Don We Now Our Plague Apparel, various artists (Mistletunes, 2021)

We're still fighting off that unique pandemic that crushed much of the life out of 2020 and isn't doing much for the current year either. Nevertheless, those of us whose luck has been better still want to observe the Western world's most prominent holiday in the ways to which we've become accustomed, and in our case that means going outside the usual repertoire of holiday music to throw down with a slightly more frivolous choice of Christmas song, or in this case, 21 such choices. Strike up the Bluetooth and join the chorus.

"It Was a ... (Masked Christmas)," Jimmy Fallon with Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion -- Given the choice of cover art and playlist title, you knew we had to lead off with this.

"Christmas Comes Tonight," The Incurables -- A nice bluesy rocker gives us a brisk change-up from the opening blast of chart-friendly funk-pop.

"A Very Merry Christmas," Lisa Mychols & Super 8 -- Here's how they used to do pop in the days when the Top 40 ruled the airwaves. Lisa's been doing this kind of retro-pop for many years and the Mistletunes mix is happy to welcome her back.

"Christmas Day," The Weeklings -- More rock 'n roll with a Sixties flair, these guys are known for their Beatles-esque covers and stage shows.

"It's A Peppermint Christmas," The Peppermint Kicks -- Power pop from Boston keeps our holiday party jumping.

"This Is Life (Merry Christmas)," The Lumineers featuring Daniel Rodriguez -- Colorado folk-rockers who came along around the same time as Mumford & Sons take a poppier approach to their sound with this original holiday tune.

"I'll Be Home For Christmas," Ziemba -- I always go for original takes on familiar tunes, and this more upbeat look at the popular holiday ballad fills that bill nicely.

"Christmas Isn't Cancelled (Just You)," Kelly Clarkson -- Normally we don't spend a lot of time considering performers who are household names for the mix, but this is a pretty smart holiday breakup song, so we're going with it.

"Santa's On a Rampage," Patricia Vonne with Rosie Flores -- Always ready for a song about Santa throwing down for the holidays. After all, his regular gig is a lot of work....

"Jingle Jangle Heart," Librarians With Hickeys -- I could have picked this just for the band name, but it's a great Christmas come-on song.

"One More Sleep," The Dollyrots -- This "Elf"-inspired tune originated with Leona Lewis, but I think I like this pop-punk take on it better.

"Christmas Caller," Beach Bunny -- Love this bouncy modern radio-ready pop-rocker, and I think you will too.

"My Ugly Sweater," Jade 10 and Sisters Noel -- In which our performers forego style in favor of warding off the typical Christmas weather. Of course, ugly doesn't necessarily mean unfashionable nowadays.

"Feliz Chanukah," Six13 -- I could have probably gotten away without a Hanukkah tune this year given how early it was, but I couldn't pass up this Yiddish take on a Latin/English classic.

"Catch Myself Some Rays," Shaggy featuring CARYS -- And of course, the Mistletunes annual mix never fails to remind us that much of the world isn't cold at Christmastime, in this case by throwing in some reggae.

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," Wrabel -- Most versions of this song key off the bombastic Phil Spector original, but this slow electro-folk take on it lets the song shine through the performance.

"You Ain't Getting Nothin'," Beebe Gallini featuring Cindy Lawson -- Do you get the feeling this garage-rock anthem isn't just about Christmas presents?

"Holiday Rock," Neon Trees -- Pretty much as advertised, the FTC won't be handling any complaints about the title of this song.

"Run Rudolph Run," Norah Jones -- Never heard this song done as a samba? Well, here's your big chance.

"Gone For Christmas," Amanda Shires -- Another breakup song with a little more Nashville added to the formula.

"The After Christmas Song," Bob Malone -- Bringing you in for a soft landing before it's time to ramp up for New Year's Eve. Merry Christmas.