It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The time when City Paper staffers and contributors grab a mug of hot cocoa, gather around the proverbial fire, and rip those who dare try their hands at performing festive tunes. Every year a few brave musicians succeed, and avoid our withering words. Most do not. Welcome to the Sleigher.

In this special podcast episode we lend our critical ears to William Shatner, Memphis Ukulele Band, Why Don’t We, John Legend,and Ingrid Michaelson. Did we gain any new holiday standards? You’ll have to listen to find out. (Scroll down for the complete list of new 2018 carols on City Paper‘s playlist, plus the actual playlist.)

Host Will Warren also brings you the latest on the ever-evolving effort to build a hospital in Ward 8 and the first replacement shelter for DC General. Staff photographer Darrow Montgomery is also in the mix, talking about his year in photos.

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Stories in this episode:

Confusion Turns to Compromise as the D.C. Council Moves Forward on the Construction of a New Hospital

Maintenance Issues Persist in Ward 4’s Brand New Homeless Shelter

2018

New holiday music out this year:

William Shatner, “Jingle Bells”

Memphis Ukulele Band, “Mele Kalikimaka”

Mike Love, “Finally It’s Christmas” (feat. Hanson)

Michael McDonald, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”

John Legend, “Christmas Time Is Here”

Ingrid Michaelson, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”

The Monkees, “Unwrap You At Christmas”

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, “Little Drummer Boy”

Telly Leung, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”

Jon Batiste and Danielle Brooks, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

Engelbert Humperdinck, “A Christmas for the Family”

From Kris Kringle The Musical, “The Kringle Curse”

Mormon Tabernacle Choir, “It Is Well with My Soul”