Description
Colbie Caillat – Christmas In The Sand – Vinyl Record
Colbie Caillat’s Christmas in the Sand, released on October 23, 2012, is a warm, breezy, and delightfully refreshing holiday album that reimagines the Christmas season through a sun-kissed, beachside lens. While most Christmas records lean heavily into snowy nostalgia and classic winter motifs, Christmas in the Sand turns the traditional holiday atmosphere on its head—embracing tropical warmth, acoustic intimacy, and the laid-back California spirit that has always defined Caillat’s sound.
This is not your typical Christmas album. Instead of sleigh rides and frosty windows, Caillat paints a picture of sand between your toes, sunglasses, and surfboards decked with holly. The title track, “Christmas in the Sand,” co-written with Jason Reeves and Kara DioGuardi, sets the tone perfectly. It’s a playful, cheeky tune that imagines Santa falling off his surfboard and reindeer hanging out in board shorts. The song balances humor with Caillat’s trademark melodic charm and acoustic lightness, giving listeners a sunny alternative to wintry carols.
The album blends original compositions with fresh takes on holiday standards, all arranged with a breezy, coastal sensibility. Songs like “Mistletoe” (not to be confused with the Justin Bieber track of the same name) and “Every Day Is Christmas” showcase Caillat’s songwriting strengths—uplifting messages wrapped in gentle rhythms, warm harmonies, and an underlying sincerity that avoids holiday cliché. Her soft, honeyed voice carries a cozy emotional warmth, perfect for conveying intimacy even without the snow.
On the traditional side, Caillat covers a number of classic holiday songs, but gives them an acoustic-pop makeover that feels both respectful and refreshing. “Santa Baby” trades in flirtatious bombast for a laid-back groove, while “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” (featuring Gavin DeGraw) becomes a charming, modern duet with chemistry and playfulness. Other duets include Brad Paisley on “Merry Christmas Baby,” which adds a little country flair, and Jason Reeves on “Every Day Is Christmas,” which underscores the personal tone of the album.
Instrumentally, the album avoids heavy orchestration or overproduction. Instead, it relies on light acoustic guitars, ukuleles, hand percussion, and subtle seasonal textures like sleigh bells, allowing Caillat’s vocals and storytelling to take center stage. It’s this restraint and intimacy that sets the album apart—Christmas in the Sand feels personal and lived-in, more like a fireside session on a beach porch than a glossy studio effort.
Critically, the album was well-received for its originality and tone. While some traditionalists might miss the snowy sentimentality of more conventional holiday albums, Christmas in the Sand has earned a niche for those who live in warmer climates—or simply want an alternative to the usual Christmas fare. It resonates with fans of Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, or Norah Jones, as it blends pop, acoustic, and soft rock elements into a chill, cohesive whole.
Commercially, the album performed respectably for a seasonal release, and over time it has become a holiday favorite for listeners looking to break away from the cold-weather Christmas stereotype. Its gentle optimism and beach-inspired aesthetic make it a perfect playlist addition for holiday gatherings in the sun—or for those who just wish they were.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Merry Christmas Baby Featuring – Brad Paisley
Santa Baby
Christmas In The Sand
Baby It’s Cold Outside Featuring – Gavin DeGraw
The Christmas Song Featuring – Justin Young
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Every Day Is Christmas Featuring – Jason Reeves
Silver Bells
Winter Wonderland
Mistletoe
Happy Christmas
Auld Lang Syne
