Spend Christmas with TWICE’s Winter Tracks

For this week’s Ladies Corner, let’s continue the Christmas anticipation with a look at  winter-themed releases from TWICE. Though TWICE released a special Christmas version of their Twicecoaster: Lane 1 EP in 2016, it took another year until their first official Christmas song. Since then, Christmas offerings have happened once in a while in the form of special videos or other song releases. 

“Merry & Happy” 

In 2017, TWICE came out with a Christmas repackage of their Twicetagram EP called Merry & Happy. It was released on December 11, 2017, with the music video for the title track “Heartshaker.” TWICE released the music video for “Merry & Happy,” the EP’s new B-side, on December 21, 2017. The lyrics describe someone used to spending the holidays alone but who now enjoys the time together with others. Through the presence of friends, they are able to find the season enjoyable.* 

In the music video, the TWICE members give each other presents in a surprising fashion. Each member is unaware of their secret Santa until approached by them suddenly. Five years later, “Merry & Happy” received a new music video. A 2022 version of the “Merry & Happy” music video was revealed on December 22, 2022. Like the original, it mixes camera and camcorder shots that help capture a “homey” nostalgic feeling. 

“Best Thing I Ever Did” 

On December 12, 2018, TWICE released The Year of Yes, a winter repackage of their Yes or Yes EP. The title track “Best Thing I Ever Did” was a ballad meant for ONCE, their fans. The lyrics reflect on the year, noting that creating precious memories together was “the best thing [they] ever did.”* 

These memories are shown in the music video using a theater screen that TWICE watches attentively. Moments from when the group promoted “Dance the Night Away” and even their cover of The Jackson 5’s song “I WANT YOU BACK,” flash on screen as they reminisce with laughter. The other scenes include TWICE spending the day outside in the snow and the night having a feast together.   

“Doughnut”

Released on December 15, 2021, “Doughnut” is the main promoted track from TWICE’s ninth Japanese EP of the same name. Alongside its B-side, “Wonderful Day,” “Doughnut” differs from “Merry & Happy.” As sweet as the name “Doughnut” seems, it’s actually a somber track. The speaker feels an emptiness in their heart from yearning. It depicts heartbreak that continues in a “loop,” with a doughnut signifying both that loss and that repeating romantic attachment.* 

The “Doughnut” music video creates a dreamy atmosphere, like it mimics the speaker’s unrealistic desires. The usually happy imagery of creating snow angels or creating a snowman takes on a sad shift in tone when put in context of a lost partner. “Doughnut” is a beautiful song that showcases winter loneliness in spite of Christmas’ unifying message.   

“Dance Again” 

The newest TWICE winter track “Dance Again” came out on December 12, 2023 at midnight (JST). This digital single was a collaboration with FamilyMart, a Japanese convenience store chain. The single received a special video showcasing TWICE’s memories of 2023, including concerts, fansigns, and music video filmings. 

Similar to “Best Thing I Ever Did,” the lyrics touch on spending time with loved ones as the year ends. The speaker can’t wait to “dance again” with others, wanting to celebrate until daybreak.* It’s a cheerful winter release to add to a holiday party playlist.  

*Note: Lyrics taken from the English captions in the official videos.