[11] Redbone picked songs that he thought would appeal to listeners who didn't usually enjoy Christmas music.

[14] Robert Christgau wrote: "Beyond sacred schlock-by-association and rock and roll gifts, Christmas is a pop holiday that plays best in the background, which suits Redbone's forgettable old-timey lassitude.

"[16] The Philadelphia Inquirer concluded that, "with a deep, wavery delivery, the growl-voiced blues-folkie comes across as a kind of Crosby on Quaaludes.

"[19] The St. Petersburg Times stated that Redbone's "trademark laconic style puts an entirely new spin on these tunes.

"[13] The Orlando Sentinel noted the "bittersweet" atmosphere, writing that the songs are "exceptional, true-to-the-original versions.