This is my grown-up Christmas music list

By Mark December 13, 2015 Music, Personal No Comments

Each year as the holidays approach, I anticipate ~~getting out all of my Christmas CDs~~ ticking the boxes in iTunes to add Christmas music to my iPod! There are certain songs and albums that are a must-listen for me every year, and I wanted to share them with you! Here’s my list, in no particular order.

You can also check out my Christmas playlists on these platforms:

“Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas” – Burl Ives
This is an oldie-but-goodie, and this line always makes me smile: “Say ‘helloooo’ to friends you know…”

“It’s Christmastime” from Christmas Portrait – The Carpenters
The unmistakable voice of Karen Carpenter is the kind the world will know again. She is remarkable on this whole album, and her brother Richard shows his excellent musicianship. This song is one of my favorites.

A Christmas Album – Amy Grant
This whole album is great, and two of my favorite songs on it are “Love Has Come” and “Heirlooms.”

“A Christmas to Remember” – Amy Grant
This song always conjures up the picture of curling up by the fireplace and looking out the window, watching the snow fall.

Merry Christmas – Mariah Carey
It’s hard to believe this album is over 20 years old. The hit song “All I Want for Christmas” has become a Christmas classic. Whatever your opinion of Mariah, this entire album is holiday artistry. The traditional Christmas hymns “O Holy Night,” “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing/Gloria,” “Silent Night,” and “Joy to the World” are wonderfully arranged. And Mariah penned “Jesus Born on This Day,” which has also attained classic status, being covered by many artists through the years.

“One Child” from Merry Christmas II You – Mariah Carey
This song comes from Mariah’s second holiday album, Merry Christmas II You.

One child can change the world
Christmas morn’
The King of all kings was born
He reigns forevermore
Let us worship and adore
Christ the Lord

“Christmas Waltz” from It’s Christmastime – Kathie Lee Gifford
You might be surprised to see this on my list, but I really do heart Kathie Lee (I miss her with Regis). I enjoy listening to Kathie Lee sing, especially on this Christmas album. I actually liked this particular song from the Carpenters’ album I mentioned earlier (ironically, Kathie Lee’s album title was my favorite song from the Carpenters!), but Kathie Lee does a great arrangement here.

This section is where I unashamedly give you my favorite boy band holiday songs. Ha! The harmonies are tight, though!

“What Child Is This?” from Christmas – Plus One
This band is no longer together, but David Foster did an amazing job producing this album, and specifically this song.

“This Gift” and “Ave Maria” from This Christmas – 98º

To offset the boy band harmonies, here’s a great girl group who also had amazing vocal chemistry.

“O Holy Night” from A Christmas Story – Point of Grace
I also miss the original Point of Grace. Their blend was superb. This arrangement gives me goosebumps.

In summary, here’s the quick list of my must-haves:

If you click on any of the above links, your purchase helps support my website!

There are so many other great Christmas songs that I’ll have to list for you another time, but these are the ones that I have to listen to every year. Hope you enjoy them!

Don’t forget to check out my Christmas playlists on Spotify and YouTube!