For indie artists, diving into the world of holiday-themed music can be both an exciting opportunity and a daunting challenge.
On one hand, it’s a chance to tap into the festive spirit, reach new listeners, and craft a song that might become a beloved seasonal staple. On the other, it can feel overwhelming to strike the right balance between embracing the holiday vibes and staying true to your creative identity.
How do you write christmas songs that embrace the magic of the season while staying true to your sound?
In this blog, we offer 10 steps to help you start off.
10 Steps to Writing Christmas Songs
Here’s a deep dive into crafting holiday-themed tracks that feel authentic, fresh, and unmistakably you.
1. What do you want to say?
One way to ensure your holiday track stands out is by grounding it in your personal experiences. Rather than relying solely on generic images of snow, sleigh bells, and mistletoe, think about how the holidays have shaped your own life:
- Did you spend your childhood dreaming of snow in a tropical climate?
- Did a bittersweet memory of Christmas spark a moment of self-reflection?
- Etc.
For example, Phoebe Bridgers’ holiday covers (“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas“) and originals (“So Much Wine“) blend festive motifs with the raw, emotional storytelling she’s known for:
I had nothing to say on Christmas Day
When you threw all your clothes in the snow
When you burnt your hair and knocked over chairs
I just tried to stay out of your way
“So Much Wine” (2022)
Drawing from your personal experiences can make your holiday track feel more genuine and relatable, even if it strays from conventional holiday cheer.
💡Try this:
Spend 10-15 minutes journaling about your holiday memories—both joyful and melancholic. Look for a moment or feeling that stands out and build your song around it.
2. Say it in a “Holiday Sound”
Holiday music often conjures a specific sound—jingle bells, lush strings, and choral harmonies. While these are iconic, they’re not the only way to capture the spirit of the season. As an indie artist, you can explore unconventional arrangements that suit your style while still evoking a festive atmosphere.
Think of Sufjan Stevens’ holiday albums (“Songs for Christmas“), which incorporate banjos, synths, and lo-fi textures, or The xx’s hauntingly minimalist rendition of “Last Christmas.”
By experimenting with instrumentation and production, you can create a sound that feels festive yet unmistakably indie.
💡Try this:
- Use atmospheric synth pads or ambient textures to mimic the stillness of winter nights.
- Replace traditional sleigh bells with creative percussion, like tambourines, shakers, or even found sounds (e.g., tapping on a mug of cocoa).
- Layer warm, nostalgic tones with unexpected elements, like distorted guitars or airy vocals, to put your unique stamp on the track.
3. How does it make you feel?
Holiday music isn’t just about celebrating; it’s about feeling. The season can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and togetherness to loneliness and longing.
Indie music thrives on exploring the complexities of human emotion, and holiday-themed tracks are no exception. If cheerful, upbeat tunes aren’t your style, lean into the reflective or bittersweet aspects of the holidays.
Tracks like Julian Casablancas’ “Christmas Treat” or Bright Eyes’ melancholic “Blue Christmas” prove that holiday songs don’t need to be sugary-sweet to resonate with listeners.
💡Try this:
Choose one primary emotion or theme—like nostalgia, hope, or heartbreak—and let it guide your lyrics and melody.
4. How do you imagine the story?
The holidays are rich with imagery, but traditional symbols like snowflakes, stockings, and reindeer can feel overused.
To keep your indie edge, try reinterpreting these motifs or finding fresh ones that align with your personal aesthetic.
💡Try this:
- Instead of writing about “snowfall,” describe “the crunch of frost under tired boots.”
- Replace “twinkling lights” with “the hum of fluorescent strings tangled on a crooked tree.”
Lyrical specificity can make your song feel more intimate and original. It’s also a great opportunity to reflect your cultural or regional perspective—holiday traditions vary widely, and incorporating unique details can set your track apart.
5. Experiment with song structures
Many holiday classics follow a traditional verse-chorus-verse song structure, but as an indie artist, you have the freedom to experiment. Consider writing a track that unfolds like a narrative, a meditative loop, or even a spoken-word piece.
Artists like Bon Iver often blur the lines between song structure and soundscape, crafting tracks that feel like experiences rather than traditional compositions.
You could apply this approach to your holiday track, allowing the music to flow organically while still carrying a festive undertone.
6. How does a collab sound?
The holidays are a time of connection, and collaborating with other artists can add a fresh dynamic to your song. Whether it’s co-writing with a fellow indie artist, featuring guest vocals, or working with a producer who brings a different perspective, collaboration can help you push creative boundaries.
Collaborative tracks, like Boygenius’ holiday-themed live covers, often capture the magic of shared creativity, giving listeners a sense of togetherness.
💡Try this:
Reach out to a musician in your circle whose style complements yours and brainstorm a holiday concept together.
7. Make ’em laugh
Holiday songs don’t always need to be serious or profound. Indie artists like The Magnetic Fields or Flight of the Conchords have shown how humor and quirkiness can resonate just as deeply as sincerity.
Do not listen to my songDon’t remember it, don’t sing alongLet’s pretend it’s a work of artLet’s pretend it’s not my heart
“I’m Sorry I Love You” by The Magnetic Fields
A playful, satirical holiday song could offer a refreshing break from overly sentimental tracks.
💡Try this:
Write a tongue-in-cheek song about the stress of gift shopping, a dysfunctional family dinner, or even the over-commercialization of Christmas.
8. It’s not just Christmas, it’s winter
If Christmas-themed songs feel too narrow, broaden your focus to the entire winter season. Themes like change, hibernation, and the passage of time can serve as metaphors while still tying into the holiday spirit.
Tracks like Fleet Foxes’ “White Winter Hymnal” or The Staves’ “Winter Trees” evoke a seasonal vibe without being explicitly tied to Christmas, making them more timeless and universally relatable:
White winter treesCovered in snowI don’t mindI don’t mindI think of you nowHere in the coldYou won’t mindYou won’t know“Winter Trees” by The Staves
9. Keep your fans in mind
Holiday music offers a great opportunity to connect with your audience. Share snippets of your songwriting process, ask for input on themes or lyrics, or even crowdsource inspiration for your track.
This not only builds anticipation for the release but also strengthens your bond with fans, making the final product feel like a shared experience.
10. Don’t lose your identity
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your holiday track feels authentic to who you are as an artist.
Whether you’re writing a stripped-down acoustic ballad or an experimental, genre-blending piece, staying true to your voice is what will make your song stand out.
10 Steps to Writing Christmas Songs: Final Thoughts
Writing holiday-themed tracks as an indie artist doesn’t mean compromising your sound or vision. By focusing on personal storytelling, experimenting with production, and embracing the season’s emotional depth, you can create a song that resonates with listeners while staying true to your indie edge.
So, grab your guitar, synth, or pen, and let the magic of the season inspire you.
Who knows? Your holiday track might just become the next indie classic.