A New Holiday Classic: Michelle Joly On Soul, Storytelling & “All I Want For Christmas”

Canadian Métis vocalist, songwriter, and music educator Michelle Joly is closing out 2025 with the kind of holiday release that feels destined to become a yearly favourite. Her new single, “All I Want For Christmas (Dreams Come True),” fuses jazz-soul warmth with cinematic flourish, plus a powerful verse from Cree artist YNG Bear—all shaped by Joly’s two decades of performing across the globe.

Rooted in nostalgia, community, and the simple moments that make the season feel magical, Joly’s latest track captures everything we love about a timeless Christmas anthem. We caught up with the celebrated performer and Downie Wenjack Fund Ambassador to talk inspiration, Indigenous artistry, and the memories behind the music. —Noa Nichol

This song feels like an instant Christmas classic—what’s the very first image or memory that popped into your mind when you started writing “All I Want For Christmas (Dreams Come True)”?

The first thing I thought about when writing this song was my brother. We’re only 1 year apart and so we were very close in our younger years. We did everything together, especially singing in the car! Christmas get-togethers were always a ton of family and friends singing into the evening. I moved away from my hometown of St. Paul, Alberta when I was 17 and only came home a few times per year. As an adult I was focused on my career and I often missed family gatherings especially Christmas, so I was longing for those simple moments that we often take for granted in life.

You’ve spent Christmases on stages and at sea, far from home—how did those years away from St. Paul shape the story and emotion behind this song?  

Singing on cruise ships is fun! You are surrounded by thousands of people at their best… on vacation. However during the holidays, it can be a very lonely time for a solo performer like me. I remember feeling so lonely and missing my family. Being surrounded by all the beauty, the luxuries of a cruise ship and travelling the world puts into perspective how much those simple things and genuine moments with the ones we love, matter most.

You’ve said you were inspired by Disney-style orchestration—if this track were dropped into a holiday movie, what would that scene look like?

I see children building snowmen, family dinner with candles and laughter, singing with guitars by the fireplace. That’s Christmas to me.

The track features a beautiful verse from Cree artist YNG Bear. How did that collaboration come together, and what did you want his verse to bring to the story?

I met Gage Arcand (aka YNG Bear) a few months ago. His story inspires me and he has a lot to teach our younger generation. I knew his verse would bring the innocence of childhood and the importance of family. He has such a strong, noble character. The thing I admire about him is that he puts his focus on the little things that matter most.

You’ve performed everywhere from cruise ships to Indigenous festivals to the JUNO Awards. Did any of those big-stage moments secretly sneak their way into the way you approached this recording?

I think all of my performances and experiences throughout the years have led me to the way I sang and wrote this song. It’s our experiences that we carry forward that show up in the present moment.

The song celebrates “little things” at Christmas—singing with your brother, being with family. What’s one tiny holiday ritual that means everything to you, no matter where you are in the world?

Baileys and coffee… hahah! I know that sounds ridiculous but it’s the only day of the year that I wake up and pour Baileys in my coffee and I look forward to that! And, it’s something I can do no matter where I am!

You blend jazz, soul, and cinematic pop in this track—when you listen back, is there a specific moment (a note, a lyric, a drum hit, a string swell) where you think: Yes, that’s exactly who I am as an artist?

The Bridge – “and the snowflakes falling in your face”. I love the instrumental build up and then I can just belt it out! I think most singers love to belt but my voice was made for that!

As a Métis artist and Ambassador for the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, how do you hope Indigenous listeners—and non-Indigenous listeners—feel seen or connected through this Christmas song?

This song is a representation of the joy or family, close friends, and the importance of being present in the moments in life. I think that can resonate with all people.

If someone adds “All I Want For Christmas (Dreams Come True)” to their holiday playlist, where do you picture it sitting—tree-decorating anthem, slow-dance in the kitchen, Christmas Eve wind-down, or all of the above?

Definitely all of the above I hope! I have a friend and #1 fan who I met when I was gigging at a resort in Cancun. She still buys all of my music and I just sent her some CDs. She told me she will listen to this song everyday of the year no matter Christmas or not because she loves the meaning so much.

This is your final release of 2025. When you hit “stop” on this year and look ahead, what dream—big or small—do you hope comes true in 2026?

I hope for happiness and health. I have several people around me struggling mentally, financially, emotionally, and physically and I am so grateful for my health. As an artist… I hope I win a JUNO! Ha!