Under the Influence

I started a Noro Striped Scarf. I didn't intend to. I've always liked this scarf, and sort of have had it brewing in the back of my mind, but had no real plans (or the yarn) to make one any time soon. I saw the Harlot made one and I was fine. Then she made another, and I had to resist a bit. Then she made three. I went to the store. But it's going to make a great gift for someone in my family (who doesn't read the blog).

And see the mug? Stacey has one. I wanted it. And it's not like I really had to go out of my way to go to Starbucks. I especially like how it could use a good blocking.

Mark and I have been reviewing our Christmas music collection and are a bit disappointed. We don't have any plain ol' classic Christmas songs. We do have some good music (A Charlie Brown Christmas, anyone?) but not one Silent Night, one Little Drummer Boy, or even a Jingle Bells, for god's sake. Soooo, to continue in that spirit of stealing all your good ideas, can you guys recommend some essential Christmas music? I have an ITunes gift card that is burning a hole here and, if left to my own devices, I'm going to end up with The Chipmunk Song, I can feel it.

Comments

[Shannon]

I am making you a mixtape TODAY.

[Jody]

Ooh, the scarf looks pretty. I'm having to resist a lot of things lately. Don't give me another one!

And I, too, am making you a mixtape. (For the record, though, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir can't be beat for Christmas music, if you're into choral arrangements. Which I am.)

[stefaneener]

Andy Williams christmas -- so good.n The Roches doing Good King Wenceslas.

And the really oldies -- Adam Lay Ybounden, Lullay lullay, etc. If I could burn cds, I'd send you one.

[KimK]

Ooh, Christmas music! My husband and I own (I don't know if I should admit this) at least 100 Christmas CDs, but four of my all-purpose essential albums are Merry Christmas by Bing Crosby, The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole, An Oscar Peterson Christmas by Oscar Peterson, and Christmas with the Cambridge Singers by the Cambridge Singers. I highly recommend at least the first two for some classic vocals and arrangements. Let us know what you end up getting!

[Holly Jo]

Trying hard to resist the Noro Scarf. I looks like so much fun and perfect for this time of year.

Time Life Christmas Treasury is our favorite. Plus the Hippo Song. :) I am sure iTunes has an iTunes Christmas Essential to help you out. :)

[Jodi]

Oh, the scarf is looking great! I haven't made one of those yet, but they are calling my name. I picked up that same mug last weekend, too -- I love the cables.

Hmm... I highly recommend the Sarah McLachlan Christmas album. Other favorites:
- Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album
- pretty much any Johnny Matthis Christmas album
- Joni Mitchell's "River"
- Dave Matthews' Band "Christmas Song"

[jen]

There's nothing wrong with the Chipmunks...I recently downloaded two of their songs for my christmas mix..and with enough eggnog, I do a heck of chipmunks impersonation! But I love the Harry Connick Jr - when your heart finds christmas cd - end to end it's great!

[knittingnurse]

You must have Josh Groban's version of "O Holy Night". . . it is the most complete (He sings both verses) AND he voice on it is like melting butter. . . . .

[Kat]

oh no, now im wanting the starbucks mug. Have to... resist... and off i go to starbucks. I deserve a treat. ;0)

[Stacey]

Love the scarf...I'm thinking that I need to make one now too! :)

[Stacey]

That's funny...I met up with some knitting friends at a Starbucks recently and they pointed out that mug. I had to stop for a second and think, "Did I buy that and blog about it?!" But no...it was the other Stacey with an "e". :)

I have quite a bit of Christmas music...but not too many classics unfortunately. I *do* have a favorite though, it's a Starbucks compilation from , like, 10 years ago.

As for something you can download right now...I vote for The Waitresses "Christmas Wrapping". Ok, it's not probably the kind of classic you are looking for, but I love it.