"White Christmas" is conspicuous by its absence, but the other selections for this early-'60s LP of Bing Crosby Christmas recordings are very well done, focusing on his mellowest and merriest versions of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "Winter Wonderland" and "Frosty the Snowman" and "The Little Drummer Boy" (a dry run for his infamous 1977 duet with David Bowie). The arrangements are warm but snappy, and the backing vocal chorus is appropriate for this Christmas album. Bing himself is in fine voice, sounding as strong as he had 20 years earlier when he waxed the original of "White Christmas," and I Wish You a Merry Christmas is as happy a way to celebrate the holidays as any other. ~ John Bush
