Every year when Maggie and I pull out the decorations I get excited about hearing some albums I haven’t heard since last Christmas. Most of these records are pretty traditional, choirs and orchestras, which I really like this time of year. But there are four albums that I come back to more than the rest. I always like getting music recommendations, so feel free to leave a comment with a favorite Christmas album or two.

Sufjan Stevens Presents Songs for Christmas

This is actually a box set of sorts, 5 disks that Sufjan has recored over the past 5 years. Originally these started out as side projects, a bunch of friends singing Christmas tunes. There are some classics here along with some new stuff.

Take a listen to Sister Winter from Volume 5.

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Bright Eyes, ‘A Christmas Album’

You either like Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes or you don’t. Maggie doesn’t, so this tends to be driving music for me. This album is a mix of sacred and traditional tunes and Oberst gets some help from his friends on a few of his songs. His versions of Away in the Manger and O Little Town of Bethlehem are almost eerie… but seem to capture what was probably a scary time for those who were there for the first Christmas.

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Vince Guaraldi Trio, A Charlie Brown Christmas

Is there a better Christmas TV special? And I mean the first A Charlie Brown Christmas… the sequel is lame! I love the scene where Linus recites the passage from Luke about the star and the shepherds. But even apart from the TV special, The Vince Guaraldi Trio’s soundtrack can stand on it’s own.

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Over the Rhine, Snow Angels

You knew this album would make my list. One of the things we look forward to each late fall is the Over the Rhine Christmas tour… which we missed this year. During these shows they always sprinkle in some of their own Christmas tunes. Last year they compiled these songs onto Snow Angels. You’ll only find original stuff on this album, but the Christmas vibe is definitely there. Be sure to check out the video for All I Ever Get for Christmas is Blue.