Leave it to the Holidays to bring out the light-hearted side of most entertainers. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers recorded this collection of festive holiday material over two weeks in May, bringing along a handful of friends and fellow musicians, such as Brandi Carlile, Mary Gauthier and Janis Ian. Woody Guthrie’s “Happy Joyous Hanukkah” is an inspired find. Beth Nielsen Chapman’s “There’s Still My Joy” is a solid, modern composition. The backing band, including Alison Brown on mandolin, banjo and fiddle, Luke Bulla on guitar and mandolin and Lloyd Maines’ pedal steel and dobro, bring out a bluegrass-country flavor. “O Holy Night” takes a sacred number and brings it to the country side of the barn. “Peace Child” has a complimentary piano added to the harmonies. “In the Bleak Midwinter” captures a solemn spirituality and a desolate chill. “I Feel the Christmas Spirit” and “It Really Is (A Wonderful Life)” allow Ray and Saliers to stretch their timing and phrasing to great effect. Overall, it’s quite a joy.