With Thanksgiving out of the way, I can finally ring in the holiday season with full spirit! Even though I’ve been listening to Christmas music since Halloween ended, I decided to hold back on posting anything festive until now. And what better way to kick things off than by sharing a few of my favorite Christmas albums? Despite my love for all Christmas music, these ones have stood out to me over time and have proven themselves to be iconic.
1. “Christmas” by Michael Buble.
Kicking off this list is probably my all-time favorite Christmas album. Michael Buble’s jazzy voice and big band style makes this album a treat to listen to. I listen to this album on repeat year after year because it’s such a classic to me. If you have never listened to any of these songs, do it right now. You can thank me later.
2. “Warmer in the Winter” by Lindsey Stirling.
This album is brand new, but made it onto my favorites list almost immediately. I haven’t listened to much of Lindsey Stirling’s music, but find this album to capture the innocence of Christmas from a child’s perspective. Featuring many duets and beautiful violin covers, I have a feeling this album will be one that I listen to nonstop for many Christmases.
3. "Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album."
For anyone who would like a throwback to the good old days when "Glee" was life, look no further than this first collection of Christmas songs by the cast! They released four volumes of Christmas albums, but this first collection has songs that warm the heart while also defining the original meaning of the show: Fitting in and finding acceptance. 2010 me appreciates the fact that this album made the list.
4. “Holiday Wishes” by Idina Menzel.
This album is a treat for anyone who loves Broadway or wants to listen to more of Idina Menzel. The song features a lot of traditional tunes that everyone will enjoy, and how can you not love her voice? For me, her duet on “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with Michael Buble sealed the deal on this album. It’s so fun and upbeat. Even if you aren’t familiar with her singing style, this album would be a fun one to add to your list this holiday season. And no, “Let It Go” is not on this CD.
5. “A Classic Cartoon Christmas” by Various Artists.
If you love the holiday classics like “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” then this album is for you! My parents bought this CD for me and my brother years ago, and I remember listening to it ad nauseam every year. This album takes the excitement of watching the holiday specials all month long and squishes it into a 14-song soundtrack. Perfect for the nostalgic ones among us!
Now, there are other albums out there that I love, but these five are ones that stand out to me in some way, shape, or form. Whether it’s because of nostalgia, or the sound that is produced, these collections are top favorites that I enjoy listening to nonstop while in the car or while setting up my family’s Christmas village. If you have yet to introduce yourself to any of these, do yourself a favor and go listen to them! The holiday season will be a little bit brighter, I guarantee.