Christmas is a time to celebrate the mix of things old and new. Things like family, a good Australian BBQ, and your cousin’s new pool. It is also the time of the year that often involves ridiculous party hats, running after your new little niece (or even your great aunt Magna), exorbitant amounts of cake, and arguments with the in-laws.

Whatever your Christmas tradition is, it is hard to argue with the fact that music can make things a whole world better. On that note, it’s time to introduce to your ears the new She and Him album A Very She and Him Christmas.

The latest album from the duo comprising of Zooey Deschanel and Matthew Ward, will bring you back to the times when Christmas was a simpler tradition, which didn’t involve being run over by trolleys in order to find gifts for your loved ones, but rather sitting around the table with a duck roast and maybe annoying your neighbours with your family carols.

The first track on the album “The Christmas Waltz” is both nostalgic and whimsical, striking me as a song from an old 1940’s movie, where the guy gets the girl, and maybe even his first glimpse of snow. “Christmas Day” likewise has an old world feel, with what sounds like a good church choir backing Zooey’s charismatic voice.

Find some mistletoe before you play “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to someone you care about. There is something inherently seductive about this song. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” features some nice Spanish guitar, accompanied by some Christmas appropriate percussion, demonstrating that the two are able to use a variety of sounds while still achieving the same vintage effect.

“Christmas Wish” features more of Him than She, but that not is a bad thing. This song is very light and feel good, and also features some nice harmonies. For those seeking a more upbeat Christmas song, “Sleigh Ride” might just be for you. I can imagine this song playing through the speakers in shopping centres, and maybe inspiring some aisle shuffling.

The jazzy sounds of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas tree” provide a perfect accompaniment for the summer Christmas weather, and features some great vintage guitar and piano riffs. On the other hand, those seeking some quiet might like “Silver Bells”. Close your eyes during this rendition, and you might get one of those feelings you’re supposed to feel around Christmas- some comforting calm amongst the madness.

“Baby, it’s Cold Outside” features more of the vocal talents of Him, providing just a little relief from the richness of Zooey’s voice, and once again demonstrates the two work well together. It’s not particularly cold right now in Australia, but that’s not an excuse not to grab someone and dance to this song during the holiday season.

The resonance of Zooey’s voice really astounds me sometimes, and it shows very well in “Blue Christmas”, while in “Little Saint Nick” the vocal accompaniments remind me of Christmas carollers in the street. In this image, they would all be wearing Christmas jumpers made for them by their mothers of course, and swinging their handbells in the snow.

The last song on the album, “The Christmas Song” is a peaceful end to the album, featuring more of Deschanel’s quaint vocals, as well as plenty of references to Saint Nick and timeless Christmas traditions. Overall, it complements the feeling of the album, and of Christmas itself, well.

Review Score: 7.5/10