CHRISTMAS!!!

I tried, I really did. Every year, I wait until November 1st to start listening to my favorite kind of music...CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!! But, this year, I cracked. I actually started on October 23rd. But, it's alright. It's close enough to the 1st, right? AT any rate, every year I begin my Christmas music listening experience by playing the ultimate Christmas song...I am of course referring to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey. Those jingling bells, the trills and runs, the background singers...everything about it is perfect and it always officially kicks off my season.

But, this year, there is also some new Christmas music to add to my ever-growing collection. First and most importantly, Carrie Underwood has released a 5-song Christmas EP, containing classics such as "What Child Is This", "The First Noel", and "Oh Holy Night". She sounds absolutely amazing, of course. Also, Elvis Duets is coming out, featuring old recordings of Elvis' Christmas songs with female singers like Carrie, Martina McBride, Wynonna, Sara Evans, and Amy Grant.

Faith Hill has an amazing Christmas album out that is much closer to the old 40's and 50's Christmas records I love than a Country album. Sixpence None the Richer also has an album out with half Christmas classics, and half new, original Christmas songs.

Nothing in this whole world makes me happier than playing Christmas music in front of the fireplace on a cold, drizzly day with a mug of hot cocoa and a blanket. It is pure bliss. If only I wasn't at work...oh well, my tomato soup and Pandora Christmas station will have to keep me warm til I can get home.