Six Christmas Playlist Favorites

When Dave and I met 34 years ago we were musicians. In fact, that's how we got to know each other, through a summer of evangelism on a singing team in Germany!

We did a lot of musical things through the years, including writing all the music for our wedding and  producing albums for Malachi, the group Dave led for ten years. In our first years in Czech we continued our musical efforts by doing our best to learn Czech worship songs and serve on various worship teams. I still do that at our church in Frydlant.

But the crazy thing about us is that we didn't always enjoy listening to music! When driving in the car I preferred conversation with the family or quiet if I was by myself. And when at home, I preferred listening to my kids make music or play the things they enjoyed. But if it was up to Dave and I, we almost never turned on music ourselves, preferring silence if we were home alone.

Except for at Christmas! Then the music played loudly!

We've changed and now listen to music throughout the year (Thanks S & P for making sure music plays throughout the house!) But in case you're wondering, here's what we're listening to in preparation for this Christmas this year!

Christmas is not complete without this album! Dave gave the CD to me as a gift back in 1997, the year after it was produced in connection with Prison Fellowship.

Among many other things they do, Prison Fellowship provides Christmas gifts for children of inmates in the US. Some of the children vocalists on this album were those children. Believe me, this album is a treasure! The orchestration is gorgeous, and the children's voices, precious. And by the way, any gift you give right now has a doubling match.

This is another favorite this season.

Put together by the Gospel Coalition, it is seven+ hours of worshipful Christmas music! They write:

The songs on this list include both centuries-old classics and recent originals. Many are somber and contemplative, appropriately subdued in the face of the majesty and mystery of the “God with us” incarnation. Others are jubilant and musically maximalist, appropriately grandiose in the face of the “Gloria in excelsis Deo!” worship that the birth of Christ demands.

You can't go wrong with that!

Being a pianist, I love to listen to instrumental piano because it's inspiring and soothing. This playlist for Christmas is so lovely.

Need some soft jazzy background music for a Christmas party, or just an evening at home? Here it is!

My Christmas list wouldn't be complete without this music!

When this movie came out for Christmas 2003, it became a family favorite.  I haven't watched it yet this year because I'm waiting to do it with Claire!

And the last favorite? A throwback to my childhood.

I may not have seen the movie when it first came out in 1965 as I was just four then. But I'm pretty sure I watched it most every year from the time when I was in elementary school. Hearing the music at Christmas brings back so many warm family memories.

So there you have it! My Christmas playlist favorites. What are you listening to this year?!

PS. You can click on any of the photos and it will take you to Spotify to listen!