Boombox Blitz: Ingrid Michaelson & Jason Mraz’s ‘Christmas Valentine’ is a new holiday classic

Welcome to Boombox Blitz, an artist spotlight series showcasing overlooked singers, songwriters and musicians who are quietly taking over the world.

Nothing is sacred from the commercialization of Christmas. Holiday cards, gift bags slathered in glitter and ribbon, various bric-a-brac lining the mantel, oh my! Even radio is largely a playlist of holiday standards reimagined over and over solely to cash in on the frenzy. It is certainly tough to stick the landing and offer up a new original (or an inventive cover) that resonants beyond a loyal fan base. But pop heavy weight Ingrid Michaelson‘s “Christmas Valentine,” starring Jason Mraz’s signature smoothness, is an exception, not the rule. It’s a fuzzy Christmas sweater that warms down to the soul; it’s a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy Christmas Eve; it’s the reflection of holiday lights in a child’s eyes. It’s wondrous and affecting and just so delightful.

An Amazon Music exclusive, the accompanying music video – directed by Josh Forbes, alongside animation director Kangmin Kim – is a charming stop-motion animation piece. Think Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (with a Frosty the Snowman twinkle). “Baby just be mine / A kinda sorta Christmas Valentine / You’re making every day with you and I / Feel like a very merry February,” the pop pair swoon in perfect vocal harmony. The cinnamon hook ambles along to the soft trickling of sleigh bells, a timeless filter wrapping around the whole production like glistening holiday paper.

It’s layers are ornate and sentimental, and an acoustic guitar hangs it all by the fireplace, nice and cozy. “Jason and I toured together years ago, and I got to know his kind spirit. He really embodies what the season is all about. We were both on the road and had to record our parts separately, but when we finally got in the same room for the photoshoot, that incredible spirit was shining all around him,” says Michaelson. “The only regret I have about this song is that we didn’t collaborate sooner.”

So, settle in, and let Michaelson and Mraz take you on a sleigh ride through a true, heartwarming Christmas wonderland.

Watch below:

Here are Michaelson’s upcoming holiday shows, etc.:

December 11 – NYC – Ingrid’s 13th Annual Holiday Hop at (Le) Poisson Rouge

December 13 – Charlotte, NC – Deck the Hall Ball (WLNK 107.9 The Link)

December 24 & 25 – USA – Interview and performance on Sirius XM’s The Pulse

January 23 – LA – Homeward Bound Benefit Concert for the Homeless at the Wiltern

TV Performances:

Tues, 12/17 – Ingrid and Jason Mraz will perform “Christmas Valentine” on the Today Show

Wed, 12/25 – Ingrid and Grace VanderWaal will perform “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” on the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade,” airing on ABC on Christmas Day

Follow Michaelson on her socials: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website