9 Christmas Albums That Won’t Make You Want to Punch an Elf

On paper, there is no good reason that The Beach Boys’ 1964 Christmas Album shouldn’t be as cloying as a chocolate-dipped candy cane. Yet their takes on such Christmas classics as “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” featuring mesmerizing harmonies and horns, and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” still sound fresh even though the songs are well over 40 years old. While there are some incredibly kitschy moments—like a straightforward version of “Frosty The Snowman” and a voice over thanking fans in the middle of “Auld Lang Syne”—all is forgiven with the melancholy harmonies of “Blue Christmas.” Add to the mix catchy tracks like “Merry Christmas, Baby,” “Christmas Day” and even “Little Saint Nick,” and you could find yourself listening to Christmas music all year long.

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