A Nerd At Christmas - Christmas Music to Love, Part 1: The Albums

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives, or, Have Yourself a Classic Childhood Christmas

Many of us have that ONE album. The one that we remember from our own childhoods that was a constant during the holiday season. For me, this was it. As much as a staple that “A Holly Jolly Christmas” is on seasonal radio these days, this album is one that just says “Christmas kick-off” to me. From the title song to classic standards such as “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town,” and “White Christmas,” Ives delivers in his soft and distinct voice, almost like a grandparent singing to the grandkids on the front porch. “Christmas Can’t Be Far Away” has become a bit of a Christmas anthem for me, paving way for a yuletide season:

“Both young and old are planning sweet surprises.
They'll soon be tied with ribbons bright and gay.
Good will is in the air and you feel it everywhere -
Christmas can't be far away”

The album closes with, in my opinion, the definitive version of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” the carol of man’s hope, despair, and return to hope again. That, to me, is indicative of what the day is all about. It’s no wonder to me that to this day, the album is still a must when decorating for Christmas. Speaking of which…

Christmas – The Oak Ridge Boys, or, Have Yourself an 80’s Country Christmas

For my lovely wife (who introduced me to this one), this is her childhood album, and our other decorating must. For fans of country music in the 80s, this one definitely delivers on the feels. The Oak Ridge Boys are country legends, and this album fits right into their catalog of classic hits. In fact, “Thank God for Kids” was a hit single from this album, reaching #3 on the Billboard charts in 1982. This album is a great mix of standards and originals. The opening song, “Jesus is Born Today” starts with a bit of a late disco feel – perhaps a little cheesy, but pure bliss and fun to sing along to. “Santa’s Song” contains a few fun Easter eggs, with references to other classic Oak Ridge hits (Elvira and Bobbie Sue). The harmonies in “O Holy Night” are reflective of what made this group so great, and will bring back a lot of memories for country children of the 80’s. 

Andrew Peterson Presents Behold the Lamb of God – Andrew Peterson and Friends, or, Have Yourself a Storyteller’s Christmas

Some Christmas albums are good albums in their entirety. This one demands to be listened to in its entirety, in sequential order, as it tells a story from start to finish. Singer-songwriter Andrew Peterson has crafted a story of Christmas from a Biblical perspective, explaining the need of a savior, from the exile in Egypt to the birth of Jesus. Each original song is well written and sung (by Peterson and other artists), but woven together paint a bigger story. Told with both theological knowledge and a very human perspective, Behold is a great break from Christmas norms. Note: Behold the Lamb of God is performed live yearly by Peterson and his friends, and this year’s performance from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville can be viewed by purchasing a ticket for its livestream on Dec 6th by clicking here – perhaps a great way to responsibly celebrate the season in 2020 and still feel a wonderful Christmas spirit.

Socks – JD McPherson, or, Have Yourself a Retro Rock n’ Roll Christmas

This one is just plain fun. A mix of rockabilly, swing, R&B, and 50’s and 60’s rock, this is a (mostly) up-tempo blast to put on and dance around the house (or Christmas tree, if so desired) to. An album comprised of entirely original songs like “Every Single Christmas I Just Fall in Love” and “Holly, Carol, Candy, and Joy” are upbeat and infectious, while tunes like “Hey Skinny Santa” and the title song, “Socks” inject fun humor into the holidays. Seriously, why are socks and Christmas gifts a thing? (Side note – I love novelty socks, so I actually appreciate socks these days – not so much when I was 10!) This album is a great find for someone who wants to feel the Christmas spirit with original tunes that avoid the monotony of standards that can sometimes inundate radio. Maybe in discovering new tunes, these ones may become a standard in your own playlist!

And speaking of all-new and original….

The Pianoman at Christmas – Jamie Cullum, or, Have Yourself a Glass of Wine to go With Your Christmas

The same friend that warned me off of the unmentioned Christmas album at the beginning of this piece recommended this one to me, and I’m glad he did! Upon my first listen to this album, my reaction was to listen again. The jazzy big-band inspired sound works well with the holiday season, and the all original songs just make for an easy listen. The title song starts with the simplest of questions: “It’s Christmas – why can’t we all just get along?” Good question, Jamie. Maybe if we all had this album playing in the background, it would help put us all at ease and make the season a bit more enjoyable. Again, brand new songs to put a spin on the holiday season make this a true discovery. The sound and feel make these all new pieces sound like they should be standards. “Turn on the Lights” stands out as something that I could see Sir Paul McCartney singing, and in my humble opinion, is a much better earworm than “Wonderful Christmastime.” Swing along, snap along, or learn the lyrics and sing along – this album is a great new album for 2020!

These are just a few of my favorite holiday albums, but ones that stand out as a break from most mainstream holiday music. Like I’ve said, maybe they’ll earn a place in your own Christmas music collection if they so meet your tastes as well. I’d love to hear from others – do you have any “must listen” Christmas albums that you can listen to with a smile and without skipping a track? I’d love to hear from you!