Natalie Grant Discusses Her New Christmas Album

Natalie Grant’s Christmas Album: A Homecoming

For contemporary Christian artist Natalie Grant, nominated for nine Grammy Awards, this Christmas feels like a return home. Since releasing her first holiday album in 2005, it’s been a long time coming for her to create a second one. After wrapping up her multi-album deal last year, she was eager to dive right into making new Christmas music.

She released Christmas this season, which for her represents a joyful return to cherished childhood memories. Christmas was always a special time for her family, gathering around the piano to sing carols. “Even now, we still gather around the piano every Christmas Eve,” she reflects, a nostalgic smile crossing her face. It’s a core memory that, she feels, resonates with her own children.

Grant’s new album includes a familiar comfort with classic Christmas songs, alongside two original tracks. In “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” she expresses excitement for the future, especially as her two oldest daughters come home for their first holiday break after college. “The day we recorded it, I was emotional,” she shares. “Going into the studio was therapeutic. It allowed me to think, ‘Yes, they’re going to college, but they’ll be back.'”

In a recent interview with Crosswalk magazine, she discussed her love for Christmas and the significance of her faith in her music.

CW: What took you 20 years to produce another Christmas album?

Natalie Grant: Well, those who know me call me the Queen of Christmas! I just adore Christmas music. I’ve always told artists that there’s something magical about crafting a classic Christmas album. I actually built a brand around my Christmas record two decades ago. I had a wonderful partnership with Curb Records, but we had a specific contract that didn’t cover any holiday albums. After I released my first one in 2005 outside of that commitment, it felt like the natural next step to pursue a new Christmas album right after finishing my contract.

CW: What was the reaction of Capital Records when you pitched the idea of a Christmas album?

NG: It was fantastic! I’ve known the people there for years, and they were instantly on board. I wouldn’t have signed if they weren’t excited about making a Christmas record.

CW: What draws you to Christmas music?

NG: It’s filled with nostalgia and fond memories for me. I was the youngest of five in a musical family. While they aren’t all pursuing music professionally like I am, we all come together during the holidays. Every Christmas, we sing around the piano, each of us taking our part—me in alto, my sister in soprano, and my brother in tenor. It’s such a special time, even with all the grandchildren joining in now.

CW: What are some of your favorite childhood Christmas memories?

NG: My parents still live in the same house I grew up in. They moved there when I was just two. My dad is nearing 90, and my mom is 85. Growing up, we had a neighborhood tradition of caroling, and neighbors would bake cookies in anticipation of our visits. For me, Christmas embodies the essence of parenting and the music I cherish.

CW: How did your love for Christian music develop?

NG: I’ve always been a lifelong Christian and a fan of gospel music. Honestly, that could lead to a whole different conversation.