“This Christmas” sung by Gladys Knight & the Pips on That Special Time of Year from 1980 is by far my favorite holiday tune. Originally recorded by Donny Hathaway in 1970, “This Christmas” has been sung by many. . . Christina Aguilera, Elliott Yamin, Macy Gray, Peabo Bryson, Chicago, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Patti LaBelle, Chris Brown, N*SYNC, Harry Connick Jr, Destiny’s Child, Ashanti, Menudo, Usher, Boyz II Men and Aretha Franklin - just to name a few. Ha ha. I wonder if Donny Hathaway had any idea how popular this song would become. I still prefer Gladys’ version, what about you?

Listen here:  This Christmas by Gladys Knight & the Pips

How fun! Jamie Cullum designed a 2008 Advent Cullumdar. . . and the best part is, each day you can click on the photo and win a prize! Everything from perfume to music gift cards to Bliss Spa products. Isn’t Jamie thoughtful? I thought so too. And of course the illustrations are super cute.

Check out the calendar and prizes here.