I love to listen to Christmas music. Although I already have an extensive collection of Christmas music, I usually buy a few new albums each year to add to the collection. For example, this year I added Matt Redman’s first Christmas album.
I switch over to listening to almost entirely Christmas music a little before Thanksgiving all the way through to Christmas Day. I’ve built a Christmas playlist from my iTunes library which currently includes 233 of my favorite songs.
Christmas music is like the actual celebration itself – both secular (Santa Claus, snow, jingle bells and gift giving) and sacred (the greatest gift of all – the birth of Christ). I enjoy both types of Christmas songs. I enjoy the Christmas music from many artists, some new, such as Chris Tomlin, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael Buble, and some classic, such as Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Tony Bennett, Elvis Presley and Dean Martin.
Here are my 10 favorite Christmas albums:
The Andy Williams Christmas Album This 1963 classic album has special memories for me as my Mom used to put this one on as we were going to bed when I was growing up.
Behold the Lamb of God – Andrew Peterson Less a Christmas album and more a tour through the Bible about the coming of Christ. Looking forward to hearing this album performed live this week.
The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole This 1967 album features the title song that Nat King Cole is probably best known for. A great album to put on when wrapping gifts.
The Promise: A Celebration of Christ’s Birth – Michael Card Biblically based lyrics from one of my favorite artists.
James Taylor At Christmas – James Taylor
This 2006 release is JT’s collection of holiday favorites. A later edition included two additional songs.
Christmas Songs – Jars of Clay
Jars of Clay is one of my favorite bands. They always pursue excellence and that is displayed nowhere better than on this 2007 album.
Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship – Chris Tomlin
The first of two Chris Tomlin Christmas albums, the second being last year’s Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship.
In the Spirit – Michael McDonald
This 2001 release was the first of Michael McDonald’s Christmas albums, and still my favorite.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Vince Guaraldi
Who doesn’t love this music that we get to hear each year as we watch the classic cartoon A Charlie Brown Christmas?
A Christmas Song – Russ Taff
Russ Taff took chances with this 1993 album, styled after Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Ray Charles and Tony Bennett. It’s been one of my favorites ever since.
These are my 10 favorite Christmas albums. You could also throw in any compilation by Frank Sinatra, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Tony Bennett and Elvis Presley.
What about you? Please share some of your favorites by clicking on ‘Comment’.
December 5, 2016 at 1:32 pm
Just discovered Christmas music by Peter Hollens. I think you’d like it!
December 6, 2016 at 9:03 am
Thanks Denise – I’ll check him out!
December 8, 2016 at 10:25 am
I save my Christmas music for the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas too! My favorite Christmas music is kind of like my favorite books to read – a fairly eclectic mix: A Cappella Christmas by Glad, and That’s Christmas to Me by Pentatonix (one of my new favorite groups). Several Christmas albums put out by the Boston Pops Orchestra. I’m a huge fan of Mannheim Steamroller, and their first two Christmas albums (Christmas and Fresh Aire Christmas) are outstanding. Trans Siberian Orchestra – Christmas Eve and Other Stories. And then I just found a fun one last night, Christmas: A Ghostly Gathering by Midnight Syndicate. And while I’m at it, it’s simply not Christmas until I’ve heard/seen, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch”. 🙂
December 9, 2016 at 10:54 am
Really enjoyed reading about your favorite Christmas music and tradition.
Pingback: Three New Christmas Albums That I Recommend | Coram Deo ~