I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas music, but A Very She & Him Christmas has some renditions so refreshing and sweet they actually make me excited for a holiday I don’t celebrate. Zooey Deschanel’s charming voice is at the forefront accompanied by minimal instrumentation, mainly guitar and ukulele from M. Ward.

She & Him cover all the classics, but in such a way that makes the album relaxing and only hints at Christmas. While at times overly sprinkled with schmaltz, the album remains genuine and enjoyable, and the slight imperfection of Deschanel’s quirky voice makes these Christmas songs that much more pleasant.

The most unique on the album is “Baby, its Cold Outside,” a retro-style duet where you can practically see the duo singing to each other beside a fireplace sporting tacky Christmas sweaters, sipping on spiked eggnog. 

A Very She & Him Christmas will put a smile on your face, offering a unique spin on the monotonous Christmas music most of us are sick of hearing during this time of the year.

—Alex Knoll