For Arkansas-born singer-songwriter JD Clayton, the holiday season holds a special place in his heart. “Christmas is hands down my favorite time of year,” he shares with a warm smile. “I’ve probably watched White Christmas at least fifty times every holiday season. My tradition is simple: I wake up, light a fire, make an espresso, and let the movie play on repeat while I go about my day.”

For many artists, creating holiday music feels like an afterthought—a fun but optional creative detour. However, for Clayton, who once starred in all his school’s Christmas plays, the idea of stepping into the studio to contribute his own festive tracks has been a long-held dream. Now, he’s taking that dream seriously, hoping to leave his mark on the beloved seasonal music repertoire.

Your Favorite Christmas Song

Today marks the debut of JD Clayton’s original holiday tune, Your Favorite Christmas Song. Drawing inspiration from his go-to seasonal comedies—Elf being a standout—Clayton aimed to craft a track that feels as familiar and welcoming as the sound of a jukebox in a hometown bar. “I wanted something that you’d hear while catching up with all your high school friends who didn’t exactly peak,” he jokes, all while maintaining his signature soulful style.

“Christmas music can get cheesy so quickly,” Clayton acknowledges. “I wanted to create something that leaned into that playfulness but still felt genuinely fun.” Opening with a bluesy, tongue-in-cheek nod—“Ole Saint Nick’s got a brand new bag”—the song unfolds with an effortlessly cool groove. Its acoustic guitar and piano-driven arrangement sets the perfect fireside mood, complete with an unexpected and delightfully quirky mouth trumpet solo. Your Favorite Christmas Song doesn’t just play into holiday nostalgia; it reinvents it with Clayton’s unmistakable charm.