CAROLYN ARENDS
"Christmas:  An Irrational Season" (Reunion)

1.  When you recorded the album, how did you capture the Christmas spirit?

We had elaborate plans to put up Christmas lights and dust off some fruitcake.  But we … never got around to the décor. Honestly, though, it’s such a gift to get to work with fabulously talented musicians and watch the music come to life; it made every day feel like Christmas to me! 

2.  What are you hoping is under your tree this year?

When my son Ben was four, he made this very cool coaster/pot-warmer thing at preschool featuring his handprint.  It’s still on display in our living room. This year, my daughter Bethany is four, and she’s attending the same preschool. ... I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but a matching set of coaster/pot-warmer things would be awfully nice.

3.  What five words would you use to describe this record?

Original, organic, warm, contemplative, joyful.

4.  What are your two favorite songs on the record? 

“My First Christmas” and “Come and See.”  “Come and See” has lines written from the perspective of someone in Bethlehem who has heard of Jesus’ birth:  “If his mama says that it's alright/ We can see the face of God tonight.”

SHELLEY BREEN, Point of Grace
"Winter Wonderland" (WORD)

1.  When you recorded the album, how did you capture the Christmas spirit?

When you have the London Symphony playing Christmas songs in your headphones, it doesn’t take much else to get into the spirit! However, we did have one Yankee candle in the “Christmas Wreath” scent that we faithfully lit every single day before we sang a note.

2.  What are you hoping is under your tree this year?

I actually hope nothing is under mine! My husband and I are going to Hawaii in February, so we are saving our pennies! Maybe a nice big bottle of Coppertone. ...

3.  What five words would you use to describe this record?

Nostalgic, snowy, big-band, warm and fuzzy, harmonies
for days!

4.  What are your two favorite songs on the record? 

Heather singing “All is Well” with Smitty accompanying on piano. My other favorite is “Jingle Bells.” It’s so “old-school” Christmas, and harmonically we pull out all the stops!