Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Scottish singer/songwriter Yvonne Lyon continues to build upon her reputation has one of the nation's musical treasures with this download only double A-side Christmas single. With a quality of craftsmanship - both musically and lyrically - that we have come to expect from Lyon and her collaborator husband David, "I Believe In Christmas" is an exemplary festive song that sounds Christmassy on account of some tasteful sleigh bells, a wistful melody and its gentle sleigh ride rhythm whilst successfully avoiding cliché and schmaltz. Lyon's skill has always been her ability to wrap up thought-provoking lyrics in a thing of beauty and this track is certainly no exception with themes such as consumerism and credit card debt juxtaposed with an overriding but quiet sense of hope and belief. The single's flipside sees Lyon in more straightforward mode with "Dear December" being an upbeat and optimistic look towards the excitement of the oncoming season whist promoting love, peace, joy and hope at every turn.

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