Tyler Hilton, ‘Don’t Feel Like Christmas’ [Exclusive Premiere]

Singer-songwriter and actor Tyler Hilton is premiering his new holiday song "Don't Feel Like Christmas" exclusively for readers of The Boot. Press play above to listen, and see the new tune's accompanying music video.

As its title indicates, "Don't Feel Like Christmas" is about those times when the holiday season just doesn't feel cheery. "Something about the holidays magnifies the loneliness or something," Hilton reflects.

"I always loved the bluesy, longing Christmas songs best," the artist tells The Boot, "and I was visiting family in Canada last Christmas and sitting at this beautiful, old piano, looking outside at all the snow, and this music just started spilling out. It kept playing in my head after I got home to sunny LA, and I found myself singing, 'Don't feel like Christmas.'"

Reminiscent of the holiday classics "Blue Christmas" and "Please Come Home for Christmas," Hilton's updated version of the sad Christmas song stays in keeping with the theme thanks to its classic, bluesy vibe and Hilton's vintage-style crooning. "Don't feel like Christmas when you're not here," Hilton sings in the song's chorus. "Gifts get their wrapping / Trees get their lights / So Santa, please bring the one I'm missing back in my life."

Hilton has released four studio albums and two EPs, but he's also well known for his acting roles, especially in the teen TV drama One Tree Hill and the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line. "Don't Feel Like Christmas" will officially be available on Nov. 16, and will be featured in The Christmas Contract, a Lifetime movie that stars fellow One Tree Hill alumni Hilarie Burton, Danneel Ackles and Robert Buckley.

"The vibe ended up fitting perfect for [the film] that a bunch of my friends were starring in," Hilton shares. "And I ended up getting to perform the song in the film!"

The Christmas Contract is scheduled to premiere on Lifetime on Nov. 22.

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