I think one of my favorite parts about the holidays is finally getting to turn on Christmas music and have it be somewhat socially acceptable.
There are some who start before Halloween, and others who wait until after Thanksgiving. Normally I’m a post-Thanksgiving kind of person myself, but this year, I needed the joy and cheer a little earlier (read my post on why you’re not alone if you’re grieving the holidays this year), so on November 1, my Spotify changed to Irish Christmas favorites and The Carpenters.
No matter when you start listening to holiday music, the feeling is always the same. Those first few measures of White Christmas, the quiet piano on Silent Night, or the upbeat sounds of It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, will always bring that slow smile to my face. My shoulders relax, and I take a deep breath.
There is something especially enchanting about Christmas music.
Rather than keep all these delightful albums to myself, I thought I’d share with you my favorites. Some of these albums I’ve been listening to for years, others are new finds in the last year or two.
I hope you enjoy these 7 albums to listen to this Christmas!
7 Albums to Listen to This Christmas
The Carpenters – Christmas Portrait
This is often the first album I listen to at the start of the holiday season. There’s just something classic and nostalgic about the Carpenters, and Christmas wouldn’t be complete without their beautiful blend of voices.
The Irish Rovers – Merry Merry Time of Year
This was a new find this year and it is truly one to add to the list every year. Make sure you put on Must Be Santa or Three Jolly Rogues for a dance party in your living room (yes, we have a dance party every night to this album, it’s the little things, right?)
Bing Crosby – Christmas Classics
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Bing Crosby. Find all your favorite songs on here from White Christmas to Drummer Boy (my daughter’s current favorite).
The Barra MacNeils – The Christmas Album
We often listen to this album at dinnertime. It’s upbeat enough but not too loud, so you can still enjoy conversation. It’s also a great album to listen to while driving.
Perry Como – The Classic Christmas Album
I don’t know how much we all realize this, but we listen to Perry Como sing Christmas songs every year on the radio and yet I had no clue who he was till just a few years ago. At any rate, enjoy these christmas classics!
Various Artists – A Celtic Christmas
Ok, so anyone who knows me knows that I love Irish music. It’s just a fact (and the reason I have four Irish albums on this list). This album is a bit more haunting and while not standard christmas music, it gives the vibe of winter and coziness. I can guarantee you’ll thank me later.
Craig Duncan – Irish Christmas
This has been my Christmas album of choice in the morning. It’s a little softer and instrumental only which helps when you need a slow wake-up.
I hope you enjoy listening to some (or all) of these albums. Leave me a comment and let me know what YOUR favorite album is for the holiday season!
No Comments