For a while I was having difficulty finding a good Christmas book that held my attention. Then I came across some books compiled and edited by Joe Wheeler. Recently I have read several of Wheeler’s books and each one has been exceptional. His books are composed of several short stories – some of which are very old, others were written recently.

Christmas in My Heart 12: A Treasury of Timeless Christmas Stories (2003) contains 15 entertaining, heart-warming stories including “Christmas Bread” (written in 1927), “The Night of the Blizzard” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Keene.”  Wheeler himself wrote the final story, “Christmas Sabbatical” in which a man who treated his wife poorly during their five year marriage realizes his mistakes and sets out to seek her forgiveness more than two decades later. The story takes place at many inns across North America and Europe and offers interesting information about these places as the story unfolds.

The stories selected by Joe Wheeler for his books are Christ-centered, as opposed to Santa Claus-centered, and are an ideal length to read at bedtime during the days leading up to Christmas.

When it comes to Christmas movies, It’s A Wonderful Life is one of the most popular and beloved of all time. Produced and directed by Frank Capra, this 1946 movie features wonderful performances by several actors including James Stewart (George Bailey), Donna Reed (Mary Bailey), Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter), H.B. Warner (Mr. Gower) and Thomas Mitchell (Uncle Billy). I particularly enjoyed Henry Travers as Clarence Odbody the angel. It’s A Wonderful Life was nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture.

In the movie a despondent George Bailey considers suicide. He is rescued by his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, who grants George his wish of never having been born and letting him see what the world would have been like without him.

Favorite Scenes from the Classic Film It’s A Wonderful Life by Jimmy Hawkins consists of numerous scenes from the movie including the dialogue. This delightful book, which would make a great gift for fans of the movie, was compiled by Jimmy Hawkins who played the youngest of the Bailey children (Tommy Bailey) in the movie. The famous scenes depicted in this charming book will bring back memories of this special movie making it a book you’ll want to get out and peruse every Christmas!

Disappointed by the commercialism of Christmas, Valentine Davies wrote Miracle on 34th Street in 1947 – which also became the film classic of the same name.

Kris Kringle, the Santa Claus for Macy’s department store in New York, finds himself on trial as he believes, as do many others, that he is the real Santa Claus. Mr. Kringle changes the lives of several people including a mother and daughter who never believed in Santa Claus. As with the movie, this book is a classic! This edition, published in 2001, “is a precise reproduction of the orginal hardcover, published in 1947...”

The cottage is a great place to read ghost stories. And with Christmas fast approaching, Ghost Stories of Christmas is good book to read at your wilderness retreat during the festive season.

Written by Jo-Anne Christensen, Ghost Stories of Christmas is divided into four parts: Gifts, Reunions, Miracles and Angels. Each section contains four enjoyable stories. You’ll read about the ghost of a young boy who helps a man mourning his young son’s death begin to enjoy Christmas again and about a kind grocer who continues to look after a poor woman even after he dies – and much more.

Christensen has changed the stories, but she maintains in the book’s Introduction that the events are true.

“Most storytellers will agree that a truly good tale contains one part truth and one part dramatic color. In this particular book, I have invented characters, relationships, dialogue and some background details – in order to protect the privacy of those who prefer to remain anonymous and to create a certain level of entertainment. The supernatural events within the stories, however, were presented to me as true. I have altered those details very little, in the interest of maintaining the appeal of such authentic accounts.”

Christensen’s stories are entertaining and if they’re also true then some very interesting things happen during the Christmas season!

The Christmas Tree is a touching novel in which the chief gardener from Rockefeller Center narrates the story of Anna, an orphaned little girl who goes to live in a convent. While at the convent Anna becomes best friends with a tiny fir tree whom she names, appropriately enough, Tree.

Anna and Tree grow up together sharing many experiences. Anna becomes Sister Anthony and Tree grows into a beautiful, tall tree whose beauty does not go unnoticed by the chief gardener of Rockefeller Center. The gardener asks Sister Anthony if he can have Tree for the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

For a long time Sister Anthony does not allow her dear friend to be taken to New York to become the popular Christmas tree. Finally Sister Anthony relents and allows Tree to be killed to become the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

This endearing tale, which was inspired by an actual event, is a wonderful story to read during the Christmas season. Even I enjoyed The Christmas Tree and I don’t believe in killing healthy trees – especially when they are used for decorative purposes for a week or two at Christmas!

Special memories of Christmases past are wonderful and to be cherished. Unfortunately, it is easy to forget what is truly important at this time of year. If you find yourself lacking Christmas spirit, being too busy for those who really matter or getting caught up in the commercialism of Christmas you might want to read John Jenson’s Christmas Lost & Found: Rediscovering the True Spirit of Christmas.

By combining some of his Christmas memories with words of wisdom, Jenson has produced a thought provoking book that helps to put some of the truly important things in life into perspective. A few of the incidents and thoughts in the book that I particularly enjoyed are:

I LOST my nerve to ice-skate when my dad wasn’t holding my hand.
I FOUND, while growing up, that hand was never very far away.

There are some memories of which we’ll never let go. (pages 22, 23)
 

I LOST sight of our house every time I headed down the hill on my sled.
I FOUND reassurance in seeing my mom looking out the window every time I got back to the top.

There is no safer feeling than knowing someone is watching over you. (pages 24, 25)
 

WE LOST electricity and heat during a holiday blizzard.
WE FOUND that togetherness could generate a different kind of power.

Some of the warmest moments in life are neither expected nor billed for. (pages 52, 53)
 

I LOST the world’s biggest snow fort to a mid-December thaw.
I FOUND that material things are temporary but memories last a lifetime.

The feelings shared during Christmas will last much longer than the gifts we receive. (pages 64, 65)
 

I LOST track of time recalling many fond memories of Christmases past.
I FOUND that reliving a peaceful past is always a time well spent.

Looking back at special moments brings simplicity to complicated times. (pages 88, 89)

In this story a young family is hired as caretakers for an old, widowed woman just before Christmas. The young family and woman become very close sharing every day experiences. The old woman teaches the family about the important things in life, including the importance of family, playing a large role in our children’s lives, living full lives and the true meaning of Christmas. The Christmas Box is a wonderful story with important messages.

While this book isn’t strictly about Christmas, it involves the rescue of a stray cat on Christmas Eve. Cleveland Amory, who founded The Fund for Animals and was the president of the New England Anti-Vivisection Society, describes with humour, wit and compassion the first year of his relationship with Polar Bear, his close feline friend. Besides describing their relationship and experiences, Amory discusses some of the activities that he and The Fund for Animals were involved in. If there is a message contained within the covers of this delightful book, it is that pets in need make the best animal companions of all.

James Herriot, whose real name was Alf Wight, possessed a wonderful writing style. His stories are entertaining, educational and often humourous. His ability to capture the personalities of animals, people and places was excellent.

Christmas & Other Stories is an audio book that features several stories read by Christopher Timothy who played James Herriot in the popular television series All Creatures Great & Small. In the feature story Herriot captures the spirit of Christmas after rescuing Dorothy, a goat, and then visiting with Dorothy’s humans, Mr. and Mrs. Kirby on Christmas morning. The other stories are equally entertaining and wonderfully describe veterinary life in rural England several decades ago.

Included on the cassette is a humourous incident involving the bully, Gobber Newhouse, Rock, a Setter who had his foot caught in a leg-hold trap and Kim, a Golden Labrador who suffered a serious leg injury when he was hit by a car. Wight’s entertaining and descriptive writing keep the listener eagerly awaiting the outcome of Kim’s leg which was hanging off at the hock, dangling by a shred of skin. Not only was this injury a very serious one, but it occurred before the discovery of antibiotics!  Listeners will enjoy hearing these stories over and over again.

Christmas & Other Stories is an inexpensive gem produced by Durkin Hayes.

Love, determination and giving are in abundance as Ernest the donkey and his friends help Chester, a white draft horse, on Christmas Eve. As it starts to snow the animals return to the shelter of their stalls. When Ernest realizes that Chester hasn’t returned to his stall he goes looking for his large friend and discovers that the draft horse has fallen and cannot get up.

When Ernest realizes that he alone cannot help Chester, he gets the other animals to help. With their help, patience and perseverance, they are finally able to get Chester back on his feet – and just in time for Christmas!

Ernest’s Special Christmas is the fourth book in the delightful Ernest series by Laura T. Barnes and features quality illustrations by Carol A Camburn that children will enjoy. As with the other books in this series, Ernest’s Special Christmas is more than an entertaining story, it also imparts important life lessons. In this case it shows what Christmas is all about; love and helping others.

Christmas is a time when the concept of helping and giving to others (which should be practised all year) is emphasized. This doesn’t just mean exchanging gifts with family and friends, but thinking of those less fortunate and helping them in some way. This may mean donating to the local food bank, buying gifts for people who won’t receive much at Christmas or helping an animal in need.

The Christmas Candle is a special book that combines a wonderful story with a vital message. Richard Paul Evans’ beautiful words are enhanced by Jacob Collins exquisite paintings. Evans’ story tells of a special candle that a young man buys on his way home for a family celebration. The candle illuminates things which normally wouldn’t be of importance to the young man, but which make him see things in a different light. These experiences make the young man a much better person and the world a kinder, safer place. 

The Christmas Candle is a Christmas classic!

Note: Richard Paul Evans is the founder and executive director of The Christmas Box Foundation and The Christmas Box House International, Inc.™ “...a nonprofit organization devoted to the building of shelter-assessment facilities for abused children.”  All of Mr. Evans’ proceeds from the sale of this book have been donated to The Christmas Box House. For for information, click here

This charming story by Margaret Wise Brown looks at the coming of Christmas as seen through the eyes of a cat. How did the cat know that Christmas was coming? Well, the ice on the frozen mud puddles, the cold air, the smell of Christmas trees, tangerines and Christmas greens as well as the crackle of tissue papers were a few signs. Anne Mortimer’s beautiful, colourful illustrations certainly add to this delightful book of a cat enjoying Christmas Eve. Children of all ages will enjoy reading A Pussycat’s Christmas over and over. Orginally published in 1949, this edition was published in 1994.

On Christmas Eve a pack of wolves run to a hillside overlooking several dwellings where humans are celebrating Christmas. Although the wolves realize that humans are dangerous, they join them in song. This simple story provides young readers with some basic information about wolves and the colourful illustrations are sure to hold a child’s attention.

I became aware of this particular CD when my wife Lynn told me about a wonderful Christmas song that she heard on the radio. The song was “The Cat Carol” written by Bruce Evans and sung by Meryn Cadell. This inspirational song which gives the true meaning of Christmas is beautifully sung by Cadell and will no doubt become a classic in the coming years.

While “The Cat Carol” itself is worth the price of this CD, there are many other gems on Christmas Songs. The Barenaked Ladies & Sarah McLachlan provide an upbeat version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and McLachlan’s rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Song For A Winter’s Night” is wonderful. Matthew Ryan’s distinctive voice works well on “Little Drummer Boy” and “The Christmas Song” is pleasantly sung by Maren Ord.

Christmas Songs is a wonderful compilation of some traditional Christmas carols mixed with some lesser known seasonal songs. The result is a unique (the last “song” is actually a very funny piece told by Stuart McLean called “Polly Anderson’s Christmas Party”) Christmas CD that will compliment any Christmas CD collection.

Song List: 1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan) 2. Winter Wonderland (Tara MacLean) 3. Christmas Day (Dido) 4. Terra Firma (Delerium) 5. Gaudete (Mediaeval Baebes) 6. Song for a Winter’s Night (Sarah McLachlan) 7. The Cat Carol (Meryn Cadell) 8. It’s in Everyone of Us (Dayna Manning) 9. Little Drummer Boy (Matthew Ryan) 10. O Come O Come Emmanuel (Kendall Payne) 11. Skating on the River (Lily Frost) 12. Ave Maria (Jenifer McLaren) 13. The Christmas Song (Maren Ord) 14. Polly Anderson’s Christmas Party (Stuart McLean) 

Anyone who grew up watching Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer on television will likely enjoy The Very Best of Burl Ives Christmas. The first song on the CD, “Overture and A Holly Jolly Christmas” is a nice reminder of how special this children’s Christmas special was – and still is. I still enjoy watching it and my wife and I have introduced this classic show narrated by Ives to our children. “Silver and Gold” is another classic that was featured on the television show.

Ives’ pleasant voice is well suited to the other popular Christmas songs featured on this CD making it a welcome addition to any music collection.

Song List: 1. Overture and A Holly Jolly Christmas; 2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer; 3. White Christmas; 4. Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem; 5. Silver Bells; 6. Twelve Days of Christmas; 7. Santa Claus is Coming to Town; 8. The Little Drummer Boy; 9. What Child is This?; 10. Silver and Gold; 11. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; 12. Winter Wonderland; 13. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day; 14. Silent Night; 15. A Holly Jolly Christmas.

Glenn Yarbrough has a voice that is both beautiful and distinctive. I remember his voice from when I was much younger – a time when he played with The Limelighters no doubt. Recently I heard his voice again and I was able to put a name to it. I also learned that Glenn Yarbrough made a Christmas CD in 1998. With his voice I assumed that Christmas With Glenn Yarbrough would be an excellent CD and I was not disappointed when I listened to it.

Distributed by Folk Era Records, Christmas With Glenn Yarbrough combines Yarbrough’s wonderful voice with some of the most beautiful Christmas songs. The result is impressive. This CD will be popular in our home during the weeks leading up to Christmas Day.

Song List: 1. O Holy Night 2. O Little Town of Bethlehem 3. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 4. What Child is This 5. Away in a Manger 6. I Wonder as I Wander 7. Silent Night 8. Scarlet Ribbons 9. Silver Bells 10. Winter Wonderland 11. White Christmas 12. I’ll Be Home for Christmas 13. The Christmas Song 14. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Christmas Is Almost Here is a pleasant Christmas CD by Carly Simon. It combines some traditional carols such as “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” with some new seasonal songs such as “Christmas Is Almost Here” written by Livingston Taylor and “Heaven” written by Carly Simon’s sister Lucy. Simon’s rendition of “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” is good as are the traditional Christmas carols. Fans of Carly Simon will not be disappointed with this CD.

A Christmas Wish consists of a collection of traditional Christmas carols performed by Lorraine Rousseau (flute) and Robert Carlton (guitar) along with various other musicians. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet get together with family or friends, a warm cup of cider by the fire or a good book, Rousseau and Carlton’s instrumental CD will provide an enjoyable listening experience.

Song List: 1. Huron Carol 2. Hark the Herald Angels Sing 3. O Holy Night 4. Carol of the Bells 5. O Come, All Ye Faithful 6. The First Noel 7. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 8. What Child is This? 9. Joy to the World 10. Angels We Have Heard on High 11. Silent Night 12. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

You can order a copy of this CD or listen to samples of the songs at: www.arrowrecords.com

More than 20 years after Vince Guaraldi’s death in 1976, Fantasy Records came out with Charlie Brown’s Holiday Hits. This CD features five of Guaraldi’s songs from other recordings; the rest are from his soundtrack music and were not available until this CD was released in 1998.

The “new” songs are classic Guaraldi and if you’ve seen the Charlie Brown television specials you will likely be familiar with many of them. Previously unreleased seasonal songs such as “Great Pumpkin Waltz” and “Thanksgiving Theme” combined with the more popular “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmas Time is Here” results in a wonderful jazz CD about a wonderful cartoon. Now you have an excuse to play Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown music throughout the year – not that you needed one!

Song List: 1. Joe Cool 2. Surfin’ Snoopy 3. Heartburn Waltz 4. Track Meet 5. Camptown Races 6. Oh, Good Grief (vocal) 7. Charlie Brown Theme 8. Schroeder 9. Charlie’s Blues 10. Great Pumpkin Waltz 11. Thanksgiving Theme 12. Linus and Lucy 13. Christmas Time is Here (vocal) 14. Christmas Time is Here (inst.)

A Charlie Brown Christmas first appeared on television on December 9, 1965. Watching this wonderful Christmas special has become a tradition for millions of people.

Obviously Charles M. Schultz’s endearing characters, the thought provoking messages along with the excellent work of producer Lee Mendelson and animator Bill Melendez were all instrumental in the show’s success and ongoing popularity. However, the wonderful music of the Vince Guaraldi Trio cannot be overlooked. The numerous songs featured on A Charlie Brown Christmas are a large and important part of the show.

The original sound track recording of A Charlie Brown Christmas is a popular Christmas CD in our house. It is a CD that you can put on, hit “continuous play” and let it play for hours – and you won’t get tired of listening to it. I only have a handful of CDs where I like every song on the CD – and this is one of them. Guaraldi’s upbeat songs like “Linus and Lucy” and “Skating” are very enjoyable and his quieter, more mellow, songs like “O Tannenbaum” and “Christmas Time is Here” are beautiful and relaxing. “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” is moving and I could listen to Guaraldi’s beautiful piano playing on “The Christmas Song” again and again.

If you enjoy watching A Charlie Brown Christmas but haven’t picked up a copy of the sound track to this television special you are in for a treat.

Song List:

1. O Tannenbaum 2. What Child is This 3. My Little Drum 4. Linus and Lucy 5. Christmas Time is Here (instrumental) 6. Christmas Time is Here (vocal) 7. Skating 8. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing 9. Christmas is Coming 10. Fur Elise 11. The Christmas Song 12. Greensleeves

The Vince Guaraldi Trio consisted of Vince Guaraldi (piano), Fred Marshall (bass) and Jerry Granelli (drums).

When it comes to Christmas music I like traditional songs sung or played in their traditional styles. However, on occasion, I enjoy these same Christmas songs played in a different way from what I am accustomed to. One Christmas CD that I have found very enjoyable is An Oscar Peterson Christmas.

From his upbeat renditions of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" to his more mellow versions of "What Child Is This?", "White Christmas" and "Silent Night", Oscar Peterson has put together a wonderful Christmas CD. His version of "O Christmas Tree" is a classic. Complementing Peterson, who is one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, are: Dave Samuels (vibes), Jack Schantz (flugelhorn), Lorne Lofsky (guitar), David Young (bass), Jerry Fuller (drums) and Rick Wilkins (conductor – string ensemble.)

Song List: 1. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen 2. What Child Is This? 3. Let It Snow 4. White Christmas 5. Jingle Bells 6. I’ll Be Home For Christmas 7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town 8. O Little Town of Bethlehem 9. Christmas Waltz 10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 11. Silent Night 12. Winter Wonderland 13. Away in a Manger 14. O Christmas Tree

It may be a sign that I’m getting older, but lately I’ve started to enjoy the sound of a choir – especially when the choir is singing Christmas carols. Noel: Christmas at King’s is a double CD that features 36 carols – some of the popular, traditional ones and many which I have not heard before.

According to the CD notes, “The choir of King’s College Chapel consists of thirty voices: sixteen boy trebles and fourteen undergraduates. Membership of the Choir is constantly changing – no treble stays for more than four or five years, and undergraduates normally remain for only three.”

Recorded between 1958 and 1964, Noel: Christmas at King’s provides close to 2 hours of peaceful Christmas music.

Song List: CD1: 1. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing 2. The First Nowell 3. While Shepherds Watched 4. I Saw Three Ships 5. Ding, Dong! Merrily on High 6. King Jesus Hath a Garden 7. In Dulci Jubilo 8. Unto Us is Born a Son 9. O Come, All Ye Faithful 10. Away in a Manger 11. O Little Town of Bethlehem 12. The Holly and the Ivy 13. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen 14. See amid the Winter’s Snow 15. Past Three O’Clock  CD2: 1. Once in Royal David’s City 2. The Sussex Carol 3. Rocking 4. Rejoice and be Merry 5. Joseph was an Old Man 6. The Three Kings 7. As with Gladness Men of Old 8. A Great and Mighty Wonder 9. The Infant King 10. Balulalow 11. The Crown of Roses 12. Christ was Born on Christmas Day 13. Blessed be that Maid Mary 14. Lute-book Lullaby 15. Myn Lyking 16. Personent Hodie 17. In the Bleak Mid-Winter 18. Coventry Carol 19. Shepherds, in the Field Abiding 20. Torches 21. Fantasia on Christmas Carols

Recorded at Temple Church in London, England in 1996, The Choirboy’s Christmas is a pleasant Christmas CD featuring Anthony Way along with The Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the English Chamber Orchestra.

At almost 70 minutes in length, this CD contains many of the popular Christmas songs. Some of the songs I particularly enjoy are: “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” “The Holly and the Ivy,” “What Child is This?” and “Ding Dong! Merrily on High.”  While “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is not one of my favourite Christmas songs, the version on this CD is very enjoyable.

Whether you are quietly reflecting during this spiritual time of year, enjoying a family gathering or relaxing after a busy day, The Choirboy’s Christmas is a nice CD to have playing.

Song List: 1. O Come All Ye Faithful 2. Silent Night 3. Sussex Carol 4. Once in Royal David’s City 5. Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day 6. Away in a Manger 7. Balulalow From ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ 8. Joy to the World 9. The Holly and the Ivy 10. In the Bleak Midwinter 11. What Child is This? 12. A Maiden Most Gentle 13. Ding Dong! Merrily on High 14. O Men From the Fields 15. The Twelve Days of Christmas 16. The Three Kings 17. See Amid the Winter’s Snow 18. Past Three O’Clock 19. O Little One Sweet 20. Do You Hear What I Hear? 21. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

The beautiful singing of the King’s College Choir is displayed on the 16 songs of O Come All Ye Faithful. So find a comfortable chair, close your eyes and listen to such songs as “Once in Royal David’s City,” “Silent Night,” The Holly and the Ivy” and “I Saw Three Ships.” 

Song List: 1. Once in Royal David’s City 2. Up! Good Christen Folk, and Listen 3. On Christmas Night 4. Ding Dong! Merrily on High 5. O Little Town of Bethlehem 6. Silent Night 7. In the Bleak Mid-winter 8. The First Nowell 9. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 10. Away in a Manger 11. The Seven Joys of Mary 12. The Infant King 13. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen 14. The Holly and the Ivy 15. I Saw Three Ships 16. O Come, All Ye Faithful

With Christmas Songs Mel Torme provides a nice blend of quiet, at times almost melancholy, music with upbeat, jazzy versions of many classic Christmas songs. Torme’s subdued versions of “The Christmas Song,” “Christmas is Here,” “Silver Bells,”  “Just Look Around/Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “White Christmas” are a joy to listen to. His more upbeat songs, including “Sleigh Ride” and “Christmas Medley (Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Winter Weather, Winter Wonderland)” complement the quieter ones. And you will find it difficult not to tap your toes to his catchy version of “Good King Wenceslas”!

The instrumental songs on the CD, “What Child is This?” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” are also pleasant to listen to. If you’re looking for a Christmas CD that features many of the classics done in a jazz style then you will want to consider Mel Torme’s Christmas Songs.

Ruth Crawford Seeger (1901-1953) compiled three collections of folk songs including American Folk Songs for Christmas. Three of her four children have put together this two-disc collection which is based on their mother’s book of the same name. According to the liner notes,

“The book tells the Christmas story in song: the scene is set, with stars and shepherds, the expectation of the baby, the journey to Bethlehem. It is followed by the birth, the rejoicing, the presents and the adoration. Interspersed we have sober pieces of religious praise and less sober festive pieces. Not all songs are directly about Christmas – it is a musical tapestry with background and foreground, with many colours and shapes.”

This CD consists of several songs sung by Vonda Shepard along with others performed by some of the cast of the television show Ally McBeal. While the CD is not one of the more popular ones in our house, it does include some enjoyable songs by Vonda Sheppard and some of the actors on Ally McBeal. Robert Downey, Jr.’s rendition of “River”, a Joni Mitchell song, is very good. Ally McBeal: A Very Ally Christmas would be an appropriate CD to play at the company Christmas party. 
 

The 1951 version of “A Christmas Carol” starring Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge, and adapted from the Charles Dickens’ book of the same title, is one of our family’s favourite Christmas movies. This heart-warming story of how Scrooge changes his mean-spirited ways after being visited by the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come is an entertaining movie with an important message.

While my wife Lynn and I prefer the original black and white versions of older movies, our children prefer watching shows in colour. This isn’t a problem with the DVD “A Christmas Carol” just released by VCI Entertainment. This DVD features the classic film in both black and white and colour. I have to admit that the colourization of this film was very well done.

Besides the two versions of the movie, this DVD also features an introduction by Patrick Macnee, cast biographies, an optional narrative for the blind and a cartoon –  “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

This 1951 version of “A Christmas Carol” is a Christmas classic which continues to entertain families.