But aside from all this happy madness, there’s a real reason for all the celebration: Jesus’ miraculous birth more than 2,000 years ago. And now Christmas is here at last, I can finally hum some of my favorite tunes without my friends complaining, “Hey! It’s July!” as I finish the last few bars of “Joy to the World.”

And this year, those of you who, like me, realize that Christmas music is the best are in luck, because 2007 has some great releases! Here are a few I think you should check out this season (and then, of course, play in July, too.)

CD: Christmas From the Realms of Glory
Artist: Bebo Norman
Perfect for: A quiet wintry night by the fire
Best new version of an old classic: “Come and Worship,” Bebo’s version of “Angels From the Realms of Glory.”

Put on your fuzzy Christmas sweater and crank this one up! Bebo fans (and those soon-to-be Bebo fans) will love the simple-yet-festive vibe these songs create. These lovely, soft acoustic songs are guaranteed to melt any frozen hands or feet—and the marshmallows in your hot chocolate!

Bebo does several pop/folk versions of classics, such as “Joy to the World,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “Silver Bells.” He even sings a creative new rendition of the timeless hymn “Angels From the Realms of Glory,” but this time with a whole new title and melody of wintry awesomeness!

And one more thing: Amy Grant, possibly the queen of all Christmas CDs, sings with Bebo on this album, too, a folk tune called “Christmas Time Is Here.”

So put on some cuddly pajamas, pop some popcorn and let Bebo set the mood, because this CD is a perfect soundtrack to the best birthday party the Savior’s ever had!

Christmas Q & A with Bebo Norman
Do you have a real or a fake Christmas tree?
REAL! FOR SURE! I’m definitely not a fake Christmas tree person (no offense intended to those who are . . . actually, maybe a little offense intended).

Are you a last-minute shopper?
Without question . . . as last minute as it gets.

How early do you start decorating for Christmas?
I'm definitely a "wait until after Thanksgiving" Christmas decorator. The tree should go up as quickly after Thanksgiving as possible and should come down New Year's Eve. Not New Year's Day. New Year's Eve. New Year's Day is too late.

CD: It’s a Wonderful Christmas
Artist: Michael W. Smith
Perfect for: Christmas morning
Best new version of an old classic: “What Child Is This?”

Plug in your iPods, because it’s episode three of Michael W. Smith’s growing Christmas album lineup. The new album, “It’s a Wonderful Christmas,” is to all Christmas-loving ears like hot chocolate after a frosty sledding adventure.

The songs on the album range from heart-warming soon-to-be classics (“All Year Long”) to big, fun, roaring instrumentals (“It’s a Wonderful Christmas”). In fact, five of the 11 songs on the album are nothing but instrumental!

And in addition to the exciting orchestra, complete with just about every instrument your mom ever tried to get you to learn in fourth grade, there are two amazing choirs featured on the album as well. (Check out “Sing Noel” and “Sing Hallelujah.”)

And if all that weren’t enough to make you run to the store right this second, the track “Christmas Day” includes the voice of “American Idol” star Mandisa! It’s a Wonderful Christmas is like having your very own fun-filled Christmas soundtrack to take along with you this December. So just remember to zip up your coat and keep the volume up!

CD: Christmas Songs
Artist: Jars of Clay
Perfect for: the long drive to Grandma’s house
Best new version of an old classic: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”

Ready for a little Christmas creativity? This album isn’t like the jingle-belled and frostbitten Christmas CDs of old. Jars of Clay has once again let their audio-genius in, and you won’t be disappointed!

Christmas Songs is a clever collection of Christmas classics that you probably miss hearing: songs like “Drummer Boy” and “Wonderful Christmastime.” With a steady drumbeat and beautifully crafted guitar chords and piano harmonies, Christmas comes in a fresh, fun way this year!

OK, I must say, my favorite song on this whole album is the most ingenious carol of all time: “Christmastime Is Here.” I can just imagine Charlie Brown grinning from ear to ear. Good grief!

There’s also a funky version of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” You must hear it and then impress your friends with your brilliantly unique Christmas-music tastes!

So bundle up for that trip over the river and through the woods, and pop this in the CD player. You’re in for a major Christmas treat!

Christmas Q & A with Jars of Clay’s Charlie Lowell
What’s your favorite Christmas song?
While recording our new Christmas record, I fell in love with a lesser-known Christmas hymn "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."

What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?
I love the still hours in the week or so leading up to Christmas Eve. At some point in December, things finally wind down, and there’s time to sit and gaze at the tree, ponder Emmanuel (God with us) and the many provisions we have to be thankful for. This is critical for me, in the waiting and hoping, and something I hope to pass down to my children.

Do you dream of a white Christmas?
I do! I grew up in upstate New York, and we often had snow on Christmas Day. It's pretty rare here in Nashville, but I associate Christmas morning with a fresh blanket of snow, and it’s so dreamy and symbolic of a fresh start, a world washed white and innocent at the sound of a baby's cry.

CD: Bethlehem Skyline
Artist: Various artists on the Centricity record label
Perfect for: putting up the decorations
Best new version of an old classic: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”

OK, girls, it’s time to celebrate Jesus’ birth in style! This collection of old and new Christmas songs features artists Jaime Jamgochian, Jason Gray, downhere, Circleslide and Daniel Kirkley.

Not only does this album feature a variety of artists, but also a variety of song styles. There are powerful, force-you-to-stop-what-you’re-doing-and-listen tracks like Daniel Kirkley’s version of “What Child Is This,” and then there’s fun, department store songs like Kirkley’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and Circleslide’s “Jesus Is Born,” an instant Christmas worship classic.

My favorite pick on the album is “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” The words are so simple and hopeful, and Jaime Jamgochian’s voice will absolutely melt you! This old hymn brings back some great memories of sitting in church on Christmas Eve with my parents, garland everywhere, a nativity scene in the corner and everyone’s spirits so hopeful that it was tangible. Jesus really is the reason for the season!

Girls, definitely give this album a listen. You won’t be disappointed!

When does the Brio staff start listening to Christmas music?

“I never start listening to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Any time before that just seems to be rushing things a bit too much.”
—Susie Shellenberger, Editor

“I start listening to Christmas music when I need to design Christmas stuff (brief periods from June through October) and when we put up our Christmas tree (Thanksgiving weekend).”
—Christy Waldner, Senior Designer

“As soon as November hits!”
—Kathy Gowler, Events Coordinator

“In Brioland, we often get new Christmas music as early as August or September, because that’s when we’re planning our December issue. I have no problem listening to ‘Let it Snow’ even if it’s 85 degrees outside.”
—Martha Krienke, Associate Editor

“I have a strict policy of no Christmas music until Thanksgiving. The only exception is for a few weeks in August when we’re writing for the December issue.”
—Ashley Boyer, Assistant Editor

“My husband and I don’t start listening to Christmas music until Thanksgiving is officially over.”
—Sally Dunn, Senior Designer

“I was born on Christmas Eve, so I like to listen to it all the time, even in June! I’ll start listening to Christmas music to get me in the Christmas spirit the day after Thanksgiving, though.”
—Ashley Mays, Editorial Assistant