The Best Christmas Albums

Sparkler africanstardust knows that a lot of Christmas tunes are yucky in the extreme, so she came up with these great alternatives! —SparkNotes editors

If you’re completely disillusioned with holiday albums, or maybe just with the Trans Siberian Orchestra (I mean, my goodness already), then check out this list of refreshing spins on classic Christmas tunes, and some of the very best Christmas albums from long ago.

1. Snowfall by The Four Freshmen

These guys are pretty jazzy. If you’re not into mellow jazz, this isn’t for you, but if nothing else it makes for good background music.

2. I Wanna Be Santa Claus by Ringo Starr

No, I am not kidding. I do not kid about Ringo Starr. The former Beatles member released a Christmas album in 1970. He’s got a few originals mixed in with the classics. Seriously, what is better than a 70s Christmas? Nothing, that’s what.

3. Let it Snow Baby…Let it Reindeer by Relient K

In 2007, Relient K released a rocking Christmas album with completely non-crappy rock versions of traditional Christmas carols. As you know by this point, there are many crappy holiday rock remakes. This is not one of them.

4. Sleighed: The Other Side of Christmas by various artists

If you love the purity of Christmas, you probably shouldn’t listen to this. If you want to hear about farting on Santa's lap, this is the album for you.

5. White Christmas by Bing Crosby

This is where it all began. I don’t care who actually wrote the first carols. (Well, I do, but that isn’t the point). This man is like Christmas in a human suit. Or something. In fact, I’m pretty sure Bing Crosby is Santa Claus. Do not listen to this if you are allergic to happiness, snow, or candy canes.

6. A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Gauraldi

Peanuts. And Christmas. I don’t think this needs any further explanation.

7. Merry Christmas from the Beach Boys

Now you can feel like you’re in the snow and on the beach at the same time! It’s magic! It’s sweltering! It’s the Beach Boys!

8. Home For Christmas by NSYNC

This one's for those of you who haven’t quite gotten over the boy band craze. I admire you for your persistence, but I also step far, far away from you and hide my eyes.

9. Christmas Interpretations by Boyz II Men

Round off your Christmas with a mellow, smooth album.

Warning: Listening to these albums can lead to extreme feelings of elation, happiness, and lightheartedness. Side effects may include smelling cinnamon when there is no cinnamon to smell, addiction to fires and peppermint mochas, and not putting away your decorations until February.

What are your favorite Christmas songs?

Related Post: 50 Things We Hate About Christmas

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