Yep, the title is "Christmas For Kids", but if you listen to some of these songs, you'll know they aren't all for kids.

This definitely stands above most currently available Christmas CDs. Since the most recent track was recorded in 1960, there sure isn't anything new, but there are several that aren't familiar.

Nat "King" Cole is one of the great "smooth" singers, and if you don't appreciate smooth singers, this isn't for you. But if you have respect for the days and the output of such as Crosby, Como, and others, you'll want him in your Christmas collection.

The set starts with a lively rendition of the traditional "I Saw Three Ships", followed by the soft and mellow "A Cradle In Bethlehem." Then comes the recording which, for me, is second only to Bing's "White Christmas" as the all-time great of the "popular" Christmas songs. I refer, of course, to King Cole's recording of "The Christmas Song".

None of these songs should be slighted, but I especially want to call attention to:

"Take Me Back To Toyland", definitely a song with meaning, the longing of an adult for a simpler and happier time.

"Frosty, The Snowman", one of the happiest child centered Christmas songs, given great treatment here.

"The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot", a sentimental song done by earlier singers given a very tender and meaningful treatment here. This is a situation that of course is just as true and common a one as it was when it was first composed. Compassion and realization along with the will to eliminate such unhappiness many children experience is called for here.

"All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" became a great novelty hit by Spike Jones and the City Slickers, but was recorded by many others. Nat King Cole's is one of the best of the straighter versions of the song.

"Silent Night". I have never attempted to formulate a list of the ten greatest recordings of this song. I do make it clear elsewhere which singer I believe presents the most beautiful and the most fully spiritual version of this song, but my own top ten list would almost certainly include Bing's, Pavarotti's, Anne Murray's, and King Cole's recordings, not necessarily in that order, in the 2nd-10th spots.

"Brahms' Lullaby" isn't a Christmas song, but it sure appears on a number of Christmas CDs. Although a melody composed by one of the greatest of the classical composers, it lends itself well to the smooth treatment given it here.

Yes, this CD has songs that kids like, but is also one of the best ever Christmas CDs for us grown-ups too.

My husband grew up listening to a record of these wonderful songs and have shared them with our family. We have all loved these songs--particularly Littlest Christmas Tree, Happiest Christmas Tree and Little Boy That Santa Clause Forgot . I have looked for a CD version for years, and was thrilled to finally find it. I plan on giving these as gifts to my husband's siblings.

Anyone who owns Nat's Christmas Album will definitely want to add this to their collection. Don't be put off by the title, thinking that these pieces are JUST for kiddies. My favorites are the tear-jerker "Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot," and "Take Me Back to Toyland." All of the songs on this CD are beautiful. If you think Nat is synonymous with Christmas, this CD is a must have!

I absolutely love this cd!!. Evoking cherished memories of holiday seasons gone by - the brightness of a sun drenched field blanketed in snow, the warmth of a blazing fire in the hearth, the laughter and good wishes, the sparkling, wonder-filled eyes of children awaiting Santa- Nat King Cole's renditions of the many classics on this album thoroughly embody the spirit of Christmas. In addition, the fact that a portion of the proceeds benefits the Children's Defense Fund, a wonderful non-profit organization dedicated to advocating the rights of children across the country, makes it even better. An instant classic!

Getting this CD was a treat for me, because as long as I had been a Nat King Cole fan, I had never heard the original version of "The Christmas Song", the song that really made people take notice of one of the greatest voices that God ever blessed the world with. Well, it's right here on this CD, back when Nat was simply the leader of his jazz combo, the King Cole Trio. I was pleased to hear the subtle differences between this version and the one that you hear on the radio every year during the holidays. This CD is really more geared to the younger set, but adults will enjoy it, too. I especially liked "The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot", which is touching enough to cause a tear to fall, and "All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)". Also included are the tracks "There's A Train Out For Dreamland" and "Brahms' Lullaby", which were both originally on the KING COLE FOR KIDS album released in 1948.

In the booklet that comes with the CD is a cute Christmas story written by Nat's oldest daughter, Carole, about "a gentle man" (hmmm, wonder who that could be) and his faithful dog. Even though it's not Christmas yet, I read the story to my five year old daughter and she loved it, and can't wait for me to read it to her again! This is a fun CD that everyone in the family will enjoy. I'll take this lump of "Cole" in my stocking any day!