The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album

The best selections on this CD are the five songs written by the group’s Brian Wilson—the popular “Little Saint Nick” and “Merry Christmas, Baby” along with the lesser know “The Man With All the Toys,” “Christmas Day” and “Santa’s Beard”.

I would recommend purchasing Christmas with the Beach Boys, which has combined this recording and Merry Christmas with the Beach Boys. The only track not included is “The Lord’s Prayer.”

A Christmas Story—Point of Grace

This Christian vocal quartet’s holiday release includes a mixture of faith-filled songs and traditional holiday fare. My favorites include “How Great Our Joy,” “Light of the World” and the beautiful “One King.”

A Christmas Story—Point of Grace

Christmas For Kids: From One to Ninety-Two—Nat King Cole

While you will find Cole’s holiday classic “The Christmas Song” on this recording, it also includes several selections geared for youngsters including “Mrs. Santa Claus”, “The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot” and “The Happiest Christmas Tree”. The copy I own states that a portion of the proceeds will go to The Children’s Defense Fund and includes a Christmas story that incorporates the titles of all the tracks.

Christmas For Kids: From One to Ninety-Two—Nat King Cole

The Gift—Kenny Rogers

Legendary artist Rogers wears his faith on his sleeve for this recording. All the songs except one speak of the birth of the Savior. This is where I first heard the song “Mary, Did You Know,” which has become one of my Christmas favorites.

The Gift—Kenny Rogers

Joy for Christmas Day—Kathy Mattea

I discovered this CD when I used to work for a Christian magazine publisher (it was a review copy). Most of the CD is filled with lesser known holiday songs (“When the Baby Grew Up” and “Sing Mary Sing”) but does have a few well done classics (“O Come All Ye Faithful”).

Joy for Christmas Day—Kathy Mattea

A Christmas Together—John Denver & the Muppets

I was quite a Muppet fan in my youth, so this is a nostalgic favorite. It includes fun songs (“Christmas is Coming” and “Little Saint Nick”) and heart-warming tunes (“A Baby Just Like You” and “The Christmas Wish”).

A Christmas Together—John Denver & the Muppets

When My Heart Finds Christmas—Harry Connick, Jr.

Harry’s voice and musical style is reminiscent of another time—and Christmases past. Favorites included "(It Must’ve Been Ol’) Santa Claus" and the title track.

When My Heart Finds Christmas--Harry Connick, Jr.