Christmas Albums to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but with all the hustle and bustle it can sometimes be hard to get into the holiday spirit. I have to admit that I’m one of those people who starts listening to Christmas music in the car as soon as the first radio station begins playing it. Where I live, that happens to be November 1st. But before anyone judges me, I still wait until Thanksgiving week to start decorating my house. While the crowds are gathering at the malls on Black Friday, it’s my tradition to decorate for Christmas. This year, I got a bit ahead of myself and put up the trees a few days before Thanksgiving, but still spent Black Friday putting up the rest of the decorations. And while I decorate, I play all my favorite Christmas albums. These are a few of my favorite ones that I listen to on repeat during the holiday season.
Various Artists - The Great Songs of Christmas
This was my absolute favorite Christmas vinyl from my parents’ collection when I was a kid. I’ve always been a bit of an “old soul” and grew up loving crooners like Bing Crosby and Johnny Mathis, who are included on this record. The little gem here is Bing Crosby’s “White World of Winter.” Close behind that is the New Christy Minstrels singing “We Need a Little Christmas.” Andy Williams’ “Do You Hear What I Hear?” is another classic and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir does a beautiful arrangement of “Still, Still, Still.” This is the perfect album to give you all the warm, cozy nostalgic feelings of Christmases throughout the years. You can get your vinyl copy on Amazon here.
Kelly Clarkson - Wrapped in Red
I’ve been a fan of Kelly Clarkson’s since she was crowned the first American Idol and think she is one of the greatest vocalists of our time. Her first Christmas album from 2013 certainly does not disappoint! She has several original songs like “Underneath the Tree'“ mixed in with some classics. She does a fun version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with Ronnie Dunn and is joined by Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood on “Silent Night.” My favorite song on the album is “Just for Now,” but my favorite of the originals is the title track “Wrapped in Red.” This is available on Amazon music, vinyl, and CD here.
Harry Connick, Jr. - When My Heart Finds Christmas
I mentioned earlier that I’ve always loved the old crooners, which explains my love for Harry Connick, Jr. This man has some crazy good talent! I’ve seen him in concert a few times and his shows are so much fun! He has a few originals on this album, including the title track and my favorite, “When My Heart Finds Christmas.” You’ll definitely hear the New Orleans style come through in “(It Must Have Been Ol’) Santa Claus” and “I Pray on Christmas.” My pick of best song goes to the old classic, “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?.” You can listen on Amazon music and purchase on vinyl or CD here.
Chris Isaak - Christmas
You may not be familiar with Chris Isaak, but probably know his famous song “Wicked Game.” If you haven’t heard anything else by him, this Christmas album is a great place to start. ”Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is one of my top favorite Christmas songs and Chris Isaak does my favorite version on this album. He also has some great originals, including “Washington Square” and “Brightest Star.” The album includes a total of 17 songs, which is a lot compared to most, and will have you singing along in no time! Stream it on Amazon Music here.
Bing Crosby - White Christmas
Nothing says the holidays like Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas.” This is not the soundtrack to the movie, but does include the song “White Christmas.” As a side note, White Christmas is one of my all-time favorite movies and I have a tradition of watching it every Christmas Eve! The movie is available on Prime Video here. And speaking of movies.. another great song on Bing’s album is “Mele Kalikimaka,” which always makes me think of the scene in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation where Chevy Chase is looking out the window imagining the swimming pool he intends to put in the backyard with his Christmas bonus. Bing Crosby had one of those captivating voices that truly captures the magic of Christmas. You can get this album on CD here.