Holiday Mixed "Tape" Swap Reveal

When Meghan at Shine On announced a Holiday Music Mixtape Swap, I got so excited. Without a moment of hesitation, I signed up, eager to add to my large Christmas music collection.

I was matched with Casey at Everyday Adventures, and I've enjoyed getting to know her through her blog.  We have a lot in common, and I don't know how I wasn't following her blog before.

 I will say Casey had a tough assignment in me.  I mean, I own 16 hours of Christmas music.  Was it possible for her to send me a CD of songs I didn't already own?  I wasn't sure, but ... out of the 15 songs she sent me, I only previously had three.  I'll call that a big win for Casey.

Look at this cute package!

Here are the tracks on the CD and my impression of each one:

"It Feels Like Christmas" - The Muppets
Who doesn't love The Muppets?  Perfect song to start this CD.  And it made me want to find "The Muppet Christmas Carol" to watch.

"I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" - Gayle Peevey
This song is adorable.  And, it's weird, but I always think of Shirley Temple when I hear it, and she was one of my childhood favorites.

"Christmas Song" - Dave Matthews
Confession: I am not a huge Dave Matthews fan. I only like a few of his songs. And this is now one of them.  It's a beautiful Christmas tune, and I never would have given it a chance if Casey hadn't included it.

"Baby It's Cold Outside" - Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey
This is one that I already owned.  But I do love it.  I miss the days when those two were together.

"My Only Wish" - Britney Spears
Another one I already owned.  I love Miss Brit ... even with all her crazy.

"Away in a Manger" - Mannheim Steamroller
I owned a few MS songs, but not this one.  Their holiday tunes are always pretty and perfect.  I'm glad to have this one now.

"Winter Wonderland" - Jason Mraz
I love Mraz!!  I didn't even know he had any Christmas songs out there.  Love it.

"Angels We Have Heard on High" - Pentatonix
Acapella Christmas music? Sold. Easily.

"Little Drummer Boy" - Jessica & Ashlee Simpson
I'd heard this song before but didn't own it.  These sisters have such different voices, but it's fun to hear them together.

"Christmas" - Trans Siberian Orchestra
I've heard their songs on commercials and now I finally have one in my collection.  Good stuff.  I really want to see them live now.

"Christmas Without You" - One Republic
Really? One Republic has a holiday song out there? How did I not know this.  Love them.  And I love this song.

"I Want You For Christmas" - Cheap Trick
This song made me laugh.  Same melody as "I Want You To Want Me" but with a Christmas spin.  It kind of reminds me of that song/singer in "Love Actually."  Ha ha.

"Carol of the Bells" - Pentatonix
I definitely have to get their Christmas CD now.  This song is amazing!

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - She & Him
I already had this tune.  I love Zooey Deschanel.  Clearly, Casey and I like a lot of the same Christmas music.

"Cannon" - Tace Bundy
I love this acoustic guitar take on "Canon in D." Beautiful and somehow sounds like the holidays.

Thanks so much Casey!!  
I love all the songs you sent to me.

Go here to read about the other participants' packages.