It's Not Like They Make Thanksgiving Music

And don't go throwing Turkey In The Straw in my face.  That doesn't count.  

It's been hard to find reasons to smile over the past few weeks, but every time I crank up my iTunes Christmas playlist I instantly feel more peaceful and content.  It's like musical Zoloft.  And given that I have about 15 hours of Christmas tunes, I have to get started early if I want to be properly satisfied by the end of the holiday season.

Making me grin even wider each time I click play are these recent additions to my library.
I've been listening to these two albums on repeat, and I'm completely smitten.  Michael Buble's take on Christmas is chock full of instant classics and grand, sweeping instrumentals that perfectly complement his silky smooth vocals.  Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, on the other hand, are much more stripped down and quirky, and their Christmas carols are so different from anything else I've heard.

I'm also excited for the release of Glee's second Christmas album in the middle of this month, and thanks to AOL, I was able to spend my afternoon caroling with the New Directions... and I guess the Trouble Tones.

I know it's a bit early yet for most people to be breaking out the Christmas tunes, but to help me prepare for the upcoming season, what is your favorite Christmas album?  There's a pretty good chance I already have it, but I'm always on the hunt for new additions to my collection!

Comments

[Becky]

Kelly Clarkson has 2 Christmas songs that I just love, but especially O Holy Night - her tone is perfect! Here's a link to the youtube live version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YevktVwOl0

[Molly]

Oooooo, you've just picked out my Christmas music purchase this year! She & Him it is. :)
Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Melissa]

i LOVE michael buble's music. Oh my word. I will have to listen to the She & Him one! :)

[Carolyn]

I've purchased the Starbucks Holiday CD annually since 2003. I absolutely love their Christmas albums. Usually a great mix of old and new Christmas hits. I also love Sarah McLaughlin's CD that came out two or three years ago. Beautiful music. But I'm intrigued by Zooey Deschanel's CD, so I think I'll get that one. I just adore her quirky personality and voice :)

[Melissa]

I think we are Christmas music twins! I keep previewing both of the albums you mentioned above (in fact I'm doing it right now) I'm waiting a little bit longer to buy them, but I'll have them both in my library before the end of November.

[Julie]

Oh, I just got the michael buble CD 2 days ago but haven't listened to it yet. Hopefully today. And my recommendation is a weird one, but the Billy Gilman Christmas album is really good! Great for singing along. :)

[Britni]

I love both of those albums! I also can't get enough of Straight No Chaser :)