Here is something you might not know about your friend Shay…I am a Christmas music addict. I love, love, love Christmas music. My dad always tells me that one of his favorite things about me is my ability to sing Christmas songs 365 days a year.
I used to think I couldn’t listen to Christmas music until the day after Thanksgiving. It was just a rule I had in my head. Then one day in early November, Andrew and I were living in Detroit when things just went wrong. We had already bought our plane tickets home to visit our families when we found out he had to work that weekend, our flights were nonrefundable, we lost our money on the airfare and I was just sad.
I remember getting into my car to make the 45 minute commute home from work when the radio station flipped to Christmas music for the season. My instinct was to turn it off (because it was early November) but then I thought to myself, why? I love Christmas music! It makes me happy! Who cares that it isn’t Thanksgiving yet?! I listened all the way home and all season long…and now, 9 years later, I still begin listening to Christmas music in early November…because it just makes me happy.
One other little quirky fact about me is that if I had to name a soundtrack for my life…an entire album that just sums up my childhood and my memories, it would be this one…
I know, I know…most of you have no idea who the Carpenters are. But the ones of you that do, know that this is the best Christmas album ever recorded. And I do not have one Christmas memory that doesn’t have this album in the background. I always joke and tell Andrew that when I die, they should just play this album at my funeral. Even if it’s July.
For my own kids, I want this to be the album of their childhood…
…considering they’re 3 and 5 and know every single lyric off of this album, I’m pretty sure my mission is accomplished. We’ve already listened to this entire album at least 20 times in the car this season alone. Not joking.
So, needless to say, Christmas music is a passion of mine. It makes me happy. It makes me nostalgic. It makes me smile. Whether you’re a rule breaker and begin listening in early November or a rule follower and wait until December 1, I have a list below of my favorites this season.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas– Ella Fitzgerald
The Christmas Song– Nat King Cole
White Christmas– Bing Crosby
All I Want For Christmas is You– Michael Buble
All I Want For Christmas is You– Mariah Carey
Merry Christmas Darling– The Carpenters
Baby Please Come Home– Michael Buble
A Baby Changes Everything– Faith Hill
It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas– Bing Crosby
Merry Christmas Baby– Bruce Springsteen
Let it Snow– Dean Martin
O Holy Night– Martina McBride
Please Come Home for Christmas– Eagles
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year– Andy Williams
Baby It’s Cold Outside– Rod Steward and Dolly Parton
Sleigh Ride– The Ronettes
Winter Wonderland– Ella Fitzgerald
I’ll Be Home for Christmas– Michael Buble
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas– Frank Sinatra
Now, this list isn’t every song I love…because I truly love so many…but these are some of my favorites. And I know that a few of them are repeated but when sung by different artists, they are completely different songs. If you don’t believe me, just listen to both Michael and Mariah sing All I Want for Christmas is You.
See below for a “pinable” version of my playlist…
Fifty Two Shades just couldn’t be complete without my love of Christmas music. If it makes you happy, listen to some Christmas songs today…and think of me.
And while you’re listening to your Christmas music…whip up some of these…
And don’t forget, my Stella & Dot giveaway is going on right now! Click here for the details!
XOXO
Aubrey says
We might have grown up on different sides of the Red River and live on different sides of the Atlantic as adults, but our taste in Christmas music is SPOT ON!
One fine day we are going to get together and listen to Christmas music, my friend. There will be baked goods, coffee, scarves, and the sweet sweet strains of Karen Carpenter. 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
You do love your Christmas music, and I love how you have such detailed favorites with artists and everything! I need to start listening TODAY. I feel like I'm totally behind the curve now! TIME TO GET IN THE SPIRIT!
Becky says
I LOVE the Carpenter's Christmas album!!! Brings me right back to my childhood. I'm going to listen to it today now. Thanks!
Anonymous says
I just bought tickets to see "Straight No Chaser." If you've never heard of them you should YouTube them singing "The 12 Days of Christmas." They're so good!
April Parrish says
Christmas should be celebrated so much more than a few days in December. It's the birth of our Savior and if you have kids then listening to Christmas music is just a wonderful thing for them to remember and a tradition that they can carry on. Our house is almost decorated for the holidays even though is not even Thanksgiving yet!
What a great idea to begin this Christmas season with lots of music. 🙂
Have a blessed day!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
My favorite album of all time is the first Amy Grant Christmas album. Tennessee Christmas! Love! 🙂
Blue-Eyed Bride says
Love it! Amy Grant's original Christmas album with Tennessee Christmas is my very favorite!
Anonymous says
Shay, you have a wonderful way of getting people into the holiday spirit!
One favorite holiday song of mine is Celebrate Me Home, by Kenny Loggins and another great album track called December by the Moody Blues is also very good! You may want to give them a try 🙂
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season!
Natalie Stephens says
You MUST add these to your playlist! They are some of the best ever! "Oh come Emanuel by Sugarland, "oh Holy Night" and "Little Drimmer Boy" both by Faith Hill. The last two are my favorite ever and I know you will love them!
Melisa says
I love the Carpenters, too! Their Christmas album definitely brings back memories as a kid. 'Tis the season!
Charla Liedahl says
So fun!!! I love Christmas music too! If you don't yet have it, download "She and Him's" Christmas Album. "She" is Zooey Deschanel–from New Girl and ELF (of course!) It's really fun! And you also need Harry Connick Jr.'s Christmas album in your playlist. My next download is Kelly Clarkson's new Christmas album. Probably today, as a matter of fact! It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Anything and Everything says
Shay, Thanks for sharing!! I feel like you are a version of me all the way in Texas! 😉 Thanks for making it ok for all of us lovers of Christmas to listen to this music year round! Even when other people think we are crazy!! God Bless You, and your family!
Anonymous says
Hi Shay! The Carpenters is THE FIRST Christmas CD I listen to every year as well. Totally reminds my of my childhood. I also have a mental rule that I don't start listening to Christmas music until Thanksgiving (when I am baking). But I think you are right about starting earlier.
Love your blog. Cathy
Casey says
Steven Curtis Chapman has three (?) excellent Christmas albums! Also, YouTube the song Winter Snow. It's sung by Audrey Assad and Chris Tomlin. It's beautiful!!
Angela Ellingson says
You are a girl after my own heart! If I were doing shades of me Christmas music would definitely be one of them!! Michael Buble (holiday) is my favorite Pandora station. I have his Let it Snow album but I think I need his Christmas album, too. 😉
Kim Fleming says
Thank you for the reminder of The Carpenters!! It was a 78 record on our old console stereo….and I must mention some Harry Connick Jr. and Kenny G too for Christmas! FYI, bought the Vigoss jeans, love love love.
{Jessica} says
I will be pulling out the Christmas cd's today because you have definitely put me in the holiday spirit! I love every song on Michael Buble's Christmas cd and can't wait to listen to it all season long. And "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by good ol' Sinatra is a favorite of mine. Have you heard the Coldplay version of it? I also love that one!
Amanda & Jerrod Carpenter says
I LOVE Christmas music, and I started listening to it yesterday 🙂 I also love Dave Barnes Christmas album, you should check it out. Him and Michael Buble are my favs!!
Laci Murray says
I love Christmas music!! I remember as a teen I heard Steven Curtis Chapman's Christmas CD for the first time…it was love!! My kids know I pull it out every year, along with Mariah Carey!!
Babygirl says
They started our Mixmas 2013 on November 1st and it made my day!!! BTW..incase you've never listened to either of these Christmas albums (which I would find hard to believe :)), you should download Mercy Me's, a Mercy Me Christmas, and Steven Curtis Chapmans, All I really want for Christmas. The SCC one will really hit home as you are going through your adoption process, get out your tissues for the title cover song…These two are on repeat all year long. But I guess now i'm going to have to add Mr. Buble into too, cause I just love his soulful voice, but hadn't made the purchase yet. Thanks for the suggestion!
Molly says
I love Christmas, but I always host Thanksgiving at my house. It would feel too weird to have Christmas decorations up to celebrate Thanksgiving to me. I usually have the Thanksgiving guests (our family) help me get my Christmas decorations down. I also vote for Amy Grant for Christmas music. I cannot wait to hear it!
Lisa Iwasyk says
Oh Shay! A girl after my own heart!here in Chicago we have had the lite fm start playing Christmas music Nov 1!!!! However, they were sold last year and no Christmas music! Thank goodness for Pandora! The Judd's have an amazing Christmas album! What Child is This, is def my fave! Love that you have a post when I get up at 7, have something to look forward to before I start my day! Thank you for your positive posts! I can't wait to see your Christmas decor!
Kate at Green Fashionista says
YES to Mr. Buble! I also love Jessica Simpson's Christmas albums especially her 1st one when she was still married to Nick *sigh*
Greiner Family says
Love Faith Hill! A Baby Changes Everything makes me cry every time I listen to it!
Lauren & Eddie says
I used to have the same rule…and then I decided celebrating Christmas JUST in December was like being thankful only in November. So. I listen to it early as well. Who cares? Life's too short!
Amie says
The Carpenter's Merry Christmas Darling is my favorite!! You are right though mostly I don't REALLY know who they are, I just really love that song!
Erika C. says
How do you not have "Last Christmas" on your list!? Wham does a great version…a must listen!
Olivia says
I used to do the same, but this year I started listening to it in late September! I felt ridiculous but it made me happy! Michael Buble is by far the best Christmas album out there!
Diane says
Shay you have to check out the christmas decor sale at hautelook right now- its amazing!!
http://www.hautelook.com/event/41870
Ashley @ Fancy Ashley says
Hooray for Christmas music! We've been listening for months too! The Michael Buble album is my fave…oh and the LPs love The Chipmunks too! I want to blast Christmas music and get my house decorated today!!!
Leslie says
Shay, Just seeing the Carpenter's CD makes me smile. Same for me, I don't have one childhood memory from Christmas morning without a Carpenter's song attached to it. I love how you are able to break out your Christmas music to make your days a little brighter!
Sara Laverty says
Girl. I am WITH you on both albums. Carpenters' Christmas was on non stop at my house growing up and to this day, my parents always have it playing during the season! I love it and it just feels right when that CD is playing during Christmas! 🙂 Love Mr Buble's CD too – oh swoon 🙂
Kara says
Merry Christmas Darling is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever! I just love the Carpenters 🙂 I start listening to Christmas music on October 25th which is 2 months til Christmas ever since my college roomie helped me see its ok to start early!!
Sara Laverty says
Oh I forgot to say that I bought Kristen Chenoweth's album last year and it's really good. Just in case you're looking for some new stuff 🙂
Taylor and Robin says
LOVE Christmas music too (am listening to it now!). I felt the same as you about the after Thanksgiving rule until last year. My life soundtrack would definitely be Amy Grant Christmas ("Tennessee Christmas"!) as well as Frank Sinatra ("I love those J-I-N-G-L-E Bells")!
I had never heard of the Carpenters until a few years back when I heard "Merry Christmas Darling" on the radio and I was like, what is this?! I guess you had to grow up with them to appreciate it!:) Yay for the Christmas season!!
Amber in Illinois says
I'm usually one of those that waits until after Thanksgiving to fire up the Christmas music but this year I've already started (so not like me, I'm blaming my pregnancy). My FAVORITE Christmas hymn is O Holy Night and Lea Michele from Glee's version is my all time favorite, goose bumps and tears every time!! My favorite Christmas album is Point of Grace's A Christmas Story, LOVE IT!! I will be getting on iTunes today to purchase Michael Buble's album, I need it in my life!!!
Tracy says
Every Christmas, we listen to Blue Christmas Lights by Buck Owens. You have to sing it with as much twang as possible. =)
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
Great post! I haven't heard many of these. I like Christmas music, but apparently I'm missing out on lots of good ones. 🙂
Andrea says
I heard that Kelly Clarkson's new Christmas CD is good. You should check it out. I think I will!
Anonymous says
You HAVE TO HAVE TO HAVE to listen to Sara Groves' Christmas album. Even if you are not familiar with Sara's music, it is by far my favorite album of all time- Christmas or regular music!
Ny says
Love. This. Post!
Both my 5 and 3 year old are obsessed with "Mr. Buble's" Christmas album and # 15 is the first request every time we get in the car. My job after nap is to teach them the intro!;)
kristinwithani says
I love it too. The new Kelly Clarkson is good!
Tiffany {A Touch of Grace} says
You are 100% correct that the Carpenter's Christmas album is the best of all time. I love the Carpenters. And I like Amy Grant's Christmas album as well. And there is no shame in listenting to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. Sometimes I listen to it when I'm having a bad day because it cheers me up. In July.
Anonymous says
You have to check out "it came upon a midnight clear" by Josh Groban. Gives me goosebumps!
Kimberly says
I have always been a Christmas music person, but I like to save it for November and December to keep it special. For some reason I hadn't listened to much this year, probably because we're in the middle of a move and it doesn't feel very festive. Today was a less than great day, we're all sick and I just want my house painted and decorated all ready! But after reading this post I put on Christmas music, and my daughter and I had a dance party in the kitchen. Day immediately improved!!
Amber in Illinois says
Might I add, Polar Express has become a staple in my house around the holidays and the music from it melts my heart!! I LOVE Josh Groban's Believe, so beautiful 🙂
Maryellen says
I love Christmas music and Christmas Hallmark movies hah Never too early if you ask me.
I don't get upset when I see Christmas early – I don't think of it as "rushing" I think of it as longer to ENJOY !
Anonymous says
Mandeesa's Christmas CD is awesome! It was $5 at Lifeway Christian Bookstore a couple days ago. They said people were going in there asking for it as it was very popular. Thanks for your post-I bought the Michael Buble Christmas CD after reading your list and we love it too!
Ashlee Smith says
In addition to songs already listed in the comments, I would add Third Day's "Born in Bethlehem" and Chris Rice's "Welcome to Our World", love them
Nicole Louden says
i am most definitely a christmas music addict too!! i've been listening to my christmas pandora station since the beginning of october!
Nicole @ A Peek Into New Chapters
Amy@My Front Porch says
I used to have that same rule, too! It was my mom's growing up because she didn't want us to skip over Thanksgiving…which I totally understand! But a few years ago, I realized, you can still listen to Christmas music and put up your decorations a little early and be thankful! Nothing says you can't celebrate Thanksgiving while preparing for Chriatmas 🙂 to me, it just helps ease into the season and keeps it from being so harried. I actually get to enjoy it when I prepare ahead of time 🙂
OH, and the Carpenters Christmas album is totally the background to all my Christmas memories too 😉
I agree with the people who said you should check out Dave Barnes and Straight No Chaser…LOVE! And I also love Casting Crowns version of I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day…when you read the background to the carol, it makes it even more meaningful!
Oh! And Sara Groves, Cradle in Bethlehem. Ok, I'm done now 😉
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
What a cool post! I've been listening to Christmas music non-stop for the past two weeks. And will all the way through the New Year! It NEVER gets old. My parents had that Carpenters album.
Lisa-Mari says
These are my absolute favorite Christmas albums ever! I swear the only thing we don't have in common is our baseball teams (I'm a Cardinals fan) but other than that I agree with everything! Especially your love of Jack Stack when in KC! Hope you and your adorable family have a wonderful Christmas!
Ashlee says
I took it a step further than you no Christmas music until after my birthday (December 14th) and as I've gotten older I realized how much I was missing out!! I'm a November 1 kind of girl now!
Kylie says
Thanks for sharing Shay! You're probably already familiar with them, but all of Amy Grant's Christmas albums are wonderful, and the other "classic" in our household is Point of Grace's first Christmas album, "A Christmas Story." LOVE!
Michelle Harmon says
My favorite is Breath of Heaven by amy grant. It just takes my breath away to listen to the lyrics and think about how Mary must have felt riding that donkey knowing she was carrying the savior of the world.
Sarah says
The Carpenters is the soundtrack to all of my Christmas seasons too! Our moms seem to be about the same age, so that must have been the 'must have' album back then. (And yes, we had the album)I remember being SO thrilled to find the CD for my own house once I got married. My parents always told me that there's no reason to wait to listen to Christmas music, because it's beautiful music any time of the year. So I started at Halloween this year. Ha ha! Great list!
Anna says
this was the Christmas album of my childhood!
http://www.amazon.com/A-Christmas-Together-John-Denver/dp/B000GFLJFE
My whole family loves Christmas music. One year when my parents were picking me up from college after finals in May my dad was so excited that he had found a station playing all christmas music that he liked AND it didn't have any commercials! Turned out he had accidentally turned on the 10-disk CD player for the trip!
gurlwithcurls says
Love your list!! If you haven't already heard it, I feel obligated to tell you that Natalie Grant's Christmas album "Believe" is SO good! It's so fun and so powerful at the same time. My 3 year old even loves it. It is the album I will be listening to for years to come. Her song "I Believe" is probably my absolute favorite Christmas song of all time. Sometimes the Christmas story can become just a story to us after hearing it over and over through the years. That song just makes it come alive for me again…every time.
Amy Rae says
I start listening to Christmas music on November 1st. 🙂 I'm glad I'm not the only one out there who proudly admits their love of Christmas music.
Christi says
The Carpenters Christmas album – yes! One of my faves! And I start listening to Christmas music – just off and on – around the end of July. It is just so hot here in the summer & that's one thing that gets me through! 🙂
nichole says
Yes to The Carpenters. Merry Christmas, Darling is my all time favorite Christmas song.