The only downside to Sufjan Stevens’ prodigiously epic Christmas output is that you sometimes have to pan through incidental instrumentals and throwaway studio jams to find the stunning highlights.

“Christmas in the Room” is yet another in a line of Sufjan works of staggeringly heartbreaking/heartwarming genius, following the blueprint gradually perfected on songs like Romulus, The Transfiguration, John Wayne Gacy. Jr., and Casimir Pulaski Day: fragile, angelic, melancholic vocals laid over beautiful harmonies and a simple, sweet melody.