Matt Wertz goes beyond the typical holiday album by making Snow Globe into a personal, slightly quirky ode to the Christmas season. He’s helped by the production approach of Ben Shive, who uses rich string flourishes, airy woodwinds, and softly brushed drums to create a retro-pop ambiance. Wertz’s unaffected warmth as a singer comes through on a low-lit rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” a rocking ‘50s-style version of “White Christmas,” and a folksy take on “Tennessee Christmas” (featuring composer Amy Grant on background vocals). Snow Globe’s originals have the ring of sincerity; behind the holiday rituals vividly captured in tracks like “Christmas in the City” is a deeply felt love of home and family. “Wake Up, Wake Up” has a ‘70s soul vibe, while “Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas (Without You)” has a Phil Spector/Beach Boys feel. Though he prefers modern-themed songs to traditional hymns, Wertz does bring a spiritual glow to “O Holy Night,” performed here with the Nashville Children’s Choir.