It was like swimming in a river of glory, bathing in an ocean of wonder, swimming about in the stars of ignited treasures!

Yes – this year’s submissions were great and the diversity of expression was immense. You’ll hear that when you listen to this year’s nominees. When you listen to them completely; in their entirety; on cranking good speakers or with specially chosen headphones.

Not every song will be everyone’s cup of tea. But in every song is something marvellous to appreciate. And so I bid thee come … listen … appreciate … join us in the pools of wonderment and in the streams of fascination!

For those who want a little tour on each of the songs – See the write up at the base of this post.

Without further ado

Here are the nominees for 2019’s Christmas Carol of the Year:

• Rudolph – Robbie Williams
• Don’t Save it all for Christmas Day – Mark Masri, Toronto Mass Choir
• It’s Christmas Time – Jenn Bostic
• Away in a Manger (Forever Amen) – Phil Wickham
• I am the Grinch – Tyler, The Creator, Fletcher Jones
• Do you hear what I hear? – CeCe Winans
• Christmas Must Be Tonight – Amy Helm, The Wood Bros

Listen on YouTube | Listen on Spotify

Highly Commended

• O Holy Night – Gentri
• Joy to the World – Nikki Potts
• Do you Hear What I Hear? – Central Live

And for our Sub-Category: The nominees for Foreign Language Christmas Song:

• Santa La Noche – Gaby Moreno
• Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring – Kruger Bros
• Cancion De Navidad – Silvio Rodriguez
• El Nino Del Tambor – Gaby Moreno
• Christmas Wish List – F(x)
• 24 De Diciembre – Juan Gabriel
• Don Oiche Ud I mBeithil – Celtic Woman
• Brosjan Jesus – TIX

Listen on YouTube | Listen on Spotify

VOTING OPENS > Saturday, December 14

A distilled tour of your 2019 CCOTY Nominees

Rudolph – Robbie Williams

The fact that Rudolph is affectionately referred to as ‘Rudy’ in this song is enough to give it that a little kick of unique to set it apart. Add to that Robbie’s sure-as-eggs vocal and a magical arrangement – this song is Christmas all over!

Don’t Save it all for Christmas Day – Mark Masri, Toronto Mass Choir

Give this song time. It might not grab you at the start … but this guy can hold his own over a Mass Choir and knock it out of the park. If you’re a fan of a gospel rhythm section – pay attention – you’ll be rewarded. By 3m30sec you’ll have been in heaven for 10 seconds already!

It’s Christmas Time – Jenn Bostic

Jenn who? Jenn Bostic! Wow! What a cool song! If this doesn’t get you feeling Christmas while cruising down the highway to the beach – nothing will. Like electric guitar solos? Here it is. Bit of organ? Yup. Double time ending? You got it! Thank you, Jenn.

Away in a Manger (Forever Amen) – Phil Wickham

Dramatic. It might make you cry. I mean, if I had a manger for a bed I’d cry too – but it’s not that kind of cry. Listen at night, in the dark … with tissues. Away in a Manger is a simple song. And paired with Forever Amen – it makes for a true beauty.

I am the Grinch – Tyler, The Creator, Fletcher Jones

Like you even had a choice! This song grabs you and then unapologetically winds you in with layers of intriguing variation. You never know what’s around the corner! But be sure – it’s a surprise at every turn! Git yo inner gangsta on, pull down dem sunnies and make sho gramma aint home!

Do You Hear What I Hear? – CeCe Winans

CeCe, CeCe, CeCe. You are a wonder. Listen to this one with plenty of volume and a heart full of gratitude – and you’ll be rewarded in spades. Powerhouse vocal throughout an arrangement that ebbs and flows then gets your toes tapping with rhythm section flourishes to make you thank God for Africa and America. It simply has everything.

Christmas Must Be Tonight – Amy Helm, The Wood Bros

Start a song with the drum kit. That’s the lesson from this earthy folk song. Put on your flanny n jeans, sit on a hay bale, get an ice-cold ginger beer and relax in the ambience of authentic vocal and a simply perfect organ solo. You’re welcome.