Top 10 Christmas Albums You'll Want on Your Playlist!

I am one of those people who would listen to Christmas music all-year round. I usually try to wait until I've had Thanksgiving dinner with my family and then break out my stacks of Christmas CD's to play (and yes, I know, one of these days all my favorites will be in an iPod or MP3 player!) I now throw a Holiday Open House in my home prior to Thanksgiving and I love it because I use it as an excuse to bring out my CD collection and have holiday music playing throughout the event. I have quite a collection, but I have my favorites that are must-listen-to albums that really put me in the holiday spirit or simply make me feel better! So, here is my top 10 list!

Martina McBride, White Christmas

In her Christmas album, Martina wrote that she chose songs that you could listen to as you settle in for a night of wrapping presents. She picked primarily traditional carols but when you hear them with her voice, there is some extra power to them as she belts out the high notes! Martina is a favorite artist and her album does bring back memories of Christmas past. Her album is a great way for me to kick-off the holiday season.

Celine Dion, These are Special Times

Another favorite artist with some great holiday songs, both traditional and original and reverent and fun. This is the album I listened to on my roughly two-hour drive home from graduate school to see family for the holidays. I popped it in to my car's CD player and loved the songs as a couple of them spoke about being with someone you love and I had just started dating my future husband.

Gloria Estefan, Christmas Through Your Eyes

A childhood favorite, Gloria's album is a mix of traditional and original. She, too, has songs that speak to you and I really like the song "Christmas Through Your Eyes," which she wrote in wondering how her children viewed Christmas. The other aspect I like about her album as I do with many of her albums, is that she offers up Spanish versions of songs or Spanish tunes. I may not know exactly what she's saying but the melody keeps me humming anyway.

Alvin and the Chipmunks, A Very Merry Chipmunk

What would Christmas be without hearing the chipmunks sing, "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't be Late)?" This album is filled with some old favorites and special featured artists like Celine Dion and Kenny G. Now it's an album my children love listening to and so it gets played quite often!

Brad Paisley - A Brad Paisley Christmas

Brad Paisley is known for his tongue-and-cheek style songs and this album is filled with that fun in mind. It also mixes in some traditional songs. Two of my favorite songs are "Penguin, James Penguin" and "Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday." The first song is now a family favorite as our son loves penguins and the second song may make you dissolve into laughter as my husband and I do every time we hear it, especially if you have any familiarity with the country singers like Little Jimmy Dickens or George Jones that are featured on the song.

Michael Crawford - A Christmas Album

I am love with Michael Crawford's voice. If I ever have a chance to hear him perform songs from "Phantom of the Opera," I will take that opportunity gladly! It is with his voice he lends a certain sensitivity to his songs on this Christmas album. One song talks about tough times and homelessness and another song is a prayer from Joseph. When I want to be a little introspective, this album is the one I'll play.

Steven Curtis Chapman - All I Really Want For Christmas

As a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman, I like that he pulls in songs that are upbeat and rock as well as other songs that are tender and sweet. Many have messages that remind us of the baby in the manger and the greater reason why Jesus came to this earth. His songs also serve as a reminder of other things to be mindful of during the holiday season other than decorations, parties, and presents.

Reba McEntire - Secret of Giving

As with many artists on this list, she provides an album with songs that are easy to listen to. I picked this album not only for the original songs but also because of the variety of traditional carols she sings. When I think of the music I play constantly throughout this time of year, I usually want some variety in the songs. As much as I love "Mary, did you know?" or "What Child is This?" - you may only listen to it so many times! So, she offers a different list of traditional carols than the others on this list.

The next three albums are great instrumental ones to have going in the background for holiday get togethers, wrapping gifts, or simply enjoying an evening by a warm fire or gazing at the decorative Christmas tree. The first two albums that are listed are standards for many holiday light displays and holiday light shows throughout the country. They make it hard to think of Christmas without them.

Mannheim Steamroller - Christmas

Trans - Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Eve and Other Stories

Kenny G - Miracles: The Holiday Album

Most albums are available at Amazon.com.