Christmas with a country classic

One of country music's most powerful female voices, Wynonna Judd, is coming to the Carson Center in Paducah, Ky., on Friday on her "A Classic Christmas Tour," supporting her album of the same name, and she's been asking fans to submit their Christmas stories. Judd wasn't available for interviews, but her publicist submitted these questions and answers to SE Live.

What does Christmas mean to you? Has that meaning changed over the years?

Judd: I've had so many amazing holiday experiences both personal and professional over the years. I am keenly aware at this time of year that I am bountiful in my mind, body and spirit. I am truly blessed! However, this year Christmas has changed for me as a parent. We are usually at home during this time of year, so I'm discovering new ways to connect with my children while traveling. It's important for me to find new ways to teach Grace and Elijah about giving and about what it means to receive ... the true essence of Christmas. I've learned that life changes very quickly at any given time and when you learn to adapt, you are able to share the authentic reason for the season and this Christmas we will celebrate our time together as a family no matter where we are.

What was the basis for choosing the Christmas songs that appear on "A Classic Christmas?"

Judd: Making my first solo Christmas album, "A Classic Christmas," was a real labor of love. Each song represents a chapter in my life. Every sound on this record comes from my childhood. I remember growing up and hearing these classics being sung by Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby. So, when I close my eyes and listen to this record, I travel back to a very sentimental time. I didn't strive to over sing or put too many acrobatics into my vocals, I just sang them as I felt them -- just as I remembered them when I was a little girl.

Describe your first-ever Christmas tour. What will your fans expect? How is it different from other tours you have done?

Judd: My fans are used to seeing me with a guitar and a lot of singing, walking around on stage with attitude, and having fun. I think this tour is the most unusual tour I've ever put together because instead of thinking of ways to get people activated, it is very calming and a very peaceful show.

While putting together this show I found myself becoming extremely emotional during rehearsals. I'm experiencing so many different emotions during the show because I know that Christmas time for so many, including myself, is a real tough time of the year because of all of the expectations. People are stressed and working hard and have a lot of dynamics happening in their lives. I'm really looking forward to giving people an opportunity to turn off all of their stresses and worries.