Okay, I held off as long as I could this year. I made it past Halloween, but this week I finally broke down and began listening to a little Christmas music. I blame it on the record companies because they often release their latest Christmas offerings in October, tempting me to indulge in Christmas spirit early.
This year, my search for new Christmas has once again introduced me to some artists I had never listened to before and reacquainted me with old favorites.Here are my top choices for some new Christmas classics you should rush out and buy – or download- for the upcoming season.

Take 6, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Their Christmas album from long ago, “He is Christmas,” is a favorite of mine and this is just as good, if not better. There’s a fun take on “Grinch” and a very clever rendition of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies.”
Future of Forestry, Advent Christmas: A group I am not familiar with, but their version of “The Earth Stood Still” is haunting.
Dave Barnes Christmas Tonight : Okay , I have not listened to Barnes before either, but he is definitely going ot be someone I listen to a lot more. “I Pray on Christmas” is my favorite song on this recording, and may be my new favorite for the holidays.
Bethlehem Skyline, Volume 2: This is a compliation recording with a variety of artists ont he Centricity label including Me in Motion and Downhere. However, the best songs are the ones by Lanae Hale.