When I was in college, I would break out my cassette (YES. CASSETTE. AMEN.) of Amy Grant’s A Christmas Album just as soon as Halloween was over. It was my Official Soundtrack during November and December road trips, and “Heirlooms” was always a sure-fire recipe for Tender Introspection since I was a terribly sophisticated nineteen year-old and all.
A nineteen year-old driving a Buick Regal that would sputter to a dead stop if the accelerator wasn’t pressed at all times, and yes, that includes at red lights and stop signs.
Anyway, my point is that Amy Grant’s first Christmas CD is the gold standard of Christmas albums for me. Other Christmas albums have joined her in my Christmas music hall-o-fame over the years – like Harry Connick Jr.’s and James Taylor’s, for instance – but I’m a pretty discriminating Christmas music listener. I want worship and reverence and fun wrapped up in one musical package, and I don’t want want a hint of corny in the mix. But other than that I’m not picky at ALL.
Ahem.
Last year, not too long after Melanie and I dragged Travis Cottrell into the vortex of our lives by obsessing over his wife’s jeans, he mentioned that he was about to start working on a Christmas album. He also mentioned that his producer was going to be Brown Bannister, a name I immediately knew because I’d seen it printed on the top, right-hand corner of every piece of Amy Grant sheet music I tried to play on the piano when I was a teenager. Since I knew that Brown Bannister produced Amy Grant’s Christmas albums, I figured that Travis’ Christmas CD was bound to turn out pretty well.
However, I had no idea that when I heard Travis’ Christmas CD for the first time, I would get all teary-eyed and fan my face and feel so unbelievably proud of our friend. The CD is absolutely, positively, completely, stunningly beautiful. Christmas music perfection. We’ve been listening to it in our house since Labor Day (YES. LABOR DAY.), and on at least four different occasions David and I have had in-depth conversations about how great it is. Every single day the five year-old gets in the car when I pick him up from kindergarten and asks if he can hear “Frosty.” Every single morning I have some church with my iPod when I listen to “In The First Light.” It is, plain and simple, a wonderful CD.
Ring the Bells will be released next Tuesday, October 7, and there’s no question that you’re going to want to add it to your Christmas music collection. But if you’d like to try to win one of ten autographed copies of the CD before it’s released, then here’s what you need to do:
1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite Christmas song.
2. Pause and think for a moment about how this is pretty much the EASIEST GIVEAWAY EVER.
I’ll close this giveaway next Monday and announce the winners next Tuesday.
And just FYI: Travis is so stinkin’ humble and self-deprecating about this whole Christmas CD thing that it’s sort of unbelievable. In fact, we have debated for weeks about how many comments this giveaway will generate, and I have contended that we’re gonna hit the hundreds. Travis’ official prediction is 46.
I have a feeling y’all are going to prove him oh-so-wrong.
Make it a merry one, internets.
This giveaway is now closed.
“Oh, Holy Night” followed by “Joy to the World!” Oh, and “Let it Snow.”
And, and, and…
I decorate for Christmas the weekend before Thanksgiving and it’s Christmas music all the way to mid-January when I finally “undecorate.”
You were right, of course! Look at all these comments! My favorite Christmas song has to be “O Holy Night”. I got a kick out of the Heirlooms story–love that album and the song–even sang it as a solo in church when I was in high school. Thanks Boo Mama!!!
“O, Holy Night” and I’m really loving the Transiberian Orchestra CD.
“Silent Night” is my all-time fave, but you gotta love “Tender Tennessee Christmas” from Amy Grant’s 1st Christmas album. Classic.
Ooh, picking a favorite Christmas song is especially hard. I believe the top two though would be “O Holy Night” and “What Child Is This”. What fun! I just love Christmas music and baking goodies with my family. I’m sure this CD would be a nice addition to the collection. Thanks!
My favorite Christmas song is “Joy to the World”…. if I have to pick a favorite.
But “O, Holy Night”… WOW …
How hard it is to pick.
Sweet Blessings,
DeeDee
O Holy Night is my favorite! Thanks for the great giveaway – you may even hit 1000 comments.
My favorite Christmas songs to listen to someone else perform are “O Holy Night” and “Mary Did You Know”, provided the person singing is up to the song. My favorite Christmas song to sing along with during Christmas Eve service is “Silent Night”.
I love “O Holy Night” “What Child Is This” and “Mary Did You Know”
Thanks!
Go tell it on the Mountain.
Pause…Amen.
“Joseph’s Lullaby”
Words and Music by Bart Millard (of Mercy Me) and Brown Bannister (of said Amy Grant greatness)
It’s about the experience of Jesus’ birth from the perspective of Joseph.
Do you know? I have that SAME exact feeling about two Amy Grant Christmas CDs.
My favorite Christmas carol is “O Holy Night,” although “Joy to the World” is a close second.
My favorite one is O Holy Night
Oh, Come All Ye Faithful and It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas are my hands down two favorites. And yes, this is the easier giveaway ever. Thanks for that!
OK — this completely falls in the category of corny, BooMama. But I’m a harmonizin’, Osmond-lovin’, schmaltz-diggin’ Mama, and I can’t help it. My all-time favorite is:
“Pine Cones and Holly Berries (with It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas)”, which is off the Osmond Family Christmas album. It’s the best 2min/10sec song on Planet Earth.
Oh, how I would love to have a new Christmas album in our house! Boney-M (somehow passed to me through the years) has been played to death (we’ve had the cassette – ahem – since I was five-years-old).
Given my current Christmas album selection, you should be able to sing my favourite Christmas song with me…”Mary’s Boy Child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas day. And man shall live for-ever more, because of Chri-ist-mas day!”
My favorite Christmas song has got to be “Merry Christmas, Darling”. When it gets played on the radio, all life needs to cease until its over!!!! Now that I have entered the 21st Century and gotten an Ipod, I will be listening to it again and again and again!!!
Of course, being another Amy Grant fan, “Grown Up Christmas List” is another fav.
Can’t wait to hear Travis’ new CD!!!!
I love so many, but “Silent Night” is one of my favorites.
For real? 717 — already??
My favorite Christmas song has always been O Holy Night. Love the drama.
I always try to buy a new Christmas CD each year. Thanks for the recommendation.
I have the Amy Grand cd too! I sang “Heirlooms” in church when I was 17. Love that song.
My fav Christmas song is “Let It Snow”. I’m crossing my fingers to win!
Lori
loriclendenen at hotmail dot com
I LOVE Christmas music and have too many favorites to name only one. The songs at the top of my list are O Holy Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and O Come O Come Emmanuel.
Happy to prove Travis wrong. His CD (the little I’ve heard of it) is awesome.
“O Holy Night” would be my favorite religious song.
My favorite, non-religious Christmas standard is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”.
I used to listen to Amy Grant’s Christmas album on RECORD. Yikes. And my favourite by far is “Sleigh Bells.” I’ll sing every word at the top of my lungs as chipper as I can especially around grouchy people. It’s fun!
I, too, love Christmas music even the kind of corny kind. A few years ago, I heard and old song in a new way. One of our worship pastors/bands lead an amazing time of worship to Little Drummer Boy. You read that right. Worship and Little Drummer Boy in the same sentence. It had a special meaning when our worship guy took his seat behind the drums and lead us to worship Jesus that we will do our best for him – be it playing drums, singing, teaching, leading, etc.
That’s a toughy! I’ll go with “O Holy Night”. That’s definately one of the tops!
I love the song Christmas Cookies! I’ve heard it sung by both George Strait and the Oakridge Boys. Probably looking for something spiritual but I do those ALL the time and this one just tickles my fancy.
Contemporary; anything off City on a Hill album
Classic; Oh Holy Night – sung very well! And Hallelujah chorus comes out at Christmas time and can not be beat!!
I was eager to find Travis after seeing clips on your blog – otherwise I’d have never heard of him!
O holy Night and What child is this are my favorites!! of course Away in a manger and silent night too!! Oh how I love me some Christmas music!!!!!!
Oh Holy Night.. My all time favorite. My 16 year old daughter has been trying to talk me into allowing her to have a Christmas tree up in her room all year round.
My absolute favorite is “Welcome to Our World” performed by Chris Rice (he wrote the words and music). That whole album (“Deep enough to Dream” – not a Christmas album) was extremely instrumental in my coming back to a serious relationship with the Lord.
Uh oh – I just realized I typed “album” above. I have definitely dated myself. Of course, I meant CD. :-)
BTW, Oh Holy Night comes in a close, close second.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Nice giveaway, thanks!
The Austrian Christmas Carole, “Still, Still, Still” will always be my favourite.
I can never pick just one: O Holy Night and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen are my favorites. I just can’t resist tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.
How can one choose? Seriously!! O Holy Night, Mary Did You Know, Silent Night and Heirlooms all top my chart…at least for today. Who knows? Tomorrow maybe different ones. I love no seriously LOVE Christmas music! My hubby on the other hand isn’t so crazy about it so we have a deal that I can’t play Christmas Music until Thanksgiving or the first snowfall. Living in MI- there have been many years I have gotten to play Christmas music in October.
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
Close second is “Silent Night”, especially when we sing it Christmas eve at our little country church by candlelight… It is a precious time!
Like many others, I have to pick O Holy Night.
“Silent Night” is probably the sweetest when performed by six year olds! Therefore, it is my favorite! Just wait until the Christmas show at Howard’s school, Boomama! When they sing that and are signing it as well and they are humming it when signing . . . it is more than my poor old mother’s heart can take!
Tennessee Christmas. Thanks Amy Grant for that one!!!
I’ve always loved Christmas music. My favorites are “O Holy Night” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”.
And a whole bunch more! Yea for the coming season of music!
“Silent Night” tops the list for me, especially when sung in German.
Looking forward to hearing this album!
My favorite song for Christmas would have to be Mary Did You Know. Thanks for the giveaway!
O Holy Night is the Best! There’s just something about singing it in church at Christmas time. I love it! Can’t wait for Travis’ cd to be released, I know it’s going to be great.
I have so many but I think I’ll settle on Welcome to Our World. It isn’t traditional but tells the true meaning of Christmas. I wanted to comment since I never entered an internet drawing and don’t think I’ll win because of the other thousand people. :)
Tennessee Christmas (from an Alabama girl)
Yep, I agree with lots of others. O’ Holy Night is such a beautiful Christmas song. One a lighter note, I also love Baby, It’s Cold Outside – especially when Harry Connick Jr’s smooth voice is singing it!
Happy holidays!
Oh, it’s hard to pick, but I’m a huge fan of the Carpenter’s Christmas album. If I could only pick one it would have to be Silent Night.
Hey Travis, I think you beat 46 comments.
My favorites are O Holy Night and the Halleluah chorus (done well).
O Holy Night wins for me- hands down :)
WAY over 46 comments! Silly Travis!
My favorite Christmas song is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
My favorite non-traditional Christmas song is “Breath of Heaven,” sung by Amy Grant (of course it has to be the Amy Grant version!). I too would break out my Amy Grant Christmas CD’s when I left college for Thanksgiving Break!
My favorite traditional Christmas hymn is “The First Noel.”
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m a hymn girl at Christmas. My two favorites are “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “What Child Is This”.
Although if I’m feeling kicky, I do listen to “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby.
Do You Hear What I Hear and What Child Is This have always been my favorites.
Travis – oh ye of little faith!
Silent Night is my all time fav.
1. Sentimental, college-age fave: A Strange Way To Save the World, 4Him
2. Glory-of-the-Season fave: O Holy Night
3. Just-for-fun faves: All I Want for Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Barenaked Ladies (Admittedly an unusual choice of song and group, but the harmony is great.)
Amy Grant was always my favorite too. But, for some crazy reason I always liked Tennessee Christmas. When, think about that now, I am like, “why? Of all the songs, why?”
O Holy Night is my all-time fav! Hope I win!!
46?? That’s not humble, that’s delusional! My favorite is “O Holy Night”.
My favorite Christmas song is “The First Noel”
Oh Holy Night!
O Holy Night – love it!
O Holy Night is my favorite – I love, love, love it! I’ve been stalking you and Big Mama for months – you are so funny!
I love Amy Grant too!! My all time favorite Christmas song has to be Silent Night. Thanks
My favorite has to be “O Holy Night” but for some odd reason I love “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree” also.
“Mary Did You Know?” and “Tennesse Christmas”
Thanks for the giveway!
My all time favorite is “Mary did you know”
O Holy Night is my top favorite–by Nat King Cole, preferably, but Mercy Me did a mean version recently.
I also love “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey.
Gotta love eclectic taste, huh?
Brad Paisley “Born On Christmas Day”
I had a Buick Skyhawk that did the same thing. Geez that thing was a peice of junk.
Wow … you’re getting close to 800 comments. That blew his prediction out of the water and into outer space.
My favorite Christmas song is “O Holy Night”. I also love “The Christmas Song” but only when sung by Nat King Cole.
I love “Joy, joy to the World” by David Phelps. It just fills up the heart.
I love Christmas music. =)
My favorite Christmas song is Merry Christmas Darling, by the Carpenters.
Classic Christmas!!!!
Silent Night.
Mary, Did You Know? and O Holy Night
I can’t wait for Christmas!!
Ooooooh – I love me some Christmas music -this think may just get to 10,000, Boomama! I am loving some Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel – but LOVE anything sung by some little children. Shoot; they can sing BINGO and I get all teary-eyed; I am a sad case.
“Silent Night” is for sure my favorite! I get chill bumps each time I sing/hear it!
Carol: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Fun: The Chipmunk Song (ALVIN!!!)
I’m so in the mood for the holidays!
I LOVE O Holy Night. Hands down it’s my favorite. Then there is O Come Emanuel. Oh ya, and Mary did you know? So there are a few…
Travis should have known this giveaway would generate this kind of interest! My favorite Christmas song is Silent Night. I have loved since I was a child.
well, we’ve got to get the comment count up! And since i’m here, I like Amy Grant’s “Emmanuel, God With Us”
Silent Night. So beautiful. So calming.
“Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel”
and now I will spend the rest of the day singing it!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Lets just say I Love many Christmas songs, but my favorite is “O Holy Night”. Just love it.
I love “The Christmas Song” because it paints such a beautiful picture.
While I love O Holy Night and Silent Night like everyone else, my absolute favorite Christmas song of all time is O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
hands down… o holy night.i’m having a christmas wedding just so i can use it in the ceremony ;). (well, that’s not exactly true but it’s close :)
oh holy night is one of my favorites.
don’t know how good my odds are since there are currently almost 800 comments . . . wow.
Tie:
El Shaddai
O Come Emmanuel
What Child is This
LOVE that you’re doing this at end of Sept./beginning of October!!
Oh Travis, you are a silly silly man.
My favorite is Silver Bells.
So I’m not the only person who starts listening to Christmas music right after Halloween (if not before!)? :-)
My favorite Christmas song — Carol of the Bells — although I have many favorites when it comes right down to it :-)
Oh how I love Christmas music! My favorite Christmas song is a tie between White Christmas and The Christmas Song.
And now you’ve got me so in the mood that I’m listening to my Michael Buble Christmas songs in iTunes.
“Mary Did You Know”…preferably by Wynonna and Kenny Rogers, lol. “And Mary gathered all the things, and pondered them in her heart” is my favourite scripture as a Mom, and this song reflects that. The overwhelming emotions Mary must have carried, as a young mother to the King of Kings.
“Hark! the Harold Angel Sings” is my favorite Christmas song, as sung by our two kiddos. :)
Christmas music is my favorite type of music, too! I could listen to it all year long. It is sooo hard to choose a favorite song, but I would have to say “Angels We Have Heard on High.” And by the way, Travis was soo wrong about the comments :)
“A Strange Way To Save The World” by 4Him. Love it. :)
“Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child” from the Gaither video and “Joy To The World” as sung by Whitney Houston and choir in The Preacher’s Wife. I love me some Christmas music!
How can I pick just one? O Holy Night and Mary, Did You Know?
How can I be expected to pick just one favorite Christmas song? How is it even possible to pick between O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Grown-Up Christmas List, Mary Did You Know, Strange Way to Save the World, Joy to the World, and Michael W. Smith’s entire work of Agnus Dei? That’s too difficult.
My favorite song is “Labor of Love” by Andrew Peterson. His whole album, “Behold the Lamb of God” is truly wonderful.
Pick our favorite Christmas song??? That is impossible! I do pull out Amy Grant Christmas as soon as the weather turns a little colder! Breathe of Heaven is my favorite on that album – are they still albums? Oh I am so out-of-touch! Maybe if I win Travis’ new CD I can refer to myself as hip again…not just hippy!
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “What Child Is This” are both up there. Hmmm…both rather minor-key. But the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s version of the Hallelujah Chorus is the first Christmas song I pull out.
Wow, it took me a while to scroll down here! 797 comments and counting!
My favorite Christmas song is “Mary, Did You Know?”