Frozen Nose Hairs

Having done my post-secondary education in Saskatchewan, I am no stranger to cold weather. In fact, if asked what my favourite season of the year would be I would likely respond with winter.

I love layering up, bundling in blankets, drinking tea, playing board games by the fire, wearing toques, and everything else that goes along with "surviving" a winter season. I also do not need convincing to place myself on two pieces of material that are waxed on the bottom, and hurl myself down the side of a mountain (what most call downhill skiing!). I just love everything about winter, including walking out when it is so cold that your nose hairs freeze (hence the title of this post).

Ask one of my co-workers this year whether that is true and they'll say different. They'll suggest that there is one thing I don't like. Christmas music. Now let me clarify before you begin thinking, "how on earth could a worship pastor not like Christmas music."

Back in October one of my co-workers was prepping for the Christmas season and to get in the spirit of her work was listening to Christmas music. I stomped into her office with a silly grin on my face and told her this was not the time or place to be playing Christmas music. I mean, really, OCTOBER! I love winter, and LOVE Christmas, but even I have a "no Christmas music until December 1" policy (mostly because as a worship pastor I not only listen to Christmas music, but also arrange it, practice it, and lead it - equalling a LOT of time with those songs).

Well this whole situation led me to be known as "Scrooge" around the office, which I jokingly and lovingly embraced with many "bah humbugs".

So I thought in an effort to redeem myself (and now that it is December), I would share with you my top 5 favourite Christmas albums.

1) Boney M - The Most Beautiful Christmas Songs of the World

This was a staple in the Mabbett house and to this day I cannot sing "Mary's Boy Child" without adding a little Boney M to it :)









2) Faith Hill - Joy To The World

This is a stunningly beautiful Christmas album. If you ever get an opportunity to watch the live performance she did while recording the album, it makes it that much more enjoyable!








3) Relient K - Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer

I love how they put a new twist on some of the classic tunes










4) The Hotel Cafe presents WinterSongs

A compilation album of artists such as Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat, KT Tunstall, Katy Perry, and more. This one surprised me...a LOT. But it is on my Christmas playlist.









5) Hey, It's Christmas

Another compilation album that a bunch of my friends in college put together. This is the FIRST album I listen to each year. It is unreal! They even put out a second one this year. I cannot wait to give it a listen. Follow this link if you're interested in giving it a listen:
Hey, It's Christmas:
http://heyitschristmas2011.bandcamp.com

Hey, It's Christmas (again): https://rivieresounds.bandcamp.com/releases

You might be thinking, "where is Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby," or maybe you're even looking for Mariah Carey on this list. Let me assure you, those artists all grace my home with their beautiful Christmas tunes as well but the five albums listed above are non-negotiable for me.

I would love to hear what you love to listen to at Christmas time. Post below!

Merry Christmas!