Arts and Opinion

Four Christmas Songs to push you out of your basic Christmas music comfort zone

Camden McDonald, Arts and Opinion Reporter

December 3, 2025

Winona State student getting into the Christmas spirit as he walks on campus.

Are you full of the Christmas spirit but already sick of all the basic Christmas songs? Man, oh man, is this article perfect for you. This beautiful Wednesday, I will be enlightening you with a few of my favorite Christmas songs that deserve more recognition.

“Snow Days” by The New Standards is a great song not just for Christmas but the entire winter season. The New Standards, a minimalist jazz trio formed in our very own state in Minneapolis, fills the song with a beautiful blend of xylophone and the saxophone that pairs perfectly with the lead singer’s voice. And if the song could not get any better, the overall message of the song is to go home, relax and enjoy the shower of flurries from the sky.

“Christmas Wrapping” is an oldie but a goodie that was released in 1981 by The Waitresses. Despite its age, the song still holds up as a song that deserves more love during the holidays due to its unique genre-blending musical style that combines pop, funk, and jazz. The song’s “speak-singing” vocal delivery tells a relatable narrative of a woman nearly skipping the holiday’s due a long, stressful year but having a celebration to remember after meeting a man in the grocery store. Although there have been countless covers, The Waitresses perform their sing the best.

Moving onto covers, Brett Eldrege’s “Glow” continues this week’s song theme of having a jazzy undertone. Known well within country music, Eldrege has made quite the name for himself singing Christmas covers too. His version of “Glow” combines Classic Christmas with a modern, soulful and swing-influenced sound that simply scratches an itch in my brain. If you feel that same itch form Eldrege’s title track, “Glow,” check out the rest of his Christmas album that encapsulates this vibe.

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Last but not least and coming out of left field compared to the rest, “Snowman” by Sia simply deserves a handful of listens this Christmas season. Off her 2017 album full entirely original holiday songs, “Everyday Is Christmas,” “Snowman” is a quick 2-minute listen that expresses the desire to hold onto something forever that is slowly melting away. Beginning and ending her song with the piano melody, Sia offers a full circle experience to the audience listening. On top of the music and meaning, “Snowman” is the perfect song to belt out in the car all year round.

About the Contributors

Camden McDonald, Arts and Opinion Reporter

Cam McDonald has been a Sportswriter and Photographer for the Winonan since the fall of 2024. McDonald is currently in his third year at Winona State University, majoring in Communications Arts and Literature – Teaching with plans on becoming a middle school English teacher. Outside of the Winonan, McDonald loves all things outdoors. McDonald enjoys hiking, training for and running marathons, and traveling. McDonald simply loves building his list of uncle lore for his niece and two nephews, Quinny, Luke and Walker.

Jade McElmury, Arts and Opinion Editor

Jade McElmury (they/she) is the News Editor and writer for the Winonan as of fall 2024. McElmury is currently in their third year at Winona State University, majoring in Communication, Arts, & Literature (Teaching) with a minor Communication Studies (Teaching). In addition to working for the Winonan, McElmury works in the HERS Department Office and as a Direct Support Provider in a HCO group home. Outside of university, McElmury loves to spend her time thrifting with their friends, reading a good horror or classic book, and getting a Strawberry Horizon from Scooters. McElmury also enjoys listening to a variety of music ranging from Midwest emo to Kpop.

Alayna Majkrzak, Editor-In-Chief & News Editor

Alayna Majkrzak (they/she) is a third-year English literature and language major with a minor in sociology at Winona State University and they are the editor-in-chief of The Winonan for the 2025-2026 academic year. They have been on the Winonan staff in various roles such as a news reporter, features reporter, features editor, and business and distribution manager. Majkrzak has been on The Winonan staff for three years now, but they have been pursuing journalism for the last six years. In they are not studying, they can often be found watching movies with an iced coffee or thinking of article ideas to help keep Winona State informed. Their goal at The Winonan is to provide a space for students to feel their ideas are being heard and keep Winona State, and the larger Winona community, informed

Marissa Meyer, Photo Editor

Marissa Meyer (she/they) is a third-year Psychology major with a minor in Business Administration and Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies at Winona State University. They are the photo editor for The Winonan for the 2025-2026 academic year. She has had the roles of photographer and now photo editor. Meyer has been on the Winonan staff for two years now. In addition to working for the Winonan, Meyer works at the Winona State University Children’s Center as a teacher’s aide. Outside of school, Meyer enjoys spending time with her friends, reading all kinds of books, and going to coffee shops.

Elly Herrick, Features Editor

Elly Herrick (she/they) is the Features Editor for the Winonan. Herrick is currently in her fourth year at Winona State University, majoring in Mass Communications: Public Relations with minors in Photography and Creative Digital Media. In addition to working for the Winonan, she is also an Production Assistant with KQAL and a Resident Assistaint for East Lake. She also works in TV Services and will most likely be found in Phelps Hall. Outside of school, Herrick loves to spend time with loved ones and being outside. She also loves long walks outside and seeing live music.

Larissa Lopez, Film Reviewer & Illustrator

Larissa Lopez (she/her/hers) is the Movie Reviewer and Illustrator for The Winonan for the 2025-2026 academic year. Lopez is an international student from Santa Cruz, Bolivia and is currently in her fourth year at Winona State University, majoring in Finance with a minor in Investments and Economics.  In addition to working for The Winonan, Lopez is also a Conway Resident Assistant, head of Finance of the Case Competition Club and Business Law Association, member of the Sales Team, and member of the COB Dean’s Advisory Board.  Outside of university, Lopez loves to spend time playing video games, hanging out with friends, and baking sweet treats.  She also enjoys listening to music at almost all times, and has a passion for film, with her favorite film of all time being Everything Everywhere All at Once, and her favorite show being Succession.  Find her star ratings in Letterboxd at: LarissaWatches 