2. Nat King Cole — The Christmas Song (1961) – There is nothing like Nat’s tender, buttery voice singing the classic, The Christmas Song with one of the most famous opening lines, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” Can’t you just smell them now?

3. Vince Guaraldi Trio — A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – This is hands down my favourite Christmas album and also the perfect album for anyone who can’t quite handle Christmas music (*cough* my husband * cough). It’s groovy, it’s jazzy, it’s classy and you get images of good old Charlie Brown and friends dancing like maniacs around a Christmas tree swirling in your head.

4. Ella Fitzgerald — Ella Wishes you a Swinging Christmas (1960) – Who doesn’t love Ella? And who doesn’t love Ella singing swinging Christmas songs? ‘Nuff said.

5. Mariah Carey — Merry Christmas (1994) – Yes, you may laugh at first, but once you’ve belted out “All I Want for Christmas is You” five times in a row in your living room, then you’ll understand.

6. Loreena McKennitt — To Drive the Cold Winter Away (1987) – This haunting album is one of my favourite Loreena releases. It’s a classic in my family and always makes me feel like I’m wandering through a snowy forest, clothed in a crimson velvet robe.

7. Harry Connick Jr. —When My Heart Finds Christmas (1993) – Harry’s original Christmas album is full of cheesy jazzy Christmasy goodness. Just sit back, relax and let Harry take you on a Sleigh Ride.

8. musica intima — nativité (2002) & o nata lux (2008). A double bill of choral goodness direct from Vancouver. Okay, so I’m a little biased towards this wonderful a cappella ensemble since I worked for musica intima from 2007-2009 and have been a die-hard fan ever since, but these albums truly are stunning. nativité has some of the classic Christmas greats, and o nata lux could almost be played any time of year. You will love them both.