There will be a decidedly festive Dove Award handed out for the first time at the 38th Annual GMA Music Awards after the GMA Board of Directors' recent approval of the addition of a Christmas Album of the Year Dove Award.
"By adding a new Dove Award for Christmas album, the board is recognizing that some of the finest gospel music projects produced each year are inspired by the holy celebration of Christ's birth and the joy of the Christmas season," GMA President John W. Styll said. "After all, who better to honor Christmas music than a music organization dedicated to remembering the 'reason for the season' all year long?"
All albums with a prevalence of recorded material related to Christmas that are released within the eligibility period qualify for consideration in the Christmas Album of the Year category. Christmas albums will not be eligible in other categories.