Idina Menzel
Holiday Wishes
(Warner Bros.)

With exactly 45 days to Christmas (yes folks, the countdown has begun) it’s time to get your iPads, iPhones or any form of MP3 players ready for those catchy and seasonal Christmas songs. This season, get ready for Idina Menzel’s Christmas album, Holiday Wishes.

Any fan of Idina Menzel appreciates not just her powerful voice, but also the contribution that Menzel has made to musical theatre. Fans will not be disappointed with Menzel’s first attempt at a Christmas album. The introduction of Holiday Wishes is “Do You Hear What I Hear.” Beautifully arranged and beautifully sung, it is the perfect introduction to the album. On Menzel and Michael Buble’s version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” Menzel and Mr. Christmas himself do a fun, flirty, and ever-so-cute rendition of the holiday classic.

“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is easily one of my favorites. Menzel’s voice and the arrangement of the music are nothing short of perfection for this classic. This is followed by another beauty, “December Prayer.”

Menzel does great covers of some favorite holiday songs. “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” the famous Mariah Carey song, is one of my all-time personal favorite songs this time of year. There’s something about it that has a really jingle bells, eggnog-sipping type of feel. Covering this song would NOT be an easy feat, but Menzel steps up to the plate and delivers. This is followed by “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Yes you’re right – this song is NOT a Christmas song, but I don’t think Walt Disney would disapprove. And nor would Joni Mitchell of Menzel’s cover of “River” or Bing Crosby of “White Christmas,” both of which are beautifully sung and arranged.

Everything about this album is enjoyable and perfectly festive. So much so that although it’s still early November, I found myself singing along and wanting to sip on some yummy eggnog or if you’re Puerto Rican like me, coquito. I have only love for Holiday Wishes, a beautifully done Christmas album, and can’t wait for the official start of the holiday season when some of these songs make it to the radio. I’m sure any loyal fan or newbie fan will thoroughly enjoy it.