Calum Wood is an indie folk artist from Scotland. Wood released his album, Patterns, earlier this year but is back with a Christmas album just in time for the holidays. Christmas Songs From the Kitchen Table, Vol. 1 is a Christmas album featuring seven Christmas carols. Most of them are very popular and well-known Christmas songs, but Wood does dig a little deeper with a couple of these -- "The Holly and the Ivy" and "Good King Wenceslas" aren't as common, but are great additions here. Outside of little extra picking on "O Come All Ye Faithful," the album is just Calum and an acoustic guitar. All the songs are stripped down and sound very organic -- as if they were literally recorded while playing at the kitchen table. This isn't a knock on the production, however, because the album sounds fantastic. It's warm, inviting, and perfect for the season.

Wood keeps these renditions close to the originals but occasionally will play with the melody to give just the slightest bit of flavor to these very familiar songs. Nothing throws you off completely, but there are moments that will raise your eyebrow with intrigue. A good example of this is how he delivers "Tidings of comfort and joy," in "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" or cuts short the word "faithful" in the opening line to "O Come All Ye Faithful." Messing with time-honored and beloved songs can be a dangerous game to play, but Wood seems to be very thoughtful in his interpretations. All these songs are enjoyable, but the new life given to "Good King Wenceslas" stands out more than any other. The tempo is faster than normal, the guitar picking is fun and playful, and the slightest stomp/clap adds a nice percussive element not found on any other track.

If you're looking for some stripped-down folk versions of Christmas classics, then look no further. Calum Wood has put together a nice assortment here, and his Scottish accent adds a little extra charm to these holiday favorites. Folk music isn't often associated with Christmas music (many being jazz standards or hymns), but Calum Wood is looking to change that. Christmas Songs From the Kitchen Table is a welcomed change of pace to the normal annual Christmas releases. Hopefully the inclusion of "Vol. 1" in the title means that we will indeed get another collection in the near future.

- Review date: 12/10/25, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com

Record Label: None
Album length: 7 tracks: 19 minutes, 16 seconds
Street Date: November 28, 2025
Buy It: Amazon Music

1. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (2:42)
2. The Holly and the Ivy (3:06)
3. O Christmas Tree (2:55)
4. Good King Wenceslas (2:44)
5. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (3:53)
6. O Come All Ye Faithful (2:02)
7. Auld Lang Syne (1:54)