We’ve made it! The last day!! Let’s be real, it’s Christmas eve right now, so if you’re reading this you’re obviously a bit pushed for time in the old gift front. Not to worry, I have a present that even the most last minute among you can pull off, the alternative Christmas mixtape. And don’t worry, this isn’t just a suggestion, I’ve gone and made some playlists to inspire you.

For as long as I can remember my Godfather has sent his loved ones an alternative Christmas mixtape, featuring lesser known Christmas songs from jazz, soul and funk musicians. I loved getting them every year to see what new music he would discover, and a couple years ago I decided to start following suit. I started making holiday playlists with a more indie/alternative vibe for something a little different to the same songs that come around every year.

So below I’ve got playlists from the last two years that you can listen to, if you like them go ahead and download these songs yourself to give to someone, or use them to inspire your own playlists. And don’t worry about not having a CD, why not be ultra modern and pop one of these on a USB decorated in a Christmassy manner, which can of course then be easily reused. Add a handwritten note to this playlist, telling someone how much you love them and why (and really be honest, because people don’t tell each other that they matter enough), and you’ve got a wonderful last minute gift.

And if you have all your gifts prepped, well then I hope you enjoy this music when you get a bit done with the usual Christmas albums yourself.

Alternative Christmas 1.0

Be Thou My Vision – Andy Hull
I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Sufjan Stevens
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Copeland
It’s Christmas Time – Yo La Tengo
Are You Coming Over For Christmas – Belle and Sebastian
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Death Cab for Cutie
Wonderful Christmastime – The Shins
Christmas In Hollis – Run DMC
Simply – De La Soul
Come On! Let’s Boogey To The Elf Dance! – Sufjan Stevens

Alternative Christmas 2.0

Amazing Grace – Cat Power
Xmas Time Is Here Again – My Morning Jacket
I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Circa Survive and Coco Rye
Getting Ready For Christmas – Paul Simon
O Holy Night – Sufjan Stevens
Got Something For You – Best Coast and Wavves
Everything’s Gonna Be Cool This Christmas – Eels
Christmas Presents From Heaven – Solomon Burke
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? – Rusty Clanton and Janie Evans
That Was The Worst Christmas Ever – Sufjan Stevens

And of course, let’s not forget this gem from one on the saddest losses of 2016.

Love you forever David x

This is me signing off from Ethical Advent, and signing out until after Christmas.

Until next time, stay magic y’all.