Screw Christmas Music! Here Are 5 Alternative Thanksgiving Songs!

Now don't get me wrong, I love Christmas music as much as the next guy. When December comes, I'm all in! I'll pull out some Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Bruce Springsteen, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, and Kelly Clarkson Christmas classics. I'll even go off the beaten path and The Dropkick Murphy's and The Pogues' Christmas songs. Goo Goo Dolls, Rob Thomas, and Jimmy Buffett (Rest in Peace), three of my favorite artists of all time, have all put out Christmas albums that I adore.

But I pull them out in December! It is still November! I'm still getting over my post-Halloween depression. I have fake gravestones still on my lawn. There is no snow falling, only the leaves. I know some people love listening to Christmas music early because it gives them joy, and I'll respect that, but the utter bombardment of all things holidays, to me, adds an extra pressure to take part that I can't measure up to. If anything, it makes me feel like I'm outside looking in.

Not to mention, we still have Thanksgiving on the way! We have all these songs for the holly jolly season, but its amazing that they aren't that many songs for Thanksgiving. Sure, there are some songs of "thanks" but not for the actual holiday. Well, if you're not ready for the Christmas music and want to start off with some Thanksgiving music, I recommend these 5 Alternative Thanksgiving Songs.

Adam Sandler - The Thanksgiving Song

Of course, the holidays aren't complete without one of Adam Sandler's tongue-in-cheek, off color holiday songs. And honestly, few are better than Sandler's Thanksgiving Song. Above is the debut of the song on Saturday Night Live since it is probably the most recognizable version; however, I do recommend finding more recent renditions from his stand-up specials, he has really refined it!

Green Day - Macy's Day Parade

In typical Green Day fashion, they really try to point out the over commercialization of our society, and how we often miss the meaning of the holidays. Green Day criticizes folks for being too materialistic and more worried about Black Friday than actually caring about all the things and people in front of them.

Ben Rector - The Thanksgiving Song

This one is a much more serious rendition to this list. It actually take the concept of Thanksgiving seriously, and is honestly quite powerful. It'll get you choked up just as much as your favorite Christmas song would.

Mac DeMarco - Cooking Up Something Good

Mac DeMarco comes in with that feeling of knowing that the best food is on the way. I also like how he describes the really simple things that happen throughout the day. Sometimes we expect some grand event, but honestly, Thanksgiving can be a very chill event, and that's fine!

The Cranberries - Ode to My Family

Okay, so this might not be 100% about the actual Thanksgiving holiday, but it captures the meaning of it. It's about feeling seen and validated by your family, and to be thankful for how you were raised. Singer Dolores O'Riordan wrote this song yearning for her simple life as a child after having achieved success. Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it all, and some you don't want.