeners. And while singles such as “Tingin” (featuring Janine), and “Patutunguhan” still run hot this deep into 2023, it’s their original Christmas-themed song “Alas Dose” that will sustain them into the holidays.

COJ settles instead on a classic doo-wop beat to get their point across. Think “Bells Will Be Ringing/Please Be Home For Christmas” and The Chords, and you have an idea how this sounds. Theme-wise, “Alas Dose” is a love song throughout. “Pwede bang sabay nating kumpletuhin ang Simbang Gabi? Upang sa mga susunod na Alas Dose ay ikaw ang katabi ?” is a sample lyric. But there’s a bit of a mystery though, who is COJ referring to when he sings “O bakit sa t’wing Pasko lamang kita makakasama? Sana pala’y hindi na lang tayo nagkakilala at nagkatabi.” Your guess is as good as mine. Released in 2019, Alas Dose also sees a nascent band just about to take off already with a grip on how they want to sound and who they want to be.

Clara skips the holiday bells and instead uses her usual acoustic-tinged alt-pop for her original Yule-themed song “Can’t Wait To See You On Christmas.” Benin yearns for ‘wholesome conversations in the mornings and reunions’; confirms Pinoy's predilection to think of Christmas as early as September, and reflects that as she gets older, the more she looks back on good old days. Listening to Clara Benin’s feathery, whispery voice with the bounce of that mid-tempo acoustic, you ask, where’s the festive spirit in this? Christmas isn’t just bells and carols; it’s also a vibe, and there’s enough of those in this song to go around.

Bituin Escalante reminds us again what a badass singer she is with a jazzy reimagining of “Pasko Na Naman.” Originally from 2013 in an obscure album titled “Christmas In Living Stereo” and now re-released as a live recording, Bituin makes it sound like a classic! With an arrangement that seems inspired by old Billie Holiday recordings. Dan Gil’s (of the Chiletees, among others) retro jazz arrangement has a lot to do with the track’s feel, and if you’re looking for that classic kick, then “Pasko Na Naman” is it.