10 Essential Country Christmas Albums For Every Holiday Music Lover

Every holiday season, it becomes evident that there are two kinds of people: those that embrace the 24-7 inundation of "Blue Christmas" and "Jingle Bells" and those that absolutely hate Christmas music. But country music fans are lucky. From Elvis Presley's Elvis' Christmas Album to Martina McBride'sWhite Christmas, country superstars have been providing the soundtracks to our Christmas shopping with holiday albums for years. No matter your stance on holiday music, a country Christmas album probably has something for you.

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Here are the 10 best country Christmas albums of all time. It doesn't incorporate 21st century country Christmas releases by Brett Eldredge, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and others that've kept a proud tradition running strong.

10. Bluegrass and White Snow, Patty Loveless (2002)

For her 2002 Christmas album Bluegrass and White Snow, Patty Loveless went back to her Kentucky roots. Putting a bluegrass spin on holiday favorites like "Christmas Time's a Comin" and "Silver Bells," the country singer soundtracks the Christmas Day countdown for everyone from Kentucky hollers to the hearts of cities. Listen here.

9. Honky Tonk Christmas, Alan Jackson (1993)

From the holly jolly honky tonk of  "I Only Want You For Christmas" to the stoic and beautiful "The Angels Cried," Nashville star Alan Jackson's 1993 album Honky Tonk Christmas is the perfect mix of fun and solemn reflection on the season. It's a highlight of the '90s country boom's holiday offerings— a discography featuring memorable releases by Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks and Toby Keith. Listen to Jackson's classic Christmas album here.

8. A John Prine Christmas, John Prine (1994)

If you're looking for something beyond "Silent Night," "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bells," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" or "I'll Be Home for Christmas" for your holiday playlist, John Prine's 1994 album A John Prine Christmas is the Christmas album for you. Filled with one-of-a-kind holiday gems like "Christmas in Prison" and the holiday divorce ditty "All the Best," Prine's Christmas album is like no other. Listen here.

7. Light of the Stable, Emmylou Harris (1979)

Emmylou Harris' ethereal voice is the perfect match for the spirit of Christmas. Released in 1979, the classic Christmas record Light of the Stable features holiday standards and originals, such as the Rodney Crowell-penned "Angel Eyes." Listen here.

6. Pretty Paper, Willie Nelson (1979)

Willie Nelson's Pretty Paper was the Red Headed Stranger's first Christmas album and remains one of the most memorable country holiday records. The title track, about a lonely street vendor, is one of the most stirring modern country Christmas songs ever written. Listen here.

5. Merle Haggard's Christmas Present, Merle Haggard (1973)

Leave it to Merle Haggard to write a forlorn song about a struggling family during Christmastime and make it a holiday classic. "If We Make It Through December" bucks the Christmas song tradition by telling a story of poverty and perseverance rather than a carefree, happy-go-lucky tale. The down-home "Santa Claus and Popcorn" and the despairing "Daddy Won't Be Home Again For Christmas" round out some of the Hag's best holiday songs. Listen here.

4. Come On Christmas, Dwight Yoakam (1997)

Dwight Yoakam's 1997 Christmas collection Come On Christmas puts a honky tonk spin on rock n roll Christmas favorites ("Santa Claus is Back in Town"), and you'll be rocking around the Christmas tree to two Yoakam originals (the title track and "Santa Can't Stay.") When Dwight says "ho ho ho, honey," no seasonal tune has ever sounded cooler. Listen here.

3. Merry Christmas Strait to You, George Strait (1986)

Only a legend like George Strait could record a Christmas song with his own name in the title. "Merry Christmas Strait to You" is a greeting card from King George himself, while "When It's Christmas Time in Texas" is a holiday anthem for the Lone Star State. Listen here.

2. Once Upon a Christmas, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers (1984)

Is there anything more joyous than a Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers duet? Only an entire album of classic Christmas carols and fresh holiday-themed material by Parton and Rogers. Dolly and Kenny's Once Upon a Christmas, featuring the Tennessee mountain celebration "With Bells On" and the melancholy  "Hard Candy Christmas," is a gift from two country legends. It's a nice companion piece to Parton's other holiday albums and Christmas specials. Listen here.

1. A Very Kacey Christmas, Kacey Musgraves (2016)

Kacey Musgraves recruited a stellar cast for her standout album A Very Kacey Christmas. Willie Nelson and Leon Bridges join Musgraves for two original songs ("A Willie Nice Christmas," "Present Without a Bow") while the Quebe Sisters add a dose of Texas swing to "Let it Snow" and "Mele Kalikimaka."  A Very Kacey Christmas is an evergreen love letter to the most wonderful time of the year. Listen here.

READ MORE: Alabama's 'Christmas in Dixie' and 9 Other All-Time Great Country Christmas Songs

This story was previously published in December of 2017.