We start playing Christmas music in our house early. Like November 1st early. I won’t have it on all the time but on a snowy November day or on a Sunday while I’m preparing food (which is often all day), it will be playing in the background, making me happy. Here are some of my favourite Christmas albums (that you might not have heard of). I can’t wait to hear what yours are!
Amy Grant – A Christmas Album and Home For Christmas
Amy Grant was the first concert I ever went to. I guess we were into Christian rock for a time? Anyway, A Christmas Album probably reminds me the most of Christmas as a kid. I mean, it came out when I was 7 and Christmas for a 7 year old might be the pinnacle of loving Christmas. I think this was also the Christmas I got my Wrinkles Dog and my first make up kit. Home For Christmas was the transition album to my teenage years.
Neil Diamond – The Christmas Album
Ah, Christmas morning, my parents taking forever to make their coffee, my sisters and I practically bursting with excitement (as teenagers) and Neil Diamond’s smooth voice as the backdrop to it all. THIS album is Christmas to me.
Ali Matthews – On Angels’ Wings and Looking For Christmas
We listened to both of these albums on repeat at our house. My mom loved them. And Ali is from Stratford! She is having her annual Christmas concert on December 13th. Such a nice tradition!
Sarah McLachlan – Wintersong
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this album. It is my grown-up favourite. Her cover of River is beautiful.
A bit more…
Star 102.5 out of Buffalo is my favourite Christmas radio station!
Here is a PLAYLIST of some of my favourite Christmas songs
Do They Know It’s Christmas? Band Aid (This is probably my favourite song to listen to although I now know that while it’s intentions were good, it’s lyrics are condescending and inaccurate)
All I Want for Christmas is You Mariah Carey
Last Christmas Wham
Happy Xmas (War is Over) John Lennon or the Miley Cyrus & Mark Ronson version
Step Into Christmas Elton John
This Christmas Donny Hathaway
Someday at Christmas Stevie Wonder
Christmas in Hollis Run-DMC
Wonderful Christmastime Paul McCartney
My Only Wish (This Year) Britney Spears
River by anyone! Check out Ben Platt or the original Joni Mitchell, of course
Mistletoe Justin Bieber
Please Come Home for Christmas Bon Jovi
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town Bruce Springsteen
What are your favourite Christmas albums or songs?
When do you start listening to Christmas music?
It’s never too early get festive I love it
My fave album is Kenny Rogers and Dolly Patton’s Christmas, John Berrys version of O Holy Night, Rocking around the Christmas tree, oh who we kidding I freaking love it all yayyyy Christmas 🎄
Yes, the Dolly-Kenny Christmas is a favourite of many. Somehow I missed it entirely! I love that your tree is up and that it is a Snapchat sensation!
Boney M. And an oldie Burl Ives. I love Christmas music and the fact that the cheesy W network movies started today! Tree is going up soon. It’s something that I love and brings me joy for 7-8 weeks🎄💗.
I have been watching the Hallmark movies hard already this year! I hate to love them but I do. I leave my stuff up until mid-January. I don’t see the rush in getting it down. Makes it so sad to rush Christmas to an end.
Yikes! Way too early for Christmas tunes in my house!!!
You have great Christmas traditions!
I normally wait until Nov. 12 to get into the swing of Christmas but, this year is so rough I’m thinking I’m going to be starting this weekend. Local band Rant Maggie Rant has a really good album “Frost and Fire” I think it’s called? Also like Loreena McKennitt’s winter music.
I’m sorry to hear it’s rough this year – you’re far away and you have a tough job. Loreena does have a great winter album!