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How is Christmas Cookies different from your many previous holiday projects?

Bonsall We've done four Christmas records before, so to me it made no sense doing new Christmas music unless they were done differently than before. So this is actually an acoustic-based Christmas album along the formula of The Journey. It's a little more acoustic, a little more bluegrass and the title cut even has some Texas swing to it. There's a lot more fiddle and banjo as well. It was hard to find song we haven't done before, but we looked back and realized we'd never done "Jingle Bells." How did we miss that one? Richard does "I'll Be Home For Christmas," and even though Duane did it several years ago, it's a whole different style.

Aside from the standards, what messages are you hoping to spread with your original songs?

Bonsall We want to wake up old memories for listeners, like on "Uncle Luther Made the Stuffin.'" He was a family friend who used to make stuffing for everybody at our house, but he never shared the recipe! He passed away recently, so I wrote the song for him, but it's also meant to recreate the family fun atmosphere of Christmas—the family coming over for dinner, fellowship and fun songs.

These days, more and more people are using politically correct terms to talk about Christmas. What's your take on that?

Bonsall When newspapers interview us for the Christmas tour, they refuse to say the word "Christmas" when they ask us a question. I think that's a little weird, and when I reference the word "Christmas" in relation to our tour, they think we're crazy. Why should we as Christians not be able to celebrate Christmas? We don't get on stage and talk politics, but we do have a belief in God and Jesus Christ, and those values are etched in our hearts.

Have those beliefs ever created any controversy with your mainstream fans?

Bonsall Very rarely. In fact, I haven't seen much at all, and we've been around a long time. If anyone takes time to know us, they know gospel is what we do. People know in their gut where we stand. If a few people might be offended, sorry, but it's our show. We sing and have fun and entertain, but we've gotta stand up for something. If you're Christian, you've gotta stand up and say so. Yes, I believe in Jesus as my personal savior. I like to say "Merry Christmas," even if that may ruffle a few feathers. If that offends someone, or they might not want to come hear us sing, I don't care. It isn't wishy washy, and we don't get in the gray!

What are some of your best memories of the Oaks' ride?

Bonsall Our first big country hit came in 1977 with "Y'all Come Back Saloon," and that made it to juke boxes and truck stops. In '79 and '80 we were really starting to come of age, building a vehicle for "Elvira" and then going on the road and selling out coliseums. It was a fun time with lasers and lights, but a hectic time pulling you in every which way. Every year with the Oaks have been good years to me. I've enjoyed singing and am honored to be part of the group.

What else would the Oaks like to accomplish that they haven't already?

Bonsall That's a hard one to answer, because we've done so much! When I was younger, I always wanted to play in a western movie, like Kenny Rogers did in The Gambler. I bet he could've taken us along and at least had us playing cards in the background! I also enjoy writing and now have seven books published, and I just finished a fiction novel I hope to get published.

As far as the group, I want to see us healthy, keep singing well and keep creating. I love the creative process, and the fact that something can be here today that wasn't here yesterday—whether that be a song, book, article or redesigned kitchen countertop. I think the creative process really drives all four guys, and we love finding new things to do.

Click here to read our review of the Oak Ridge Boys' latest Christmas album, Christmas Cookies. Visit Christianbook.com to listen to and buy their music.

© Andy Argyrakis, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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