Christmas in July?...how about October? It really doesn't matter. It's here and well again, I am breathless. David Downes and the incredibly beautiful ladies of Celtic Woman have done it again.

Back in July, Celtic Woman finished their U.S. spring tour and returned to the Helix Theater in Dublin, Ireland to record the long awaited DVD to their previously released masterpiece "A Christmas Celebration" (hence the "Christmas in July" comment). The DVD was finally released on October 2 nd (hence, the previous reference to Christmas in October). Celtic Woman fans have gone wild, including myself. For one thing, this will be the last CW DVD with the incredibly gifted, gorgeous, graceful, and heavenly Méav Ni Mhaolchatha, so Méav fans should take note. (Méav has stepped down from Celtic Woman to work on her solo career and spend time with her family, and she has handed over the reigns to Lynn Hilary). Méav fans will definitely miss her performance with Celtic Woman, but she will be in our hearts forever. We all wish her luck and happiness in her new journey and I'm sure we will hear from her again real soon.

When word came out that Celtic Woman was going to do another DVD, fans have all wondered: could they reproduce the magic again? And the answer is no. They couldn't "reproduce" the magic "again,"they created something even more magical, more wonderful, and more special. Something more than anyone can imagine.

The gowns are even more incredible than in the previous DVD's. The camera work is stunning. The arrangements and harmonies are absolute perfection and obviously, the beauty of the ladies is heart-stopping and surreal. And as usual, the Celtic Woman band and choir supported by the Irish Film Orchestra just makes this another masterpiece in the Celtic Woman collection.

Over the years I've been downright stubborn when it comes to Christmas music in my house. I AM open-minded to new arrangements - don't get me wrong. That's the musician/music teacher in me. However, I've always felt that only Bing Crosby could sing "White Christmas" and only Harry Simone could do "The Little Drummer Boy" and only Nat King Cole could do "The Christmas Song". Otherwise, to me, I just wouldn't get that special Christmas feeling. Listening to this DVD is the first time that I am not only ecstatic about new arrangements of these songs, but I am already getting that special Christmas feeling when I watch and listen, and it's not even Halloween yet. The hauntingly beautiful "Silent Night" sung in the Gaelic language is exquisite. And I can't even describe the pure transcendental beauty of the harmonies in "O Holy Night". Goosebumps have become such a common occurrence while experiencing Celtic Woman that I walk around like a freshly plucked turkey. Yes, people stare because of the quiet smile that comes across my face. It is because I am feeling so much joy, so much love in my heart for this music, for Celtic Woman.

I feel strangely inadequate when it comes to reviewing a Celtic Woman CD, DVD or live performance. It probably shows. But it is so hard to put into words the joy that wells up in my heart whenever, wherever I hear or see Celtic Woman. I listen to Celtic Woman daily. I have to; it is a part of my therapeutic healing because the world can be just too overwhelming. EVERYBODY in the world needs to have Celtic Woman as part of their daily therapy. There would be so much more peace, love and joy in this world.

"Strange," "weird," "fruitcake," be prepared. These will be the names people will be calling you when you are playing this Celtic Woman : A Christmas Celebration DVD in July, October, or even all year long because you won't be able to stop. It becomes an addiction, but one that I hope no one ever finds a cure for.

Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration has become a staple in my holiday festivities (and all year long when I need to rekindle that feeling of love.) And it should become part of your holidays too. I believe this DVD embodies the spirit, beauty and meaning of Christmas and what it's all about. If you haven't seen it yet, you are in for a treat!

Check out more at www.celticwomancom.

© Marie-France & Elizabeth Rice,

The CelticMeav Team.