Music is not only an important part of any Christmas celebration, but a key component of my writing process! The Christmas Crisis wouldn't exist without the music of the festive season, so I'd like to share some of my personal favorites with you! There are three versions of the playlist, all available on Spotify! - The songs from the story itself (TCC: The Songs) - The tracklist of the in-universe Festival concert (TCC: Festival of Hope) - A combined version of the two other playlists. (TCC: The Songs - Extended) I consider the songs to be divided into three categories, which would make more sense if this story was a movie instead of a book: - Non-diegetic: Songs that wouldn’t be playing in-universe, only as part of the out-of-universe soundtrack. - Diegetic: Songs that would be playing in-universe, usually on a radio or some other form of speaker. - Showpiece: Songs that would be sung in-universe by the characters.
## **Snow Waltz -- Lindsey Stirling** ### *Non-diegetic* The opening credits music -- a scene of snowfall at night. No lyrics, but with a festive/slightly sinister tone that sets the mood for the story ahead. Notice the violin-dominant melody? Musical foreshadowing!
## **12 Days of Christmas (Villain Pub Edition) -- How It Should Have Ended** ### *Diegetic — speaker in Willow’s basement* Contrary to the name, this song isn’t one of the ‘villain’ songs. Instead, it’s what Willow would be listening to as she begrudgingly toils away in the basement, brewing her magical ink and getting ready for her ill-fated ritual.
## **Driving Home For Christmas - Chris Rea** ### *Diegetic — radio in the travellers’ rental car* I picked this nice, bouncy track to represent the beginning of the travellers' journey home -- or, at least, what they think is their quick, easy plane ride. They’re driving home for Christmas! *“And it's been so long* *But I will be there, I sing this song* *To pass the time away* *Driving in my car…”*
## **The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year -- Idina Menzel** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Burgundy* This song is how I initially conceptualized the sunrise/snowball fight scene. For the initial trio of organizers, it’s such a pure, happy moment, one that -- in a real musical -- Burgundy couldn’t help but sing about. In a perfect world, Idina Menzel would voice Burgundy. (Let a girl dream.)
## **You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Lindsey Stirling ft. Sabrina Carpenter** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Eira* The song that started it all! This is my favorite version of my all-time favorite Christmas song, and it’s where the entire plot began. Eira was created to fit this song, and his weapon of choice -- an icy violin -- stems directly from his Lindsey Stirling inspiration. If I could pick any one scene of this story to be animated, it would be Eira unleashing his storm on the grounds set to this music. As mentioned above, it’s also the second ‘villain’ song for Eira, and in my eyes, his main one.
## **Fairytale of New York - The Dollyrots** ### *Diegetic — background music in the International Transport Terminal* This festive song comes with a little bit of an edge, which fits perfectly with the frustration of the Transport Terminal travellers — especially the very short-tempered Nimue. (Like many other choices in this list, I also just wanted to put this here because it’s one of my personal favorites.)
## **Green Christmas -- Barenaked Ladies** ### *Diegetic — radio in Jinx and Diaz’s house* This song is all about a Christmas that doesn’t live up to expectations, and the narrator is over the whole season. It also has a unique tone I’d describe as “begrudgingly cheery”, befitting Jinx’s attitude of wanting a ‘normal’ holiday, yet still going out to help anyways. *“Stockings on the mantle, it snows here everyday* *But it's a green Christmas anyway* *Red nose on the reindeer, tinsel on the tree* *But it's a green Christmas for me…”*
## **Christmas Without You -- Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers** ### *Diegetic — background music in the Orlando airport* What kind of a Christmas would it be without Kenny and Dolly? I love my irony, so this would be playing at the airport just before the travellers learn they won’t be heading back to Mistvale as planned. For Nuro and Burgundy, it’s ‘Christmas Without You’ indeed. *“Christmas without you, white Christmas and I'm blue* *I love you I miss you, so sad but so true* *Christmas without you, ike a mystery with no clues* *Like fireworks with no fuse, Christmas without you…”*
## **Carry Me Home - Hey Rosetta!** ### *Diegetic — radio in the travellers’ rental car* If it isn’t clear by now, one of my main inspirations for this story is my own childhood Christmases. To quote local group Shanneyganock (featured later in this playlist!), “I’m a Newfoundlander, born and bred, and I’ll be one ‘till I die.” I’m very proud of my home and heritage, so it’s inseparable from my experiences. This song echoes the mental state of the Florida travellers — they just want to go home. The song is upbeat yet melancholy, which I think fits the scene. *“Can any saints hear me? Is there any angel near me?* *If you won't lift me up, then would you send my love* *Back to my home, back to my only shelter* *Where in the awful weather, I will be warm and welcome…”*
## **Frozen Halos -- Au/Ra** ### *Non-Diegetic — Festival grounds post-snowstorm* This song fits the post-attack state of the Festival and its organizers — it carries a soft, somber feeling of ‘what could have been’, much like the shattered remnants of the grounds’ decorations. *“They should be falling like falling angels* *All around us, frozen halos* *We'll be dancin' in the silent night* *And there'd be no more lonely Decembers* *Like snowflakes, we'd just rеmember* *Gently falling in thе silent night…”*
## **Christmas Time Is Here - Idina Menzel** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Burgundy* If this were a proper musical, Burgundy would be singing this as scenes of her childhood holidays showed, right before she falls asleep with a heavy heart. This classic from A Charlie Brown Christmas fits the tone of Chapter Eight perfectly -- hopeful lyrics, but with a sense of melancholy.
## **It Snowed - Meaghan Smith** ### *Diegetic — radio in the OLYMPUS headquarters* No, I didn’t make this song. But its bouncy beat not only gives musical whiplash compared to its predecessor, but goes with Eira’s relaxation at OLYMPUS Headquarters -- he’s about the only person happy with his sudden storm. I also find the romantic tone of this song to be a funny irony with Eira’s distaste for the fluffy, sugary stories of the holidays. *‘Well how merry, how bright* *The snowfall turns the world into a lovely sight* *It snowed, it snowed, it snowed last night…’*
## **Christmas In The Harbour -- The Punters** ### *Diegetic — background music at the restaurant* It is Christmas, and Giselle and Xavier are “enjoy(ing) a delectable brunch at a trendy restaurant overlooking the harbour.” Enough said. :)
## **Rusty Chevrolet -- Shanneyganock** ### *Diegetic — radio in the RCA vehicle* One of the scenes conceived specifically for this year’s version of the story was Giselle and Xavier’s turbulent car ride. I think it would be a touch of comedic irony for this song to be playing on the radio as they battled against the violent winds. *“Dashing through the snow in my rusty Chevrolet* *Down the road I go sliding all the way* *I need new piston rings, I need some new snow tires* *My car is held together by a piece of chicken wire…”*
## **Feliz Navidad -- Boney M.** ### *Diegetic — radio in the RCA vehicle/Mirina’s car* This song seems to be a favorite of my local radio stations, so it was a given that it would be heard by the RCA agents at some point on their car ride. I had initially chosen the original Jose Feliciano rendition, but opted for Boney M. to tie in with the next selection.
## **Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord -- Boney M.** ### *Diegetic — radio in Mirina’s car* I needed a fun song for Mirina to hum along to as she slowly paced down the frosty Mistvale streets, and in my opinion, this is one of the absolute best. Even if you’re not religious, I find this song one you can’t help but vibe with.
## **What’s This? -- Fall Out Boy (Not included on the Spotify playlists)** ### *Non-diegetic — Eira’s flight over Mistvale* This version — which deserves to be on streaming services -- fits Eira’s wild, carefree flight over Mistvale, brewing storms wherever he goes. The pure, unbridled joy he’s feeling in that moment is a lot like Jack Skellington’s foray into Christmas Town -- but for very different reasons.
## **Santa’s Gonna Kick Your A** -- Arrogant Worms** ### *Non-diegetic — Eira’s failed assault on the decorated house* I picture this playing over Eira’s attempt to destroy Yarru’s decorations, and the chaos god’s playful retaliation. It also serves as a warning of sorts to Eira…
## **Naughty Naughty Children (Better Start Actin’ Nice) -- Grace Potter** ### *Diegetic — radio in Mirina’s car* Watch Disney’s Prep and Landing. Seriously, do it. That’s my only note on this.
## **When We’re Together -- Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Mirina, Burgundy, Spencer, and Fileran* This song was how I decided on who my four main characters -- the Festival performers -- would be! Idina Menzel’s voice had long been Burgundy’s voiceclaim, and Anna (and by extension, Kristen Bell) is a pretty good match for Mirina. Spencer also fits the same niche as Josh Gad, and even though you can’t really hear him in this track, Jonathan Groff corresponds to Fileran. I also love this song so, so much. *"'Cause when we're together, I'll forever feel at home* *And when we're together, we'll be safe and warm* *Doesn't matter where we are if you're there with me* *'Cause when we're together, that's my favorite place to be..."*
## **Christmas Wrapping -- The Waitresses** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Symphony3* My absolute favorite holiday song, hands down. Its story pairs very well with this one -- a Christmas where nothing seems to be going right, until that good old holiday magic pulls through! In-universe, it’s Symphony3’s favorite too, so it makes sense that it’d be the song Nimue chooses to snap everyone out of the spell!
## **We Need A Little Christmas -- Idina Menzel** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Burgundy* Teamwork makes the dream work! In a real musical, this would be the finale of the first act -- a grand, exuberant showpiece where the cast thus far comes together, and the tone of the story shifts! I can see a grand redecorating montage as the Festival plaza is restored, and the Feast of Hope lives up to its name. *“Yeah, we need a little music, need a little laughter* *Need a little singing ringing through the rafter* *And we need a little snappy "Happy ever after"* *Need a little Christmas now…”*
## **Cool Yule - Louis Armstrong** ### *Diegetic — radio in the travellers’ rental car* The opening of ‘Act II’. I love Louis Armstrong, and it’s just a fun tune all around! It also fits Pyx working on her summoning circle/impromptu arts and crafts project -- exhaustion hasn’t fully set in for the travellers yet, so while they’re a little bit bored, they’re still in high spirits.
## **Christmas Comes But Once A Year -- Fine Crowd** ### *Non-diegetic — Yemi and Soren’s secret meeting* Speaking of high spirits, this local pick has a sort of mystical, old-timey feel, fitting for the story’s current focus -- the Paladins, including the story’s very own Santa Claus-esque figure. To me, this song says ‘Let’s get going!’ *“Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg,* *Porter, brandy, and old ale.* *Don’t forget the wine and whisky!* *Christmas comes but once a year!”*
## **Christmas Is Starting Now -- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy** ### *Diegetic — speaker at the Festival backstage* If I had to name a single piece of media that had the most inspiration for this story, it’d have to be Phineas and Ferb: Christmas Vacation, of all things. So, I picked this song for the moment when everything’s coming together, the performers are donning their costumes, and the show is drawing ever-closer. *“You better hang those stockings on the wall, this is no time for procrastination* *We gotta trim the tree and deck the hall, that's gonna be a celebration* *Just a few short hours 'til Santa comes, so get ready for the big finale* *We're gonna use night visions of sugar plums, and shake it like a bowl full of jelly…”*
## **‘Zat You, Santa Claus? - Bear Ghost** ### *Non-diegetic — Eira sneaking around the grounds* As the good guys are busy getting ready, Eira’s on the prowl to bring them down. This song -- especially Bear Ghost’s version -- fits the tension of the demon’s brewing schemes, especially as they grow darker… *“Cold winds are howling, or could that be growling?* *My legs feel like straws* *My my oh me my, kindly would you reply?* *'Zat you, Santa Claus?”*
## **I Believe In Santa Claus -- Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers** ### *Diegetic — background music at Denny’s* More Kenny and Dolly! I put this one in because it’s one of the last songs you’d want to hear if you’re “over” the whole Christmas thing, and because it directly foreshadows Nicholas’ first proper appearance. The heroes had better believe in Santa Claus -- he’s right in front of them! *“I believe in Santa Claus, I'll tell you why I do* *'Cause I believe that dreams and plans and wishes can come true* *I believe in miracles, I believe in magic too* *I believe in Santa Claus and I believe in you…”*
## **With Bells On -- Maxime Landry, Annie Blanchard** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Mercury, Pyx, Astral, and Nuro* To complete the Kenny and Dolly triad, I chose this cover -- it has a ‘grander’ tone than the original, one I think works well with the travellers’ renewed hope and excitement. *“I'll be home with bells on* *I'll be home with bells on* *Trim the tree and wrap the presents, turn the Christmas music on* *This Christmas, I'll be home with bells on..”*
## **Run Run Rudolph - Kelly Clarkson** ### *Diegetic — Travellers’ speaker in Nicholas’ sleigh* The travellers have gotta make it to town! I absolutely adore Kelly Clarkson’s holiday albums, and the pure energy and fun she puts into this track is infectious.
## **All I Want For Christmas Is You -- Idina Menzel** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Burgundy* Yes, I had to include this one. I picked this as the “opener” to the concert -- I love Idina’s rendition of it, and it feels like the grand beginning of something truly special. (But I draw the line at ‘Last Christmas’.) *“Oh, all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere* *And the sound of children's laughter fills the air* *And everyone is singing, I hear those sleigh bells ringing* *Santa, won't you bring me the one I really need?* *Won't you please bring my baby to me?”*
## **Carol of the Bells -- Lindsey Stirling** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Eira* This version of my favorite carol — often called the “epic” version — fits Eira’s assault on the heroes. High in the sky in the dead of night, wild winds and fierce hail blocking their path home at the very end of a long journey.
## **Oogie Boogie’s Song - Man on the Internet** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Eira* Another of Eira’s ‘villain songs’, this cover of the tune from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ gave me the vivid image of Eira ‘dancing' with an injured, unwilling Nicholas in Chapter 23, much like Oogie Boogie swings Santa Claus around in the film. In the story itself, Eira watched The Nightmare Before Christmas earlier that day, so I feel like the original scene would be fresh in his mind. *“You're joking, you're joking, I can't believe my ears* *Would someone shut this fella up? I'm drowning in my tears* *It's funny, I'm laughing, you really are too much* *And now, with your permission, I'm going to do my stuff…”*
## **Snoopy’s Christmas - Smash Mouth** ### *Non-diegetic -- the Paladins’ fight against the Spectral Riders* The original version of this song holds a special place in my heart, as it was my late grandfather’s favorite. So, I felt it fitting to use a version of it to accompany Nicholas’ second wind, as he, Yemi, and Soren fight back against Eira’s apparent victory. *“Christmas bells, those Christmas bells* *Ringing through the land* *Bringing peace through all the world* *And good will toward man…”*
## **Sympathy 4 The Grinch - 100 gecs** ### *Diegetic -- Dr. Jules’ headphones* Energetic and irreverent, this fits the tone of Dr. Jules’ minor intrusion into the story. Like her chapter, there’s no real reason for this to be here, but I like it anyway so I kept it.
## **Winter Wonderland/Baby Please Come Home -- Idina Menzel** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Burgundy* I actually mapped the flow of Chapter 25 directly to this song -- this arrangement of two classic tracks is what Burgundy’s singing as the story hits its climax, and some of her reactions were inspired by little vocal inflections in Idina Menzel’s performance! *“Pretty lights on the tree* *I'm watching them shine* *You should be here with me* *Baby, please come home…”*
## **All My Friends Are Ice Queens -- Fans of Jimmy Century** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Eira* Eira’s big solo when he crashes the concert. Extravagant, icy, glamorous, braggy, and with a hint of a threat — perfect for what seems like an all-but-certain villainous victory. *“Do you believe in ice queens?* *All my friends are ice queens* *Wicked Disney after-dark dreams* Enchanted winter scream queens* *All my friends are ice queens* *They'll put you in a deep freeze…”*
## **Joy To The World (Intro) -- Lindsey Stirling** ## **Joy To The World -- Lindsey Stirling** ### *Diegetic -- The bands onstage during the final confrontation* The climactic final battle! I like how this one seems to switch back and forth between a lighter and darker tone, almost like the music itself is switching control between the heroes and Eira. I highly recommend listening to this track while reading the final battle -- it adds to the experience!
## **Feels Like Christmas -- Panic! At The Disco (not on the Spotify playlist)** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by Nuro* Nuro’s big solo! Yes, in my mind, he sounds like Brendan Urie when he sings. Originally, this song was Panic!’s cover of Into The Unknown from Frozen 2, but this one seemed like a slightly more fitting pick, as a happy culmination of Nuro’s plotline. *“And now it feels like Christmas, nearly every day* *It's like Christmas, we're like children playing* *On Christmas, every step of the way* *When I'm with you, when I'm with you…”*
## **A Children’s Winter -- The Celtic Connection** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by the Festival performers* A nice, sweet Newfoundland holiday song about the joys of winter through a child’s eyes. This feels like it would be a natural pick as one of the final pieces chosen to close out the concert. There are a few different versions of this song, but this rendition is my favorite. *“Snowman, snowhouse, hey, play with me* *Shake the snow down from the trees* *Games once played by you and me* *Snow is softly fallin’...”*
## **Any Mummers Allowed In? -- Simani** ### *Showpiece — ‘performed’ by the Festival performers* There’s no other way to close out a Newfoundland-inspired Christmas celebration. When I was doing the Festival songlist, I initially had some other choices for the final song, but my heart led me towards the beloved (or be-hated, depending on who you ask) Mummers. For many Newfies, this song is Christmas. *“Don’t seem like Christmas if the Mummers are not here* *Granny would say as she’d knit in her chair* *Things have gone modern, I s’pose that’s the cause* *Christmas is not like it was…”*
## **Silver Bells -- Aeseaes** ### *Non-diegetic — Christmas Eve festivities at the Autumns’ house* A soft, cozy cover of a beautiful song, perfect for closing out the story on a peaceful note.
## **Magic -- Lindsey Stirling ft. David Archuleta** ### *Non-diegetic — End Credits* If Stirling’s ‘Snow Waltz’ was the opening credits, this is the closing credits. I’ll let the chorus speak for itself, since it wraps up exactly what I was going for throughout the story in a neat little bow: *“Who says there can't be magic when the world's in doubt?* *Who says there can't be joy when the lights go out?* *While the hope is in the air, will we love more than we fear?* *Who says there can't be magic all year?”*
## **Above The Northern Lights -- Mannheim Steamroller** ### *Non-diegetic — Post-Credits* When I picture Nicholas’ secluded mountain home, this song plays in my mind. Think of it and its accompanying chapter as the post-credits scene that seems to come with every movie these days. *“Magic fills the air* *Spirits everywhere* *This is Christmas night* *Let your dreams take flight…”*