Musician David Byrne — formerly of Talking Heads — has created a new playlist meant for people who get tired of the same old holiday songs. The 32-track playlist is titled Christmas Music for People Who Hate Christmas Music. 

What Is This Playlist?

  • Byrne described the playlist as “not about the solstice, nor … some Pagan agenda.” Rather, it’s meant to be “rowdy, fun songs that gently poke at and refer to the holidays.” 
  • The collection features a wide variety of artists and styles — from rap and hip-hop to indie, country, and experimental — giving listeners a break from traditional carols and festive classics.

What’s on the List — Some Highlights

Here are a few sample tracks from the playlist (not the full 32):

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Artist / Band Song
Run-DMC Christmas Is
Prince Another Lonely Christmas
Willie Nelson Pretty Paper
Sufjan Stevens Did I Make You Cry On Christmas?
Big Freedia Santa Is a Gay Man
Phoebe Bridgers If We Make It Through December
100 gecs sympathy for the grinch
Sabrina Carpenter Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do
David Byrne Fat Man’s Comin’

The playlist mixes well-known names with more obscure or modern picks, giving a broad mix rather than a single mood. The songs range from soulful and melancholic to energetic, irreverent or quirky — a deliberate effort to break from the predictable holiday sound. 

Why Byrne Made This Playlist

In a statement, Byrne said the playlist isn’t meant to be “holiday music” in the traditional sense, but rather “songs that gently poke at and refer to the holidays.” 

According to media outlets covering the playlist, he aimed to offer an alternative for people who dislike standard Christmas music — for those who find sleigh bells, classic carols or over-played jingles irritating. 

In other words: it’s for listeners who want something holiday-adjacent but not cheesy — a playlist that captures mood, atmosphere or irony, rather than sentimentality.

What This Playlist Means (Especially in 2025)

  • A reminder of variety: The playlist shows that “holiday music” doesn’t have to be a fixed genre. It can be creative, varied, and cross-genre. 
  • An alternative for music-weary holiday listeners: For people tired of hearing the same jingles every December, Byrne offers something fresh and thoughtful. 
  • A showcase of modern music tastes: With contemporary artists (and older ones) side-by-side, the playlist reflects how holiday moods can suit many musical styles, not just classic pop or jazz. 
  • A subtle cultural statement: By avoiding clichés and kitschy tropes, this playlist acknowledges that for many people the holiday season feels different — and music that feels real or honest can resonate more.

Final Thoughts

“Christmas Music for People Who Hate Christmas Music” is David Byrne’s cheeky, clever response to holiday-season overload. If you’re exhausted by jingles and bells, this playlist might be the refreshing break you need — a mix of soul, grit, fun, and moodiness instead of predictable cheer.

Jonas Muthoni

About the author

Jonas Muthoni

Jonas Muthoni is Chief Editor of The Showbiz Journal, overseeing the publication’s editorial direction and coverage across entertainment, celebrity culture, movies and television, music, lifestyle, fashion, and emerging trends. His work focuses on developing timely, engaging stories while strengthening the publication’s editorial standards and distinct voice. He also oversees content strategy and the continued growth of The Showbiz Journal as a digital entertainment publication.