Entertainment · Music · 1 hr ago
Sufjan Stevens shares new Christmas song ahead of holiday compilation
Sufjan Stevens has shared a new Christmas song, “On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better).”
The track is part of Worst Christmas Ever!, a compilation due November 6 through his label, Asthmatic Kitty.
Stevens has made more than 100 Christmas recordings since 2001, including traditional carols and original songs.
The new track reflects on past mistakes and asks for forgiveness, rather than focusing on usual holiday cheer.
The compilation brings together songs from his long-running holiday catalog, including previously released favorites and the newly shared track.
Stevens has not released a new album since 2023’s Javelin, but has continued to share music and reissues; the compilation is his next release.
Sufjan Stevens shared “On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)” ahead of his holiday compilation, Worst Christmas Ever!.
The compilation is due November 6 via Asthmatic Kitty.
Stevens described the song as a prayer for greater understanding and said he liked the idea of a Christmas apology.
The track comes with a music video made by Stevens, Michael O’Neal and Cubby Graham, featuring 6,000 hand-painted still images.
The outlets differ on the compilation’s length: Pitchfork lists 16 tracks, while Consequence says it has 15.
- Who
- Sufjan Stevens, a singer-songwriter.
- What
- He shared “On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)” ahead of his holiday compilation, Worst Christmas Ever!.
- When
- The song was announced on November 2, 2026; the compilation is due November 6.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- The song reflects on past mistakes and asks for forgiveness; Stevens described it as a prayer for greater understanding.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Stevens began recording Christmas songs as gifts for friends and family.
Stevens shared “On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)” and announced Worst Christmas Ever!.
Worst Christmas Ever! is due out via Asthmatic Kitty.
- New song
- On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)
- Compilation
- Worst Christmas Ever!
- Release date
- November 6, 2026
- Label
- Asthmatic Kitty
- Video
- Features 6,000 hand-painted still images
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What people are saying
I love the idea of a Christmas apology
A holiday characterized by the giving and receiving of gifts might be made even better by the giving and receiving of forgiveness.
I believe the world will find its way.