To kick off Christmas music season (for me that's almost year-round) ... here are my top six favorite Christmas music albums. I tried to keep the list to five but just couldn't do it.
My number one requirement – can't sound like it's going to "go out of style" next year.
Here are my six favorite Christmas albums (in no particular order):
Christmas at Rao's: A Celebration of Family, Friends and Holiday Spirit (compilation)
This little gem only makes the list because it contains one if my favorites, Dominick the Donkey. The remainder of the album is just so-so.
Slack Key Christmas (compilation)
Hawaiian Christmas tunes - I purchased this on our honeymoon almost exactly one year ago today. Mele Kalikimaka anyone? (all instrumental)
Mistletoe and Meriment (compilation)
Another album full of good ol' fun Christmas classics. This one even has The Beach Boy's Little Saint Nick.
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Vince Guaraldi Trio
I don't even own the whole album, only two songs – Christmastime is Here and Linus and Lucy – but those two would be worth the cost of a while album. The songs remind me of the "Charlie Brown on Ice," Christmas show in Santa Rosa.
Christmas With the Rat Pack (compilation)
I like every single one of the songs on this album. Great stuff.
Die Schönsten Deutsche Weihnachtsleider, Offenbacher Kinderchor
German children's church choir. I won't be karaoke-ing to this anytime soon but it's a beautiful album.
Honorable mention:
Billboard Greatest Christmas Hits: 1935-1954 (compilation)
Lawrence Welk: 22 Merry Christmas Favorites
Christmas Celebration, Manheim Steemroller
I'm always looking to add to my collection ... what are your favorite Christmas albums?
Here are some links to purchase the CDs on Amazon:
