Have you ever started decorating your Christmas tree, took a sip of egg nog or made a snow angel and thought to yourself, "I wonder what my favorite Christian band and/or artist does during the holidays?"
Well, if you're that person—or even if you're not and you simply like to learn interesting tidbits about these musicians—this column is for you.
We asked a number of artists to share about their Christmastime traditions, likes, and thoughts, and they either gave us some great answers, or had their publicists make up some incredible fabrications. (Just kidding; we have no reason to doubt the authenticity of these answers.) Enjoy!
Favorites and Fa-La-Las
It's self-evident that musicians love music, so the obvious holiday question follows: What are these artists listening to during the holidays? Which songs inspire them, and why? Also, what are some of these artists' favorite aspects of Christmas, with regard to traditions, decorations, and the Story itself.
The candy man himself, Chris August, says that if there's any Christmas song he would've loved to have written, he would pick "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," because he's a sucker for the jazzy chords and melody. Gotee pop artist Ryan Stevenson, who says he wishes he'd written "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," says his favorite part of the Christmas story is the manger scene.
"My favorite part of the Christmas story is the actual place where Jesus was born," Stevenson said. "In a dingy dirt hole—literally, an old stable. I've been to Bethlehem and visited the birthplace of Jesus, and it was unbelievable to see where he was actually born."
In that spirit, he says the best Christmas song ever written is "Silent Night." Stevenson's go-to record for the holidays is one that has become a time-honored tradition in his household.
"My go-to record during the holidays is the first Christmas CD that my wife played during Christmas the first year we were married, and it's never left our CD player," he said. "It's the NOW that's what I call Christmas compilation of classics!"
So what's the best present out of the 12 Days of Christmas song? Blake NeeSmith of Finding Favour says the Second Day of Christmas is the most enticing.
"It would definitely be turtle doves," NeeSmith said. "There's just something about this that makes me think about turtles with wings—a great combination!"
The Finding Favour frontman most resonates with the Frank Sinatra version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," because it makes him "feel like a kid again."
The boys of Capital Kings say "The Christmas Story"—you know, the one with Ralphie and the Red Rider BB gun—is their favorite holiday flick, because, in their words, "It's a classic." Singer-songwriter Jason Castro considers himself a purist when it comes to Christmas decorations, putting them up the day after Thanksgiving and leaving them up through New Year's Day.
Christmas in Russia
The Russian heritage and upbringing of the Odnoralov brothers of Everfound is a huge part of their identity, so it was worth asking: How is Christmas celebrated in Russia? Frontman Nikita Odnoralov shared the traditions of his birth country.
In Russia, Christmas is usually celebrated in many diverse ways, though there are several common themes. "Uncle Frost" is a popular figure (kind of like Santa) who brings gifts to kids at Christmas parties. He usually comes with his granddaughter, "Snigurachka" (pronounced Snie-goo-raw-ch-ka), who is young and upbeat and often funny. Children cheer for them in a chant until they appear.
People in the big cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg celebrate differently than those in the smaller rural towns, going all out with decorations that are much like here in the U.S. There is a big difference between how people in Northern Russia or Siberia celebrate as opposed to those in the warmer, southern parts as well.
We lived in a small city in the South. Because we were from a poor part of Russia, and given the economical condition of the city back when we were there, we would usually get candy and fresh fruits as gifts. I remember one year, specifically, we got several kiwi fruit! There was usually a Christmas nativity play for children presented by local churches. Also, the Gospel was preached at church on Christmas Day at a festive and brightly colored service.
A Married Little Christmas
Joel Smallbone of for KING & COUNTRY married fellow artist Moriah Peters this summer. So what is he looking forward to about celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple?
"The thought of sharing Christmas with my new wife as a 'family' feels reminiscent of how the boy version of myself felt knowing Santa was on his way!" he said. "I feel that magical and childlike excitement for Christmas 2013!"
Another married couple, Jodi King and Chris Rademaker of Love & The Outcome, shared their thoughts on picking the most meaningful gift for each other.
"It can be really tricky to pick out a special gift for Chris because his favorite things are bass, guitar, pedals and gear that I don't know know much about!" Jodi said. "My strategy has been more day by day, serving him with his favorite little things that show how much I adore him. For example, I never let the gluten-free chocolate chip cookies run out, and I always make a big batch of granola bars for the bus. And his favorite prosciutto, sun-dried tomato pizza with a movie night is a staple when we're home! Although I did surprise him with Coldplay tickets for his birthday one year; that was a win!"
Chris says the key is to stay alert. "I do my best to pay attention if Jodi gets really excited about something she's seen in a magazine," he said, "but I have to admit that my go-to strategy is Jodi's sister Brittany. They are joined at the hip and could pretty much share each other's wardrobe if they lived in the same city! If I ever have any doubts the sister connection will come through!"
