[Tuesday Tracks will be taking a little holiday break and will return, grinch-free, in January –Ed.]

Parlovr wishes you a merry Xmas.

So last week I hinted at the impending holiday season, but as each day passes it becomes more and more difficult to avoid the Christmas standards. I suppose it’s a little grinchy of me to even try to avoid them. It’s not that I don’t like the holidays, I just find this time of year stressful. Stressful and predictable. But it’s my own fault I suppose, the holidays are about checking cynicism at the door and embracing the self effacing ugly sweater attitude of the season.

That being said, as much as I love listening to Bing Crosby and David Bowie’s rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy,” I feel like there is always room to expand that Christmas catalogue. So this week on Tuesday Tracks, we look at a trio of new, unconventional nominations to the Christmas Carol Canon.

First up, “Kindle a Flame in Her Heart” by Los Campesinos, is probably the most traditional of the bunch here. The song is vaguely reminiscent of “Fairytale of New York,” perhaps for the Arts & Crafts set. Anyway, the song puts its holiday identifiers front and centre with descending winter wonderland chimes. A great addition to any Christmas mix.

Next is Moka Only. You may not hear much about the West Coast MC these days, but he’s about as prolific as it gets. In addition to releasing three albums this year, he’s also got Martian Xmas 2010 available, a tradition he has maintained every year since 2004. That’s right, Moka Only LOVES Christmas. “Canada Line” is but one of his gifts to you. Here’s to hoping we see more hip hop artists making their contributions in the future.

Finally Parlovr has decided to do a little Christmas giving of their own. The band have made available two original Christmas songs for download when you donate to avaaz.org, an organization that “brings people-powered politics to decision-making everywhere.” Charitable giving and a new Christmas classic called “Spike the Eggnog”? That’s sure to grow your heart at least three sizes.