This Is Christmas, the first holiday offering from acclaimed BEC Recordings hitmaker Tasha Layton, is now available. Produced by Layton's husband, GRAMMY/Dove Award-winner Keith Everette Smith, the six-song EP features four original selections co-penned by Layton, as well as two Christmas classics.
 
Kicking off with a carefree cover of comedian Heywood Banks' "Diddly Squat," This Is Christmas encompasses a range of seasonal sentiments, from lighthearted merriment to reverent moments of worship. Highlights of the EP include the title-cut, an anthem of praise celebrating the eternal impact of Christ's humble birth in a Bethlehem stable; Layton's soaring arrangement of the timeless favorite "O Holy Night"; and the poignant closing track, "Comfort and Joy," a reminder of Christ's promise of peace to a hurting world.
 
"I've wanted to do a Christmas record for so long," Layton shares. "I love this season and I think there's never been a time our world has needed to know the Hope of Christmas more than now. For so many, the holidays can be a difficult time, but it's my prayer that through these songs, listeners will be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas." 
 
"My husband is an incredible producer, and I personally think he pulls off Christmas music especially well," she adds. "Keith and I loved working on this project together. The album is like a variety show, offering a little bit of everything stylistically. There are a few songs for churches to use during the holiday season, and some that are just plain fun!" 
 
This Is Christmas is the latest in a string of milestones for Layton this year. Her current single, "Look What You've Done," remains a Top 5 hit on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart, and she made her debut on ABC's GMA3: What You Need To Know last week, discussing how past struggles have shaped her life and inspired her music. Layton also recently served as co-host of the 52nd GMA Dove Awards Pre-Telecast, presented by AWKNG TV. In addition to sharing hosting duties with acclaimed Gospel singer/songwriter DOE, Layton performed a stirring acoustic rendition of "Look What You've Done" during the ceremony. You can rewatch the ceremony now by clicking here.