With the festive season approaching, country duo Dan + Shay are spreading holiday cheer like never before. Their latest release, It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album, made its grand debut this October and is packed with 21 heartwarming tracks meant to add extra sparkle to your holiday celebrations.
Fans have been eagerly waiting for this moment, as the pair have been teased holiday music since 2014. Dan Smyers expressed how rewarding it is to finally deliver this long-anticipated gift to their listeners. “You know, our fans have been begging for this for the last 10 years. And I feel like every year we let them down,” Shay Mooney echoed. “But we wanted to make sure this time we presented something truly special.”
The album includes the catchy tune “Pick Out a Christmas Tree,” which reflects the cherished holiday tradition of selecting the perfect tree with loved ones. Dan shared, “I know in both mine and Shay’s family, picking out a Christmas tree is a huge part of the holiday tradition. Always has been, always will be.” This festive anthem aims to accompany families during their tree-hunting adventures, whether at local farms or right in their backyards.
It seems Shay’s nostalgic memories inform some of the album's heart. He recalled how motherly surprises often materialize during the holiday season. He described one especially memorable Christmas morning where he thought he wouldn’t receive the one present he wished for—a Nintendo 64. “Then my mom was like, ‘Oh, wait, I got one more.’ I walked to the bedroom, and there it was, the best moment of my life,” he added, chuckling at the reminiscence of unearthing his most wanted toy.
For Dan and Shay, this year’s holiday celebrations also meant showcasing their festive spirit on NBC’s iconic Christmas in Rockefeller Center special. They performed alongside famous names like the Backstreet Boys and Jennifer Hudson. Reflecting on their performance to millions of viewers worldwide, Dan shared how special it felt to participate and mark this festive occasion.
Each year, the duo cherishes time spent with family and friends during the holidays, filling their celebrations with laughter and love. “It’s just great hanging out with my family, seeing everybody…all the cousins, and opening gifts,” Dan said. Their enthusiasm shines through as they talk about their plans for gathering around the Christmas tree, caught up in the warm glow of the holiday spirit.
Yet, their holiday playlist isn’t simply confined to their original works. Dan boldly stated, “My favorite Christmas song, I might scare some people away because it’s not traditional, but it’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey.” He elaborated on how this anthem energizes any gathering, transforming it from quiet Christmas Eve to riotous holiday fun with friends gathering around the eggnog and music blaring.
Even as they perform and release music, the duo is reflective about their long-standing friendship, remembering what it felt like to launch their careers and navigate through struggles together. They’re excited about this new chapter, noting how their shared experiences allow them to create music that's truly personal and relatable.
With holiday music now more plentiful than ever, the sentiment behind Dan + Shay’s continued release is clear: they want to be part of the moments families will cherish for years to come. “This is the song they need to crank up,” Dan remarked. Their followers now have 21 reminders to spice up their own celebrations, creating memories paired with infectious tunes.
With the spirit of togetherness filling the air, Dan + Shay’s passion for the season glimmers through their music, and it’s evident they’re excited to share it all with you. So as you deck the halls and wrap those gifts, don’t forget to add It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album to your holiday playlist. It’s the perfect companion for any family gathering and will undoubtedly make your stay merry and bright.
