Okay, I admit it – the holiday season sneaked up on me this year, and I have had little time so far to really enjoy the beautiful Christmas music I love so much.

Granted, I have had my car radio tuned to the channels playing 24/7 seasonal selections. But I haven’t taken the time to explore some of the new holiday music that has been released for this season.

Of those I have had the time to enjoy, one of my favorites is An Aaron Watson Family Christmas. Watson enlisted the help of his wife and children to give this collection a real family flavor. The album contains eight classic Christmas songs and two originals.

And, I must admit, the kids are a nice touch. They do a tremendous job especially on “Christmas Time is Here.” Watson brings the cowboy ambiance he is noted for to this Christmas collection, even on such classics as “Baby, it’s Cold Outside.”

This is a solid album that’s fun to listen to and should be something everyone country music fan can enjoy. Another great pick for Christmas music lovers comes from one of the greatest female country voices ever, Martina McBride.

She describes this new release on her website: “It’s been exactly 20 years since I released White Christmas. With that album I wanted to make it classic and something that would stand the test of time, which I feel like it has done.

“I wanted to accomplish the same thing with It’s The Holiday Season, but with a different feel. So, I decided to make most of the album with a Big Band-swing vibe that takes you back to the Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald records.”

This truly is a classic kind of album, and I have no doubt it will stand the test of time. It took me back to when I was a kid listening to my dad’s favorite Christmas albums as we anticipated old Saint Nick making a visit to our house.

If you don’t listen to any new Christmas music this year other than these two selections, you won’t be disappointed.

Even though Christmas seems to have come around quickly for me this year, I suspect I will fire up the old Victrola soon, sit back in my recliner and binge-listen to old favorites and these brand new picks until Santa makes his appearance.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of music. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.