With the holiday season in full swing, many of us have our go-to albums that help set the festive mood each year. For some, it’s the classic sounds of Christmas carols, while for others, it’s the nostalgia of childhood favorites. Recently, Trent Medynski, host of Morden’s Pop Culture Expo, joined us to talk about a collection of classic albums that he has gathered over the years—albums that continue to capture the magic of the season.
Sentimental favorite: The Christmas Raccoons
Trent’s personal favorite album from his collection is one that carries a special sentimental value. "It’s a CBC cartoon from the '80s called The Christmas Raccoons," he shares. "Every year they did a special, and it had two different stories. One was The Christmas Raccoons and the other was Raccoons on Ice, where the raccoons play hockey." For Trent, this album brings back memories of a simpler time, and he describes it as the most meaningful record in his collection.
A Christmas album featuring Colonel Sanders
One of the most surprising albums Trent brought in was a promotional Christmas album from Kentucky Fried Chicken, featuring the iconic Colonel Sanders himself. "It’s a Kentucky Fried Chicken special collector's edition from the late '60s," Trent explains. "The Colonel is on the cover, asleep by the fire. It’s a fun relic of the past and one of those albums that really catches your eye." The inclusion of Colonel Sanders in a holiday context might seem odd at first, but Trent appreciates its unique place in Christmas pop culture.
Santa Claus: Canadian style
Another interesting find in Trent’s collection is an album titled Santa Claus is Canadian: A Taste of Christmas Canada. This promotional album was released by the Ontario Lottery Corporation and features several Christmas songs. "I love that it's 'Santa Claus is Canadian,'" says Trent. "It’s like we're taking ownership of Santa Claus—he’s one of us!" Trent enjoys the album not just for its holiday tunes but also for its representation of Canadian pride and the connection it creates with the holiday season.
The timeless appeal of Alvin and the Chipmunks
No holiday music collection would be complete without the classic Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas album. "That album originally came out in the late '50s," says Trent. "It’s a timeless pop culture song that still resonates today." The Chipmunks’ holiday hit continues to be a favorite among Christmas music fans, and Trent shares a fun tidbit about its creation. "Originally, the creator wanted to use grasshoppers instead of chipmunks, but when a chipmunk ran across the road in front of him, he knew it was meant to be."
An exciting collection of Christmas memories
Trent’s collection of holiday albums represents more than just music—it’s a celebration of nostalgia, history, and the way certain sounds can transport us back to our childhoods. "It’s really a joy to have these albums and be able to share them with others," says Trent. "The holidays wouldn’t be the same without them."
We want to thank Trent for sharing his holiday album collection with us, giving us a deeper appreciation for the classic sounds that have defined our holiday seasons for years. Whether it’s the whimsical adventures of Raccoons on Ice, the unforgettable voice of Alvin, or the warmth of Colonel Sanders by the fire, these albums continue to bring joy year after year.
Be sure to visit Trent's Facebook page, at 80's Kids Collectibles
With files from Alexander Peters