In December 2001, Sufjan Stevens set out to create a Christmas gift for his friends and family. The result was a 7-song recording that he called, Noel Vol. 1. Over each of the next few Christmas seasons Sufjan would create a new EPs to add to the collection. As he was recording the Peace : Volume V (in the
summer of 2006), he considered how best to 'officially' release this music in to the world. He said he was,
“determined to present the EPs in their original form flaws, blemishes, mistakes and all. A compilation would
have been a cumbersome compromise. A “Greatest Hits” would have been heartbreaking (How to choose?).” In
addition to the music he wanted to add a 'lavish display of ornamentation' to coincide with the spirit of excess and overindulgence that is the hallmark of Christmas.

Pięciopłytowy (!) album na Święta Bożego Narodzenia od Sufjana Stevensa, zawierający także 42-stronicową książeczkę z esejami Sufjana i amerykańskiego nowelisty Ricky Moody'ego, naklejkę, teksty piosenek z akordami, komiks, fotografie i inne gadżety. Pomysł albumu wziął się z chęci autora by sprawić rodzinie i przyjaciołom wyjątkowy prezent.

In December 2001, Sufjan Stevens set out to create a Christmas gift for his friends and family. The result was a 7-song recording that he called, Noel Vol. 1. Over each of the next few Christmas seasons Sufjan would create a new EPs to add to the collection. As he was recording the Peace : Volume V (in the
summer of 2006), he considered how best to 'officially' release this music in to the world. He said he was,
“determined to present the EPs in their original form flaws, blemishes, mistakes and all. A compilation would
have been a cumbersome compromise. A “Greatest Hits” would have been heartbreaking (How to choose?).” In
addition to the music he wanted to add a 'lavish display of ornamentation' to coincide with the spirit of excess and overindulgence that is the hallmark of Christmas.