Christmas Album in mono on CD

[Jim V.]

Hey there everybody. I know this isn't quite the time of year that one would expect to talk about this subject, but I've been a bit confused with the reissues of The Beach Boys' Christmas Album over the years.

I personally have Ultimate Christmas, which I feel is great to have, as it contains all of the currently available Beach Boys Christmas tunes on one CD. It includes the original Christmas Album in full, all in stereo. However, it does not contain the original mono single mix of "Little Saint Nick" and instead uses a stereo remix.

There is also the 1991 pressing of the Christmas Album which has the album version of "Little Saint Nick" and all of the covers in stereo, and the new original material. And then also the single version of "Little Saint Nick" and alternates both of "Little Saint Nick" and "Auld Lang Syne" in mono, with "The Lord's Prayer" in stereo (which I'm unsure is different mix then the Hawthorne, CA version).

Anyways, I know there have been a few recent releases of the album in recent years, most notably a 2011 release with the original 12 tracks and then a 2015 version issued as a red HDCD with what seems to be a replica cardboard sleeve. However, what versions are even on these? Did they get the right album version of "Little Saint Nick" right on both? Are the albums in stereo, mono, or once again a mix of both?

I'm sure hoping to hear that the album is finally out there in mono if anybody has purchases any of these, but I admit I'm not super hopeful. Anyways, hopefully somebody could help.

And lastly, thanks to AGD's site for the info on the 1991 issue of The Beach Boys' Christmas Album.