5 Reasons to Revisit the 2012 Indie Holiday Compilation Holidays Rule

It features a rare Paul McCartney track McCartney contributes a new song, “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” making this compilation stand out from typical holiday albums.

The lineup mixes indie and alternative artists Artists like The Shins, fun., and Rufus Wainwright offer fresh takes on classics, avoiding the overplayed standards found on most holiday compilations.

It includes a standout cover by The Civil Wars Their version of “The Christmas Song” is a haunting, stripped-down duet that captures the duo’s signature harmony and emotional depth.

The compilation avoids cheesy holiday clichés Instead of relying on jingle bells and sleigh rides, the songs lean toward introspective, melancholic, or quirky interpretations that feel genuine.

It captures a specific indie music moment Released in 2012, the album reflects the era’s indie-pop sound, making it a time capsule for fans of that period’s alternative scene.