Reba McEntire is always a class act and her first Christmas album in 12 years is a winner all the way. For Reba, Christmas was always a time of big family gatherings, huge Christmas dinners and lots of music.
“I don’t recall a Christmas in the McEntire family when we weren’t singing our favorite Christmas songs at the top of our lungs,” Reba has stated. Her first public performance behind a microphone, in fact, was in a first grade Christmas program in which she sang "Away in a Manger."

It’s obvious from listening to Reba’s new CD Secret of Giving that family, sharing and giving - the true meaning of Christmas, is what’s important to her. Though two older Christmas numbers are included, the cute "I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus," and the somewhat mystical, "Mary, Did You Know," there’s several new numbers that are both heartwarming and heartfelt.

"This is My Prayer for You" written by Tony Arata and Gary Scruggs is more than just a Christmas song. The sweet fiddling is unmistakably country and the bells or chiming xylophone evoke Christmas. But the sentiment, a universal wish for peace, love and happiness for all those one holds dear, makes it a song for all seasons.

Reba personalizes "I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus" by using her own son’s name in the first verse. This number is followed by "One Child, One Day," a joyous number that recounts the birth of Christ.

The CD makes a transition from the holy day theme to the holiday theme with "Up on The Housetop," a bouncy, fun song about, what else, Santa and his bag of toys.

"The Angels Sang" by Helen Darling and Peggy Newman again recalls the true meaning of Christmas and the chorus of hallelujahs, sung by children, is uplifting.

"Santa Claus is Coming Back to Town" brings us all back to earth - because it is a sad tale of divorce. Yet, again, the true spirit of Christmas shines through as the divorced mother agrees to let her ex-husband return to spend Christmas with the kids, ignoring her own pain for the sake of the children. The spirit of giving continues as a theme in the title cut, "The Secret of Giving," a song with beautiful instrumentation and timeless advice.

“Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year,” said Reba. “Having the opportunity to go into the studio and record some more of my all time favorites as well as some wonderful new songs that reflect the feeling of the season, is a real treat for me.”

Reba’s new musical compilation consists of songs that have touched her heart, made her laugh and made her cry. They’ve brought back old memories and created new ones. This smooth, well-produced, well-thought-out offering is sure to do the same for you.

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Mountain West Music 2002