Christmas isn't Christmas without this cd. A friend of mine years ago recorded this cd onto cassette for me when the cd first was released. I bought my copy of the disc about ten years ago. Barbra's rendition of "Jingle Bells" is considered by many to be the definitive version of this tune. It's abbreviated but oh well, it's fun. After this one upbeat song, the album takes a turn toward a serious feel. Next to the original, her soaring version of "My Favorite Things" is a personal favorite of mine. Barbra's version, for lack of a better term, is cinematic. "The Best Gift" is an original written about her soon to be infant son, Jason. Look at the cover and underneath the star Barbra appears to be holding is a very pregnant Barbra; she was also recovering from a cold during the sessions for this album and it caused her voice to be a bit more burnished than usual, it's all true! All the songs are beautifully performed and the solo harpsicord featured on all the songs, save for the opening track, may mark time a touch but it also adds an unusual warmth. The closing track, "The Lord's Prayer," is an amazing vocal feat; the song was a bit controversial way back when because Barbra is jewish and she sang a christian prayer, which had the catholic clergy upset because no one is to ever sing a prayer and the jewish felt it was a contradiction.

Barbra Steisand released "A Christmas Album" in 1967 and it has become one of her biggest selling albums in her catalogue being certified 5X Platinum. The album is also one of the biggest selling Christmas CD's out there. I always feel the Holidays don't start until I put Barbra and "A Christmas Album" on my CD player and once I hear that marvelous voice and those wonderful songs I know Christmas has finally arrived. Barbra released another Holiday package of music called "Christmas Memories" in the 2000's, but "A Christmas Album" is far superior. Barbra is in fine form and her voice is at its peak. The song list is wonderful ranging from Barbra's own arrangement of "Jingle Bells" to the finale of "The Lord's Prayer". Other songs that are standouts are "Have Yourself A Merry little Christmas", " "The Christmas Song", " I Wonder As I wonder", and my personal favorite "My Favorite Things" from "The Sound of Music". The cover picture is taken from Barbra's concert "A Happening In Central Park". In 1999 Columbia rereleased "A Christmas Album" with a new cover art, but I prefer the original.

I had friends who owned this cd thruout the years, and i always thought it was overrated - that is, w/out ever giving it a thorough listening. But 2 years ago (in the Springtime, no less) I stumbled upon it on sale and decided to purchase it! Upon the first listening during the Christmas season, i was BLOWN AWAY. The intimacy of the recording - Barbra's mastering of tone, enunciation and every little inflection of her voice - draws the listener in closer, making you feel as if she's singing just to you. What i find to be the most brilliant aspect of this album is the SEQUENCING of the songs. Sometimes sequencing can push an album from "great" to "excellent", and in this case - as in other older recordings such as Carly Simon's "No Secrets" - it is very true. After the 1-2-3 punch of White Christmas, The Best Gift & My Favorite Things, you feel as if the momentum cannot be sustained - but oh, it is. A total thrill and a totally classic recording. I feel privileged to be able to hear this album every year.

The absolute best superstar Christmas album released thus far and, at sells of more than five million, one of Barbra's best selling albums. Nearly all of the expected numbers are here as well as a few surprises. Barbra's renditions of the seasonal warhorses like "The Christmas Song," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," and "White Christmas" top all of the previous recordings. Equal time is given to fairly obscure compositions (like the beautiful songs "The Best Gift" and "I Wonder As I Wander") that hold their own when compared to the standards. Barbra even slips into a slower, more emotive cover of "My Favorite Things" that manages to wipe the annoying Sound of Music version out of the listener's mind and her opening, breakneck take on "Jingle Bells" is a riot. Barbra's haunting rendition of "The Lord's Prayer" is absolutely stunning and will give chills to even the most cynical listener. A moving and satisfying recording, Barbra's CHRISTMAS ALBUM is what every holiday release should strive to be.

When I was a kid,I started playing Christmas Music in Sept. I couldn't wait for the season,and this is one of the records I would play.I've never heard anyone sing "Jingle Bells" like Barbra.It's so different,and so funny.Every musican has "The Christmas Song"on there Christmas collection. Barbra's is the best,and "Gounod's Ave Maria," is pure perfection."The Best Gift," about Barbra's new born baby,Jason,is another favorite.I'm so glad to have this Brillant Christmas album on CD.Along with Doris Day,The Carpenters and Barry Manilow,Barbra's Christmas CD will be playing in my stero the day after Thanksgiving.