Reba McEntire doesn't just sing Christmas songs; she practically owns the fireplace and the rocking chair they’re heard from. Honestly, if you haven't sat through a snowy December evening with her voice crackling in the background, you're missing out on a core pillar of country music history. Most people think there’s just one definitive reba mcentire christmas album, but the reality is a lot more layered. She’s actually given us three distinct solo studio projects over the decades, plus a massive "Ultimate" collection that dropped recently.
Her holiday discography is a bit of a time capsule. You’ve got the 80s production of her early work, the more experimental original songs of the late 90s, and the stripped-down, piano-heavy intimacy of her later releases. Each one feels like a different version of Reba—the rising star, the established icon, and finally, the legendary storyteller.
The 1987 Debut: Merry Christmas to You
This is the one that started it all. Released in late November 1987, Merry Christmas to You was Reba’s 13th studio album overall but her very first foray into holiday music. It’s pretty much the blueprint for a "traditional" country Christmas.
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If you grew up in a household that loved 80s country, you know the sound. It’s got that specific texture—acoustic guitars, light percussion, and Reba's voice at its most crystal clear. What’s interesting is that she actually arranged several of the selections herself. She wasn't just showing up to the studio to sing; she was building the atmosphere.
The tracklist is a heavy hitter list of classics:
- "Away in a Manger"
- "O Holy Night"
- "Silent Night"
- "White Christmas"
But the real heart of this album is "The Christmas Guest." It’s a spoken-word narrative originally by Grandpa Jones, and Reba delivers it with such sincerity that it’s hard not to get a little misty-eyed. It tells the story of a man expecting a visit from the Lord, only to realize that the Lord appeared in the form of the beggars and children he helped throughout the day. It’s peak Reba storytelling.
Shifting Gears with The Secret of Giving
Fast forward to 1999. The landscape of country music had changed, and so had Reba. She released The Secret of Giving: A Christmas Collection in September of that year. Unlike her first album, which leaned heavily on covers everyone knew by heart, this one was filled with mostly new, original holiday tunes.
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It felt more personal.
There’s a track called "The Angels Sang" that features a choir of children. Those kids weren't just random studio hires—they were actually the third-grade classmates of her son, Shelby. That’s the kind of detail that makes a reba mcentire christmas album feel like a family affair rather than a corporate product. The album eventually went Gold, selling over 500,000 copies in the US alone.
She even starred in a CBS made-for-TV movie of the same name that aired on Thanksgiving night in 1999. It basically served as a long-form music video for the album’s themes of charity and community. If you’re looking for "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," she’s got a great version on here, but the title track is where the soul of the record lives.
My Kind of Christmas: The Raw, Stripped-Down Era
In 2016, Reba did something most mainstream stars are too afraid to do during the high-gloss holiday season. She went simple. My Kind of Christmas was originally a Cracker Barrel exclusive (which is the most Reba thing ever) before getting a wider release later.
The arrangement? Just Reba and her long-time pianist, Catherine Marx.
There are no big orchestral swells or heavy drums. It’s just a voice and a piano. It highlights every nuance in her vocals—the little breaks, the Oklahoma twang, and the sheer power she still commands. This album also brought in some heavy-duty collaborations.
- "Mary, Did You Know?" featuring Vince Gill and Amy Grant.
- "Silent Night" with Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood.
- "Back to God" (Acoustic version) with Lauren Daigle.
Her cover of Dolly Parton’s "Hard Candy Christmas" on this record is particularly haunting. It’s a song about resilience and keeping your chin up when things are falling apart, and Reba’s version feels like a weary but hopeful hug.
The Ultimate Christmas Collection and Beyond
If you're a new fan or just want the hits without digging through three decades of CDs, The Ultimate Christmas Collection (2022) is basically the "Greatest Hits" of her holiday career. It pulls 12 tracks from the previous three albums.
It also includes a relatively new track, "I Needed Christmas," which first appeared in her 2021 Lifetime movie Christmas in Tune.
People often ask which reba mcentire christmas album they should start with. Honestly? It depends on your mood. If you want nostalgia and "O Holy Night," go for the 1987 original. If you want something to play while you’re actually doing chores or wrapping gifts and want to hear some new stories, The Secret of Giving is the winner. But for those late nights when the house is quiet and you just want to feel the music? My Kind of Christmas is the one.
One thing that gets overlooked is how Reba’s holiday music isn't just about the "joy" of the season. She’s never been afraid to tackle the loneliness or the spiritual weight of December. Songs like "A Christmas Letter" from her first album touch on the reality of being away from loved ones, a theme that resonates just as much today as it did in the 80s.
How to Build the Perfect Reba Holiday Playlist
Don't just hit play on a random compilation. To get the full experience of a reba mcentire christmas album, you have to mix the eras. Start with the upbeat "Jingle Bell Rock" from her later work to get the energy up. Then, transition into the storytelling of "The Christmas Guest."
Finish it off with the powerhouse vocals of "O Holy Night." It’s a vocal masterclass. Most singers over-sing that song, trying to hit every high note with maximum volume. Reba builds it. She starts small and ends with a resonance that feels like it’s filling a cathedral.
If you’re looking to add these to your collection, the vinyl versions of Merry Christmas to You and The Ultimate Christmas Collection have become collector's items. There’s something about the warmth of vinyl that just suits her voice perfectly.
Actionable Ways to Enjoy Reba’s Holiday Catalog
- Track down the 1999 TV movie: If you can find a copy or a stream of The Secret of Giving, watch it. It adds a whole new layer of meaning to the songs on that specific album.
- Listen for the piano: In the My Kind of Christmas album, pay close attention to Catherine Marx’s playing. It’s not just accompaniment; it’s a duet.
- Compare the versions: Reba has recorded "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night" multiple times. Comparing the 1987 versions to the 2016 versions is a fascinating look at how a legendary voice evolves over 30 years.
Reba remains the "Queen of Country" for a reason. She doesn't just sing the season; she lives it. Whether it's through a Cracker Barrel CD or a fancy white vinyl reissue, her holiday music continues to be the soundtrack for millions of families every year.