Looking to provide the underground loving hipsters with a large dose of yuletide cheer, Sufjan Stevens releases "Songs For Christmas," a box set of five festive-themed EPs. In 2001, the singer and multi-instrumentalist began recording Christmas songs for friends and family. With many fans eagerly awaiting new music following 2004's universally lauded orchestral pop opus "Illinois," the EPs are now commercially available.
Stevens' music has always had strong religious undertones, and each of the discs mix traditional carols with Stevens' Christmas-inspired originals. But fully aware that Christmas is about having fun, too, the playful, upbeat "Come On! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!" is one of several cuts suited toward dancing with loved ones among piles of discarded wrapping paper on Christmas morn.