Natalie Grant, 54, Gets Emotional on Her New Christmas Album — ‘I Found Myself in Tears’ (Exclusive)
From studio tears to a 40-person cookie party, the Grammy nominee opens up about family, faith and her most moving Christmas album yet
The holidays are always hectic, but for Natalie Grant, whose Christmas tour spreads joy to families across the country, the season is extra busy.
“We decorate the bus for Christmas so we can stay in the spirit,” Grant tells Woman’s World about touring with Danny Gokey on their 10th Annual Celebrate Christmas Tour. “It’s hard to be gone for so long during the season. And thankfully, we have Amazon and so many other shops that do quick shipping. I’ve done all of my shopping online this year, and I’ve been praying that it all shows up in time.”
Natalie Grant opens up about balancing tour life and family
Grant, who recently released her new album Christmas, skillfully balances family and career. She and her Grammy Award-winning husband Bernie Herms share three daughters: Gracie, Bella and Sadie.
A Seattle native now living in Nashville, Grant is a five-time Gospel Music Association Dove Award winner for Female Vocalist of the Year and a nine-time Grammy nominee. With over a billion streams and numerous chart-topping songs, she is also the author of 11 books and co-founder of Hope for Justice, an organization combating human trafficking worldwide.
Behind the scenes of the new Natalie Grant Christmas album
This year has been especially productive for Grant, who recorded Christmas and signed a new record deal. “We actually recorded in March, so it was not long after Christmas, when you’re kind of not feeling Christmasy at the moment, and I was also in the middle of so many life changes,” she says. “My twin daughters were graduating from high school, and I was doing a lot of reminiscing because I was putting slideshows together and looking at old photos during the time when I was recording a lot of these songs.
“So, when I was singing songs like ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ I found myself in tears. Oftentimes, we would have to stop, and I’d have to gather myself to continue the vocal. But I think that process helped me lean into the emotion of it and also be able to get what I think are some of my most emotional vocals to date.”
A tradition of Christmas music
It has been 20 years since Grant released her first Christmas album, Believe, now a holiday staple. “Christmas was always a really big deal growing up,” she says. “My family was large, and we would all stand around the piano singing in full harmony. I knew I wanted to create an album that was classic and would touch listeners’ core memories, using symphony arrangements and big band elements. It’s 100% human creativity, which is rarer today.”
Favorite songs and collaborations
Grant shares songs that hold special meaning for her. “‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ was always a dream to do in a gospel style, which I finally achieved with legendary arranger Donald Lawrence. And ‘Jingle Bells’ was influenced by Ella Fitzgerald’s version, which has been a favorite since I was young.”
Natalie Grant’s childhood Christmas memory that still inspires her
One of Grant’s favorite Christmas memories happened at age six during a family road trip in their motorhome. Encountering a family who had lost their home, Grant’s father encouraged them to share their food and presents.
“I remember watching the kids open the gifts, including the Baby Alive doll I had wished for. In that moment, I felt a joy I’ve never forgotten, understanding the true meaning of Christmas.”
Today, Grant’s family traditions have grown. “We have a Christmas cookie decorating extravaganza with our 40-member family. We sing around the piano, drive to see Christmas lights, and watch White Christmas and The Grinch (Jim Carrey version). Raspberry pretzel Jell-O is always on the table.”
What’s next for Natalie Grant after her Christmas album
Looking forward to 2026, Grant plans to release new music under her new deal with Capitol Christian Music Group. “I’m grateful for my 23-year relationship with Curb Records, but I’m excited for a fresh start with Capitol CMG, who are true partners with a clear vision for the future.”
Asked about her New Year’s resolution, Grant laughs: “Stop eating so much sugar. I’ve made that resolution for the last 10 years!”
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