One of the most important things I do every single year — without fail — is put on a particular Christmas album.  I’ve been doing this every year since 1997 and I’ve been known to do it at any given time between the months of January and December.  There’s no time frame limit when it comes to this album.

Yes, it’s true. The thing Ryan Gosling’s mother and I have in common is — it’s just not Christmas without “Snowed In” by Hanson (@HansonMusic).

You can usually tell how filled with the holiday spirit a performer is by their Christmas record. Sometimes an album just sounds like every other song by the artist but with Christmas-related lyrics.

This is not the case with the Hanson brothers.

Even at the young ages they were at the time of the recording of this album (17, 14 & 12), their holiday joy was apparent in every track.  From the jingling opening keyboard taps by Taylor in the cover of Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore’s classic “Merry Christmas Baby” to the joyous “What Christmas Means to Me” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)“.  Let’s not forget the slow or upbeat melodies in their original songs “At Christmas“, “Christmas Time“, and “Everybody Knows the Claus” right down to the closing spiritual tracks like a brilliant melody of “O Holy Night/Silent Night/O Come All Ye Faithful” and “White Christmas“.

You could tell these boys grew up in a household that took the spirit of Christmas seriously and truly made an impact on them. While their voices were young, their musical souls were wise beyond their years.  The music could put a fan at any age in the spirit of the season.

It’s officially been 14 years since Hanson released “Snowed In” and as much as this album is a staple in my household — I’m in desperate need of more.

Last year Hanson put on their own Christmas special back in Tulsa, Oklahoma where they live-streamed it from their home studio.  They sang songs, exchanged gifts and even did some holiday baking.  Seeing as how they get so filled to the brim with “the most wonderful time of the year”, they can consider this a request for them to record some new Christmas carols!

I know it’s late in the year and they’re currently on tour across the United States, but how amazing would it be for them to at least put out an EP this year of some new carols I can really rock around the Christmas tree with?

Next year will be the big 15 years since “Snowed In” and I’ve already compiled a list of classic holiday songs they can record — they could even write some new ones. They’re so good at that. So, Isaac, Taylor, and Zac — read on for my list. Practice. Record. Hook me up.

1. Please Come Home For Christmas
I could just hear Taylor’s soulful voice on this bluesy holiday ballad by Charles Brown.

2. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
The raspy tones in Isaac’s voice would have me kicking back on the couch with a warm cup of hot cocoa to this 1943 classic.

3. Who Would Imagine a King
Take it home Taylor. Take. It. Home.

4. The First Noel
Much like their “Silent Night Medley” on the first record, I would love to hear them create a Noel medley.

5. Sleigh Ride
This is one of my most favorite holiday songs, I think Hanson could really record a great version of it. I imagine Zac would take lead on this.

6. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
While this could stand on its own, I’m wondering how it would sound as part of that medley of “The First Noel”.

7. Last Christmas
A Christmas song about the love of your life making you miserable and forcing you to move on? Take. It. Home. Taylor.

8. This Christmas
I know, I know what you’re thinking. No one can sing it like Donny Hathaway — but I sure would like to hear the brothers try.

9. Little Drummer Boy
Who better to add a little “pa rum pum pum pum” to your holidays than Hanson’s own little drummer boy – Zac!

10. Happy Holidays (War Is Over)
I love this song. I love Hanson. This is a win-win for me that focuses on what is still affecting the world around us.

11. Do They Know It’s Christmas?
When they’re not making music, performing, or spending time with their families – Hanson is very focused on what is going on in the world around us. They’re always lending a helping hand. Something tells me they’d give a little soul to this classic Band-Aid track.

12. All Alone on Christmas
This is one of my all-time favorites and originally recorded by Darlene Love. I really think they could do a lot with this — it’s so much fun.

13. Christmas All Over Again
Hanson singing a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers holiday song? Yes, please.

14. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
I can’t think of a better track to close out then with this one song that encourages you to go along on your merry little way.

What do you say Hanson? Make it happen.

So, while Hanson hopefully takes this letter into consideration — If you don’t already have it in your possession, I expect you to log-onto iTunes now and make sure you have “Snowed In” for your musical collection this Christmas.

Photo Credit: Hanson.net