Xan is the master of the holiday mix - wonder what will be on her playlist?
I was thinking the same thing as I posted. Although, I think she has added Ms McKennitt to her rotation at my behest. ;D
Ah, you remembered ;D I'm flattered LOL ;D;)
Well, you can certainly believe that all rock and pop music has been retired to the shelf and the holiday music is in full swing at home, in the car and at work. And when I get tired of the CD collection, there's always the vinyl and the Cable DMX! We listen to everything from Handel & Tchaikovsky to Bing Crosby & Andy Williams to Loreena McKennitt & Ancient Carols. That includes Percy Faith, Perry Como, and pretty much anyone that every recorded a decent holiday album. Even have about 3 full 80 minute CDs worth of random 80's songs like Kate Bush, Tom Petty, Pat Benatar, Queen, Wham, and the whole Do They Know It's Christmas family
;D
The only thing I may lack is anything that is really mean-spirited about the holidays. I have enough of that from my family and friends. I enjoy some nice humor, but I like to keep some magic about my holiday.
Good thing both of us enjoy it, otherwise one of us would have to go!
New for us this year with high recommendations:
(links were long, so if interested, copy and paste, removing any spaces)
A Celtic Christmas Story CDwww.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000059WWL/qid%3D1132444238/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/104-7755207-8811932
Excellent if you still have Aerial on high rotation. The instrumental music includes traditional arrangements and instruments. The uilean pipes are beautiful. But the most interesting aspect is that the songs are blended by the sounds of nature, particularly bird songs! Mixes well with other traditional Irish and British holiday CDs, even Scottish pipes. Also played with Roger Whittaker and Loreena McKennit.
Music Box Christmas: Enchanting 19th Century Music Boxeswww.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000024R5/qid=1133549067/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/104-7755207-8811932?v=glance&s=music
Absolutely exquisite. If you are extremely traditional and are looking for something suggesting a gorgeous gilded holiday. You'll be amazed at the depth of sound that can be created on one of these delicate boxes.
Paul Carrack's Winter Wonderland with The SWR Big Bandwww.carrack-uk.com/shop/enter.htmlwww.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BU2D86/qid=1133549238/sr=8-3/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i3_xgl/203-3058717-1317508
Our new favorite this year. Obviously suited for the more contemporary holiday music, but does not fall into anything average or expected. His voice is really enhanced by the backing of a full swing band and the love and care really shine through the arrangements. He has chosen very accessible holiday tracks and steers clear of anything religious. Certainly mixes well with other contemporary artists CDs, but especially works with Big Band or other instrumental swinging holiday music. This is the one to have a groovy relaxing evening with.
Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails volume 3www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000B19AV8/qid=1133549481/sr=8-1/ref=__1/104-7755207-8811932?v=glance&s=music
This is a good, but not excellent follow-up to the previous volumes. Not quite as long and sparse on the cool retro graphics, jokes and recipes. All 3 are great samplers of holiday music waiting to be discovered. These lead us to CDs by Dean Martin and Lou Rawls. If you want to have a classy, fun cocktail holiday, these are the CDs to mix.
Miracle on 34th Street soundtrack CDstore.yahoo.com/buysoundtrax/miron34stree.htmlIf you think I love holiday music, you should see my holiday film collection. Did you know that Bob Hope first sang Silver Bells in a holiday film called "The Lemon Drop Kid"? It's frightening, I know
Anyway... these types of scores make you feel like a kid again and get mixed along with the White Christmas, Rudolph's Burl Ives, Charlie Brown's Guaraldi CDs.
These are just the new highlights.
I played Julie Andrews on the way in this morning.
Need any suggestions... I'm sure I have something to suit your taste!
And Al, I certainly did pick up the Loreena McKennit, way back in 2003 when you suggested it.... WOW, that's how long we've been here!
And you and I share almost the same favorite carols, but I'd have to add Coventy Carol.
And Adey, there's absolutely no shame in Bing or Andy...
they make you feel nice... Shee, we'll have to work on you. Believe me, I used to be where you are. I decided to take my holidays back from those that have tried to spoil it for me. ;D
By the way... for those that think that this all just too much sugar and holiday spice, a few of my favorite holiday movies are The Ref and Scrooged along with the White Christmas.
) 
Slooshy sloshy slooshy sloshy get that dirty shirty clean. Slooshy sloshy slooshy sloshy make those cuffs and collars gleam. Everything clean and shiny.
;D
Anyway... these types of scores make you feel like a kid again and get mixed along with the White Christmas, Rudolph's Burl Ives, Charlie Brown's Guaraldi CDs.
Would you mind copying it to "Moments of Pleasure" too. It would be good to have it archived there also. 
