It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s November, and Starbucks and Brian Abrahamsen say it’s the Christmas season! We know plenty of people are opposed to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but here at Tuscarora we can’t help but start feeling festive as we plan for our Christmas Weekend!

In order to help you celebrate, Brian has put together a playlist for you to enjoy! Barely a day goes by during November and December without Christmas music drifting out of his office.

Listen on Spotify, or see his suggestions here!

Brian Abrahamsen

Executive Director

As I put this list together, there were definitely songs I resisted including. Songs like, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer or Dominick the Donkey. I love songs that focus on the true reason for Christmas, but I also love the fun songs about the season like Sleigh Ride and Christmas Waltz. Songs that celebrate all the ways we enjoy the festivities.

Anyone who knows me, knows that Amy Grant and Christmas music are synonymous, so she is very fairly represented here. But more than anything, Christmas is a season of remembering Christ’s birth, and all the amazing ways we celebrate - including my Norwegian heritage. I hope you enjoy my Christmas playlist!

Christmas Waltz - Michael W. Smith

Christmas Time is Here - Sarah McLachlan, Diana Krall

Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song) - Amy Grant

Mary, Did You Know? - Pentatonix

O Holy Night - Josh Groban

Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground) - Chris Tomlin

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams

Grown-Up Christmas List - David Foster, Natalie Cole

Drummer Boy - Jars of Clay

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Harry Connick Jr.

“O Holy Night is my favorite traditional Christmas song. Anybody except for me can sing this song and it would be beautiful - and Josh Groban’s always stands out for me.”

O Come All Ye Faithful - Amy Grant

Away in a Manger - Casting Crowns

Jeg Er Så Glad Hver Julekveld - Evie

“This is the first Christmas song in Norwegian that I learned. I have great memories of walking around the Christmas tree in Hillside Church singing it, as well as in junior choir. There are other Norwegian songs that I know but this one always bring back a special memory.”

Just Another Christmas - Laura Story

What Child Is This - Michael W. Smith, Martina McBride

Gloria - Michael W. Smith

Joseph’s Lullaby - MercyMe

“As a father, I love that MercyMe chose to write a song from Joseph’s perspective. He’s calming his newborn baby son because he knows that the road ahead will be a tough one, but right now wants him to go to sleep.”

Sleigh Ride - Amy Grant