If you're anything like me you cannot wait for it to be Christmas time. It is the best part of the year filled with family reunions, hot chocolate, amazing seasonal food, and of course Christmas music! Last year the highlight of my holiday season was getting to be at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee to see the taping of the 2015 CMA Country Christmas.

It was so amazing getting to be in such a historical building while listening to the talented artists spreading the Christmas spirit. My favorite part about going to the live taping was that nobody knew who was going to be performing that night so it was a surprise seeing who came out on stage. Not only is the event an opportunity to see a magical show, but it is also a toy drive that benefits Toys for Tots and guests attending are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys where more than 5,000 gifts were collected last year!

Unfortunately, I did not make it to Nashville this year to see the live taping but I did watch the show on TV which aired November 28th, 2016. As I sat and watched from the comfort of my home I couldn't help but listen in awe to the amazing talent on stage. This year some of the featured artists were Jennifer Nettles (who is such a perfect host in my opinion), Kelsea Ballerini, Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson, Jordan Smith, Brett Eldredge, Sarah McLachlan, Kacey Musgraves, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Young, and many more! The night was filled with Christmas classics and even some new songs that really helped to kick off the holiday season.

It is next to impossible for me to pick just one performance that I enjoyed the most but I have to say one of my favorites of the night was from Jordan Smith. I have loved him ever since I saw him win Season 9 of The Voice. His voice is so pure and mezmorizing that even singing "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" was spectacular. I also really enjoyed hearing some of Kacey Musgraves new songs off of her current Christmas album which was just released. Overall, I really enjoyed all of the performances and thought that all of the artists sounded amazing. It has not yet been announced if the show will be re-aired at another time in December but you can check back at cmaworld.com to stay updated. Now that the Christmas festivities have officially begun, break out the music, decorations, Christmas cookies and enjoy this magical holiday!