Nobody tells a story quite like John Prine, and his approach to Christmas music is exactly what you'd expect. Originally released in 1993 on his own Oh Boy Records label, A John Prine Christmas is a wonderfully unconventional holiday album, filled with the humor, heartbreak, warmth, and wry observations that made Prine one of America's most beloved songwriters.

The eight-song album mixes original compositions, familiar Christmas standards, and live performances. Prine delivers charmingly unpolished renditions of "Silver Bells" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," alongside live versions of "All the Best" and his bittersweet classic "Christmas in Prison." There's even a live duet with Margo Timmins of Cowboy Junkies on "If You Were the Woman and I Was the Man."

It's a Christmas album for anyone who appreciates great storytelling and a wonderfully personal addition to any Christmas Americana or folk collection.