What's December Without Christmas Eve?

It's Christmas Eve, (or Christmas depending on your time zone), and whether you're relaxing with some hot chocolate and a Charlie Brown Christmas Special, dancing at a Christmas party, or doing last minute shopping, some holiday music can really get you in the festive mood.  The classics are great, but why not throw in some modern interpretations or even a newly penned Christmas tune.  This year I enjoyed some holiday efforts ranging in genres from electronic to folk.  Maybe they'll cheer up your Christmas Day playlist a little bit.

Neon Trees - Wish List
Neon Trees quickly became one of 2010's most exciting new band's when their breakout single "Animal" took over pop radio.  "Wish List" is the band's first Christmas song and it's filled with enough sleigh bells to satisfy any Christmas enthusiast.  The great thing about it is that while it's still a holiday themed song, "Wish List" isn't unbearably cheesy like many other modern Christmas songs.

Owl City - Peppermint Winter
Owl City seems like the perfect candidate for a Christmas song.  Owl City's Adam Young is known for his peppy singles such as the massively popular "Fireflies".  "Peppermint Winter" manages to keep Young's overly optimistic electronic beats while adding a story of snow and unfortunate Christmas presents.

Sleeping At Last - Christmas Collection
I discovered this band after hearing their Storyboards album.  The album was covered in soft layers of strings and acoustic based instruments.  The vocals are emotional, yet calming.  They're a band to check out if you've never heard their music.  When I found out that they were giving away a free holiday EP, I downloaded it immediately.  The eight song album contains classics such as "Silver Bells" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas".  Sleeping At Last managed to make these songs their own and give the holiday standards a new face.  You can download the EP free of charge for a limited time, here.

Hopefully, you decide to brighten up your holiday season with these outstanding tracks from some great artists.  I'll be back to posting after Christmas.  Until then, Merry Christmas to all of my readers.  I hope you unwrap that shiny new record tomorrow morning.