Johnny Cash recorded 'The Christmas Spirit' at Columbia Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, in June 1963. The album was produced by Frank Jones and Don Law, and included participation from The Carter Family and guitarist Luther Perkins. Cash combined traditional carols with original songs, such as the title track 'The Christmas Spirit', written by himself.
Released in October 1963 by Columbia Records, the album reached number 7 on the Billboard Christmas albums chart. The cover shows Cash dressed in a black suit and an Advent wreath, in a minimalist design. The album includes biblical readings narrated by Cash between the songs, a unique feature reflecting his religious devotion.
Although not a massive commercial success upon its original release, 'The Christmas Spirit' has become a Christmas classic within Cash's catalog. It was reissued on CD in 1991 by Columbia Records, and later in 2003 with bonus tracks. The song 'The Christmas Spirit' has been covered by several artists, and the album is considered one of the best Christmas records in country music.