Ever since I was a little kid, Christmas music was for me a very important part of the Yuletide celebrations. As far as I can recall, the yearly ritual of trimming the tree was always accompanied by traditional holiday music my mom would play on the living room phonograph and that music became imbedded in my subconscious so deeply that, from then on, Christmas wasn't really Christmas if we didn't play those beautiful songs.
Over the years, my musical tastes have varied somewhat but not so much as to draw me away from the vintage recordings I heard during my early years. I still enjoy those old Xmas tunes and I have collected a sizable amount of seasonal cds to help me remember my first family Christmas celebrations.
And of course, like everyone else I suppose, I have my special favorites among them.
This is the first Christmas album I remember I listened to while fixing the tree's decorations.
I wonder what ever happened to "The Caroleers".
The ever popular Bing Crosby staple! And Frank Sinatra's chart topping Jolly Christmas album!
No Christmas is complete without the sound of the Ray Conniff singers or Alvin and the Chipmunks.
The smooth crooning sounds of Dino and Andy Williams also help to make the season bright.
Another indispensable classic: Nat King Cole's Christmas Song!
The Boston Pops arrangements of Christmas classics were big favorites in my household.
Orchestral versions of traditional holiday music are essential to get you in the Christmas mood.
Shopping malls know this all too well!
