The Top 10 Christmas Albums of All Time

Christmas is fast approaching and with it the annual question of what Christmas music should I play. If your family is like mine then there is a strong tradition of Christmas music as a vital part of the season. Many of my childhood memories of Christmas revolve around what Christmas music was playing on the turntable. I have compiled what I would consider my top ten Christmas albums of all-time. Anyone with a collection that is lacking would definitely be encouraged to check out these ten Christmas albums and add them to your playlist.

10) A Christmas Gift of Love by Barry Manilow

Everyone over thirty knows a half dozen Barry Manilow songs by heart. He has stood the test of time and this Christmas album will introduce a younger audience to the timeless sound of Barry Manilow. "A Christmas Gift of Love" is a solid, traditional Christmas album and easily makes a spot in the top 10 Christmas albums of all-time

9) Christmas Extraordinaire by Mannheim Steamroller

Christmas - Mannheim Steamroller - Christmas - Mannheim Steamroller - Christmas.... Mannheim Steamroller was built for Christmas. While not in my top five, they definitely deserve a spot in the top ten Christmas albums.

8) The Bells of Dublin by The Chieftains

Number eight brings an Irish/Celtic flair to the mix. With songs that a lot of us have never heard and quite certainly cannot pronounce, this album is a great expansion to the otherwise overused songs of the seasons. If your local music store does not carry it, it is easily located online and is worth every penny you will spend on it.

7) Beach Boys Christmas by The Beach Boys

How can you go wrong with this 1970's classic? Filled with old favorites and rockin' originals, this album can be enjoyed by those who remember when the Beach Boys were still boys and by those who are now just young boys and girls. So get in your deuce coupe and head to town to get this Christmas album at #7.

6) Merry Christmas by Bing Crosby

Come on, it's Bing Crosby. Everyone alive should be listening to "Merry Christmas" during the holidays. I am surprised every man, woman and child has not received a copy of this classic as part of some stimulus package. There can be no Christmas dinner without Bing crooning in the background. If you don't have it- go get it!

5) Celtic Christmas by Eden's Bridge

The haunting Celtic melodies of Eden's Bridge will carry you away to a time when Christmas still held the mystical essence of the season. The birth of Jesus remains center-stage in this album that will make you both a fan of Celtic music and maybe even the true reason for the holiday.

4) Peace on Earth by Casting Crowns

This megastar group of contemporary Christian music will not disappoint you with their Christmas album entitled "Peace on Earth". From the opening song until the last note fades, Casting Crowns has made their mark in the world of Christmas albums - definitely a Final Four selection.

3) Rocky Mountain Christmas by John Denver

This is a definite iPod favorite. The late John Denver sings the classics as well as a few of his own tunes on this must have Christmas album. If those idyllic feelings of the holidays of yesteryear flow in your veins, this album must be in your collection.

2) When My Heart Finds Christmas by Harry Connick, Jr.

Harry will quickly sing and play his way into your Christmas. Harry's melodic voice even makes Ave Maria (all four hundred minutes of it) an enjoyable song. His Louisiana jazz makes for a completely different and totally essential Christmas album.

1) That Christmas Feeling by Glenn Campbell

What else is there to say? Glenn Campbell made a Christmas album. It doesn't have a bad song on the album. Just pop it in and let it play. It's distinctive sound defined my childhood Christmases through the 1970's and therefor tops my top 10 list. It has been quite hard to find, but worth the effort.

There you have it - The top ten Christmas albums of all time. Go to your local music store or log on and find them on the net. Buy them, listen to them and love them. And remember - have yourself a merry little Christmas!