The holiday season is taking on a distinctly Australian hue this year as the world prepares for a very Bluey Christmas. Joff Bush, the visionary composer behind the beloved animated series, has officially ushered in the festivities with the debut of Verandah Santa. This original EP serves as a symphonic gift to fans, featuring a festive reimagining of the show’s iconic opening theme.
Reflecting on the creative process, Bush noted the joy of expanding the show’s musical universe. “We had an absolute blast building upon the original extended theme,” Bush remarked. By weaving in fragments from “Instrument Parade” and nodding to holiday staples like “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World,” the team infused the track with vibrant percussion and unmistakable seasonal spirit.
The four-track collection offers a diverse holiday palette. It includes “Let’s Play Verandah Santa,” which Bush describes as a quintessential portrait of a Christmas spent Down Under, utilizing the original episode’s score to transport listeners directly into the Heeler household. The EP also features the title track—a whimsical, “Bluey-fied” interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker—and the charming “I Don’t Have a Chimney.” Collaborating with Emma Dean, Bush tapped into the hilariously obsessive perspective of Santa-loving toddlers to craft the lyrics, a process he recalls as being filled with “guffaws and grins.”
Beyond his own compositions, Bush is sharing the magic that fuels his own holiday spirit. In a special collaboration with Billboard, he curated a personal playlist that ranges from time-honored carols and quirky 1950s gems to the raucous energy of Bob Dylan. “These are the tracks that I feel possess that special ‘magic sauce’ for the holidays,” Bush explained.
Explore Joff Bush’s full curated holiday selection and his thoughts on each pick below.
“How to Make Gravy,” Paul Kelly
“This is an absolute Australian institution. It’s physically impossible not to shout the lyrics—specifically ‘GIVE MY LOVE TO ANGUS!’—at the top of your lungs whenever it plays.”
“Must Be Santa,” Bob Dylan
“There is a wonderful, sweaty, chaotic energy to this recording. It instantly transports me back to my 20s, spent in Brisbane sharehouses during the humid summer heat, drinking cheap wine without a hint of air conditioning.”
“I Don’t Have a Chimney,” Emma Dean and Joff Bush
“I couldn’t resist including a bit of my own work. Writing this with Emma was a highlight—we were in stitches trying to capture the exact logic and voice of her toddlers.”
“Feliz Navidad,” Jose Feliciano
“Is it possible to write a tune more infectious than this? It might be the catchiest song ever composed. It’s my personal favorite because it never fails to spark a smile.”
The Muppet Christmas Carol Original Soundtrack
“These tracks perfectly encapsulate that Dickensian holiday atmosphere. They feature stunning melodies that are performed exactly as they should be: by Muppets.”
“Carol of the Bells,” John Williams
“A masterpiece of arrangement. My personal tradition involves singing this to my cats, replacing every single lyric with ‘meow’ so they feel included in the Christmas cheer.”
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” Jimmy Boyd
“There’s an undeniable sweetness to these novelty hits from the 1950s. Having an actual child sing them adds a layer of authentic charm that you just can’t replicate.”
