It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 

Did you read or sing that line?   

Do you know the words to most Christmas Carols? I’m happy to admit that I do. I am one who believes Christmas music should be played year-round. If something brings joy, enjoy it during any season!  

Who sings the most inspirational Joy to the World? Aretha. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town? Bruce. Have you ever heard Emanuel by Tim Manion? It’s a beautiful song with a warm visual for me since it’s how we open our Christmas Eve service, when our small spiritual community gathers in the dark, lit only by the glow of lights from wreaths and trees set about the room. Of course, I play it year-round!

What about you? Who’s on your holiday playlist? Is it time for some new songs? Over the years, I’ve created multiple holiday playlists including favorites, classical, and instrumental, and would like to share a few of the songs with you.  I’ve included a sampling of some of my favorite artists and genres, maybe one will lead you to discover a new song, album or artist. (These link to YouTube.)     

You can also search Spotify under NACCU Christmas Favorites.  Let me know some of your favorites and I’ll add them to the playlist.  Enjoy the season!

Adeste Fidelis, John Floridis

Celebrate Me Home, Kenny Loggins

A Christmas Jig / Mouth of the Tobique Reel, Yo-Yo Ma, Natalie MacMaster

The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole

Emanuel, Tim Manion

First Noel, Leslie Odom Jr.

Frosty The Snowman, Zee Avi

Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Amy Grant

A Holly Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives

The Holly & The Ivy, Natalie Cole

Joy to the World, Aretha Franklin

Linus and Lucy, Vince Guaraldi Trio

River, Joni Mitchell

Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Santa God, Pearl Jam

Shepherd’s Rocking Carol, Philip Aaberg

Silent Night, Stevie Nicks

White Christmas, Otis Redding

Who Comes This Night, James Taylor

Winter of Vivaldi, Mandolin Christmas Music

Wintersong, Sarah McLachlan

Winter Wonderland, Faith Hill

Jörrun Liston has served as NACCU education director since 2007. She previously worked as the Director of the Griz Card Center at University of Montana.