"Little Drummer Boy" (A psychedelic take on a classic).

If you’re tired of the same three holiday songs on repeat at the mall, it’s time to revisit the 2004 gem, Very Cool Christmas . Released during the height of the early-2000s indie boom, this compilation captures a specific kind of "cool" that most holiday albums shy away from.

Instead of being overly sentimental, the album leans into surf-rock, lo-fi, and upbeat pop-punk. It feels more like a snowy road trip or a late-night holiday party than a formal dinner. The Standouts: