We need a little Christmas. Right this very minute.

[Rumpelstiltskin]

This has been a painful couple of weeks.  Maybe a few tunes of the season will help drag me out of the funk I've been in.  (Sorry mom and dad.  I know this has you tossing and turning six feet under, but you'd never believe what happened here a week ago Tuesday.  Even your Jewish son needs a little Christmas.)

Any recommendations for recent Christmas albums?  From a Broadway pedigree I've been enjoying Carols for a Cure 2016, both for the performances and the memory of receiving it after the glory that is The Color Purple.  Outside the world of theater I've been enjoying the latest from Pentatonix; everything they touch turns to velvet.

[Farmer's Daughter]

  I'm not personally sure about recent Christmas albums, but I agree with the thought that Christmas music can be an aid in dragging someone out of a funk. I absolutely love Christmas music, too many favorite songs in general to even try and list.  Only ones I don't care for are awful (imo) songs like The Christmas Shoes or whatever it's called. I think there's another one that's about as bad as that one, but I can't think what it is.  

  Have you checked out any of the other albums listed on Billboard besides the Pentatonix one?:  

 http://www.billboard.com/charts/holiday-albums    

  Hope it's at least a little bit helpful. 

[MichelleCraig]

There are Internet radio stations that play Christmas music 24/7, 365 days a year...

I just found this item if it's helpful to you:

https://www.internet-radio.com/stations/christmas/

 

[SmoothLover]

Just tune in to the Hallmark Christmas movies. Predictability aside, I can't get enough. And the male actors are delicious.

[madbrian]

For me, the voice that defines Christmas is Karen Carpenter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1ujXx2p-I

As for movies, I love the tacky one-off versions of A Christmas Carol, particularly A Diva's Christmas Carol (Vanessa Williams) and Ebbie (Susan Lucci).  Also, Scrooge is a very underrated movie musical.

[Petralicious]

[JerseyGirl2]

For someone you have likely never heard of, I recommend Sarah Dawn Finer's Winterland. She's a Swedish artist, 13 of 14 tracks are in English. It's a blend of secular winter/Christmas songs and a few traditional ones. I have loved it for several years now. I'll be adding Amy Grant's new Christmas album to my mix this year, too.

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Thanks for all the replies.  I'll check out the suggestions.  To return the favor, for those of you who are not familiar with Nancy LaMott, she was a cabaret performer who left us way too early back the mid-90's.  Her Album "Just in Time for Christmas" is a beautiful tribute to her legacy.  It's gorgeous, and has been at the top of my holiday rotation for years.

This appearance on Good Morning America was to promote the album.  I suppose she must have been very sick at the time, which makes her appearance and the performance that much more emotional for me.  (Those in the know - please correct me if I'm wrong about the timing.)

 

[BroadwayConcierge]

What are some of the best Broadway Christmas covers (specifically songs would be appreciated). Leslie Odom, Jr., Megan Hilty, Kristin Chenoweth, and Idina Menzel are a few names who have Christmas albums that come to mind...