Christmas Music You Won’t Get Tired of Listening to Before December Ends
It’s the same every year—whether I want it or not, the moment midnight strikes on Halloween night, every TV commercial, shopping mall, local radio station, and holiday-crazed coworker is blasting the same eleven Christmas songs as last year (and the year before) over and over again. I like Christmas music, but after a while it all just sounds the same—and as much as I want to enjoy some festive tunes and get in the Christmas mood, I find myself sick of Christmas music long before December 25.
That’s why the Gird Up Bros have teamed up to assemble a list of songs, albums, and playlists that help us get into the Christmas mood and celebrate the season. Whether you’re looking to carol with the kids, snag a few devotional moments, or provide a festive backdrop for your favorite holiday traditions, there’s a song, album, or playlist for the moment—if only you can find it!
Albums to Discover (or Rediscover) This December
The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to you) - Nat King Cole
If there is an “OG” Christmas album, this one is it. You’ll recognize most of the songs on the album—and every single song is a hit.
A Drummer Boy Christmas - For King and Country
A modern classic, this album was one of the most played albums in my classroom as a teacher. Exciting, enthusiastic, devotional, and reflective all at the same time, the album blends new music with traditional carols and presents familiar music and lyrics in a fresh new way.
Harry for the Holidays - Harry Connick, Jr.
A blend of big band jazz, pop, and more, Harry Connick Jr. doesn’t miss at holiday time. All of his Christmas albums are good, but this one is my favorite. He’ll have you out of your seat and dancing around the kitchen in no time.
Christmas Hymns - Steven Curtis Chapman
SCC has been a giant in the CCM world since the late 80’s and he’s still pumping out the hits. Famous for blending pop, rock, and bluegrass and for his mastery of the acoustic guitar, Steven Curtis Chapman played a profound role in shaping the CCM genre. All of his Christmas albums are excellent, but this one is my favorite; an eclectic mix of classic Christmas hymns and carols in contemporary arrangements.
Songs for Christmas - Sufjan Stevens
A blend of reverent sacred songs, originals, and familiar holiday favorites, this album is a charming and disarming catalogue of holiday fun, cheer, reflection, love, joy, meditation, silliness, and festivity. Mostly acoustic and featuring strings of all kinds, Songs for Christmas is unique in every way.
An A CAPELLA Christmas - Glad
OK, I’ll admit that this one isn’t for everyone…but if you didn’t grow up listening to CCM music in the 90’s you missed out. Glad’s a cappella albums—while they might take a little getting used to—are some of the most beautiful and interesting a cappella arrangements of contemporary christian hymnody and psalm ever recorded. This Christmas album is no different. Even if a cappella music isn’t really your thing, give this one a listen. I promise you won’t regret it.
The Light Came Down - Josh Garrels
According to Wikipedia, Josh Garrels’s music “combines traditional folk music with other musical elements and the nontraditional exploration of Christian themes.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. This is one of my favorite albums to put on when I want to meditate on the Incarnation OR when I just want some chill, pleasant Christmas music in the background. The whole album is an absolute work of art.
To Wish You a Merry Christmas - Harry Belafonte
A Christmas standard, this is one of the albums which helped standardize and codify the Christmas playlist we’re so familiar with today. Popularizing songs like Mary’s Boy Child in the States for the first time, the Catholic crooner wore his faith on his sleeve—and produced an excellent Christmas album.
The Gird Up Bros’ Christmas Playlists
I reached out to a few of the boys to put together playlists of their favorite Christmas songs to share, too. Check them out!
Jeremiah Wallander
J-Wall (or Jerry, or Jer, or Tutor, or Pastor Wallander) is a recent graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and a WELS pastor currently serving as a dormitory supervisor and instructor at Michigan Lutheran Seminary.
Ezra Blumer
An avid worship leader and passionate about youth ministry and community, Ezra is a student at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.
Cameron Schroeder
Cameron is the quintessential jack of all trades and brings passion to everything he does, including the creation and sharing of music. When I’m looking for music to listen to, I ask him.