11 Classic Albums To Put You In The Holiday Spirit Now

It’s now mid-November, and you know what that means. Yes, it does mean that Thanksgiving is fast approaching, but it also means that for most people, it’s time to start breaking out the Christmas music (unless you’re like me and broke it out November 1st). I know there are Christmas music purists out there who refuse to listen to a single note before December, but that only leaves you with a few weeks of warm, fuzzy goodness. So, stop wasting time, pop in one of the following Christmas albums, and soak as much happiness out of the holiday season that you can.

1. Mariah Carey, Merry Christmas

Obviously this was going to be the first album I mentioned. I could listen to “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on loop forever because it is a perfect song, but the entire album is just as great and always leaves me wanting to join a gospel choir.

2. Brenda Lee, A Brenda Lee Christmas

Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is one of my absolute favorites. It makes me feel like a kid in candy cane footie pajamas again, which makes it feel more acceptable to be an adult in candy cane footie pajamas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6xNuUEnh2g

3. Hanson, Snowed In

Oh damn, y’all. My obsession with this album started when I was 10 and shows no signs of slowing down 17 years later. These songs are so much fun and make it rain holiday cheer. I still swoon every time Taylor Hanson adds a raspy “Ooh!” and “Yeah!” to the lyrics even though he was 14 at the time he recorded them.

4. Vince Guaraldi Trio, A Charlie Brown Christmas

Just the warmest of fuzzies.

5. Kelly Clarkson, Wrapped In Red

Released in 2013, Wrapped in Red was a pleasant surprise for me. I’m not normally a Kelly Clarkson super fan, but she killed it with this album. The songs are fun and show off her voice in a major way.

6. James Taylor, James Taylor at Christmas

Do I really even have to say anything? His rendition of “Have Yourself
A Merry Little Christmas” is A++++

7. *NSync, Home For Christmas

All of us have performed “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” in
a mirror with a hair brush at both 12 and 27, right? And could they look any cozier in their sweaters and puffy jackets?

8. Burl Ives, Have A Holly Jolly Christmas

“A Holly Jolly Christmas” is maybe the happiest Christmas song ever. Not to mention, Burl Ives kind of looks and sounds like how I would imagine Santa to look and sound.

9. She and Him, A Very She & Him Christmas

You really can’t do Christmas without Zooey Deschanel’s smooth-as-butter voice.

10. New Kids on the Block, Merry Merry Christmas

I recently learned that this album exists, so duh.

11. Various Artists, Just Friends Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Okay, so this technically isn’t a Christmas album, but it is definitely, absolutely my favorite Christmas movie, so the whole album still feels Christmas-y and holiday-like to me. “Big Winter,” a track by Robbers On High Street is one of my favorite Christmastime songs. PS. If you haven’t seen this movie, it’s hilarious and adorable. Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, and Anna Faris are all perfection, so watch it immediately.