Review and Giveaway! Putumayo Presents A Family Christmas

As we all know, it seems Christmas cra.....I mean fun starts earlier and earlier every year. However, now that I have kiddos I don't mind so much. I couldn't wait to start decorating after Thanksgiving, I figure it's a lot of work to do and we may as well enjoy it all for a full month. And, of course one can not decorate without a little festive music. I'm sure you all have your fave holiday songs, as do I, but I wanted to get the word out that Putumayo has released a new album called "A Family Christmas" that is a fun mix of tunes done in a wide array of styles.

Click on "Read More" for the full review and to learn how to win a copy of your own!

Song Choice *** - It's a good mix (see below).
Performances *** - Overall, my family enjoys all of them. However, there are two songs that are instrumental only and those drag a little for the kiddos. But, the mix of styles is fun and makes for a non-monotonous album.
There are 11 songs, including:
Frosty the Snowman - Lars Edegren and his Santa Claus Revelers, which made me feel like I was in New Orleans.
Boogie Woogie Santa Claus - The Christmas Jug Band, my gals shake it to this one.
Mele Kalikimada - Debbie Davis and Matt Perrine, which harkened me back to Clark Griswold's daydream in Christmas Vacay.
Jolly Old Saint Nick - Brave Combo, this is all instrumental and feels almost polka-ish.
Here We Come A-Wassailing - Kate Rusby. This is my personal favorite...I LOVE folk tunes, but what the heck is wassailing???
Sleigh Ride - Sam Bush, also all instrumental.
Winter Wonderland - Deana Carter, pretty classic rendition.
Let it Snow - Leon Redbone, he's got a deep, classic voice with some twangy (in a good way) guitar accompaniment.
Is Zat You Santa Claus? - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, of course this is a fun, catchy tune.
Holly Jolly Christmas - Martin Sexton, very nice I'm still partial to the one from Burl Ives.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Johnny Bregar, a fun sing-along with the kids.
Price ***: $15, pretty standard CD price.
Overall ***: This is a fun mix of holiday songs that you and your kids will enjoy for many years to come!

The generous people at Putumayo are giving two of our readers a copy of "A Family Christmas". Please visit the Putumayo site and come back here to post what other holiday CDs you'd love to listen to. Winner must be 18+ and US resident. Please visit this link to see our official rules for Giveaway entry. All entries must be received before midnight on December 16th, 2009. Good luck!