4 December 2025

Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Jeffery Straker has released A Very Prairie Christmas, a 12-song holiday album inspired by nearly a decade of his annual festive concerts. The recording blends nostalgic classics with intimate, piano-driven arrangements. Straker says he finally answered years of requests from fans who asked at the merch table whether a Christmas album existed. The project was recorded and produced entirely in Saskatchewan with local musicians. Sessions took place in July and August, with a Christmas tree set up in Straker’s living room studio to help create a festive atmosphere. “It was fascinating how the songs immediately transported us into full festive mode,” Straker says. “These songs were all I needed to virtually hang some holly and lights around my house.” Designed like a concert setlist, the album mixes celebration and quiet reflection. “Christmas can be complicated,” he says. “Part of the joy comes from taking stock of where we’ve been – both the ups and the downs.” The focus track is a cheerful rendition of “Holly Jolly Christmas,” written by Johnny Marks and made famous by Burl Ives. Straker describes the song as “the flashing coloured lights on a Christmas tree.” The recorded version reflects the full-band energy of his holiday show, featuring a 10-piece ensemble with piano, drums, upright bass, mandolin, acoustic guitar, strings, horns and backing vocals. “It’s short, sweet, and pure Christmas magic,” Straker says. Straker has built a career on roots-driven storytelling, earning comparisons to Kris Kristofferson and Jackson Browne. He has been named Roots-Folk Artist of the Year twice at the Saskatchewan Music Awards and was honoured with a Western Canadian Music Award. In 2025, the Canadian Folk Music Awards named him Contemporary Folk Singer of the Year. Raised on a grain farm and trained in classical piano, Straker says his holiday album combines nostalgic standards with prairie warmth and original material. “Listeners enjoyed my originals, but it was clear that the classic Christmas tunes were important and needed to be included,” he says.