Listen to Sufjan Stevens’ New Single, “On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)”

On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)” is built around apology, self-assessment, and asking for forgiveness. It’s the first new Christmas song written, produced, and performed by Sufjan in nearly 15 years. “On this Christmas, I ask forgiveness for all the funny things I’ve said and done,” he sings.

“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’m sorry’ is the ultimate ice-breaker in a moment of conflict, contention, and misunderstanding. Let’s try to be better this year: more loving, forgiving, welcoming and reckoning. This song is a prayer—that we can all find a way to yield to the wisdom and understanding of forgiveness. I believe the world will find its way.”

– Sufjan Stevens

“On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)” arrives alongside a new video, created by Sufjan, Michael O’Neal, and Cubby Graham. Six thousand stills were hand-painted by Sufjan, Michael, Cubby, and Hannah Cohen for the video.