The 25 Days of Christmas: Day 16

Some Icelandic sentiment for the day.

I’ve mentioned Laufey (LAY-vay) previously in this series. I first heard her a few months ago, but she’s apparently pretty popular among younger listeners, having been Spotify’s most-streamed jazz artist in 2022. Her silky-smooth voice and classic arrangements create a sophisticated throwback sound that I find extremely listenable. She’s released a few EPs of Christmas music, one of which is the source of today’s song:

Those harmonies! I’m not sure if she multi-tracks her own harmonies or has backup singers (it sounds like the former to my ear), but either way it’s lovely.

This was originally another Frank Sinatra number, and it’s technically not a Christmas song:

I'm doing
My Christmas dreaming
A little early this year
No sign of snow around
And yet I go around
Hearing jingle bells
Ringing in my ear

The narrator is dreaming of Christmas early, because “your promise” has raised early dreams of the holiday season. It’s a sweet, dreamy number that quietly evokes a nostalgic atmosphere.

Notes:

• I admire how little effort went into making this video.

• Laufey has a book club for her fans. I’m not joining, but I approve.

• Reading up for this entry led me down a rabbithole that led me to Wasia Project. If you like Laufey’s sound, you may want to give them a listen as well.