However, this one is truly a keeper! Reba's powerful voice does justice to the Yuletide classics included here, and in this politically correct era that uses "holiday" rather than "Christmas," she nobly sings some of the most religious standards like "Away in the Manger," "O Holy Night," and "Silent Night."

It always nice to hear a new or at least little-known Christmas carol, and Reba choose a few gems from this category. "On this Day" and "Happy Birthday Jesus" are both moving songs that convey the appropriate respect and spirit. "A Christmas Letter" is a touching tale of a letter FROM Santa Clause that forces us to face some unhappy realities at this time of year. Reba's version is salutary, but I, personally, prefer the late Keith Whitley's interpretation. She also remakes Grandpa Jones' recitation "The Christmas Guest" and that uplifting story is always welcome.

Some have faulted her uptempo rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas," but this non-threatening anomaly seems to be a felicitous performance on an overall strong collection.

Give it a listen, and have a Merry Christmas!


Traditional country Christams - pure magic !!!!   August 18, 2002
Peter Durward Harris (Leicester England)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I've never come across a Christmas album quite like this - before or since, so it makes this one particularly special. Traditional country singers have often recorded Christmas albums, but they invariably dress them up in some way to make them acceptable to a wider audience than their usual releases. This is understandable, because Christmas often brings together people with different musical tastes, and singers want to appeal to as many as possible.

Reba recorded this album during her 'traditional' phase in the mid eighties. Like the other albums she recorded around that time, there was plenty of steel and fiddles, but absolutely no compromises to pop crossover - that came later (including her second Christmas album, The secret of giving).

The first two tracks were recorded for possible inclusion in the brilliant Tennessee Christmas compilation (now available as a bargain priced CD). Away in a manger was selected, while On this day remained in the vaults until the rest of this album was recorded a year or two later.

In my school days, I used to think Away in a manger was really boring, but it seems to inspire country singers, none more so than Reba and her musicians. Despite stiff competition, Reba's version is my favorite cover of this song. How did I ever think it was boring? There are five other classics here, each very distinctive from any other versions. The other tracks are also brilliant, but the one that sticks in the mind the most is The Christmas guest, a narration co-written and first recorded by Grandpa Jones. For most of the song, it's a real weepie, though the ending is happy. It's very moving.

Throughout, the musicians are in superb form and help to make this album what it is - one of a kind, and likely to remain so.

Thank you, Reba.


BEST CHRISTMAS ALBUM BY FAR   November 28, 2001
nancy (FRESNO,CALIFORNIA)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

I LISTEN TO ALOT OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND THIS ONE BY REBA IS ONE I TAKE ON THE ROAD WITH ME AS A TRUCK DRIVER.I LISTEN TO IT ALL YEAR LONG NOT JUST AT CHRISTMAS TIME.REBA TOUCHES MY HEART AND SOUL WITH SILENT NIGHT AND AWAY IN THE MANGER,NOT TO MENTION OH HOLY NIGHT.I HAVE TWO COPIES JUST IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ONE I HAVE A SPARE.WHEN I'M HOMESICK OR LONELY,I JUST POP THIS IN AND CRY FOR MILES....GREAT WORK REBA,


Great CD   November 20, 2000
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I love Reba so I would love this CD, but this is a great CD. It puts you in the holiday spirit and all the songs are great. She mixes songs that almost everyone knows and a few that haven't been song by as many people. I think this is a great CD. I would recommend it to anyone. Great Job Reba!!!


Life saver   January 22, 2008
Historyguy (Rowlett, Tx USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

My dad had bought this CD years ago and loved it. I lost it and so I wanted to replace it for him. We had a tradition of listening to the Christmas Guest every yerar on Christmas eve. I ordered it on the 21st of December and got it in time to keep the tradition alive.