The album was well-received by both fans and critics and has since become a classic Christmas album. It includes popular songs such as "Blue Christmas", "Silent Night", and "The Little Drummer Boy". The album also includes spoken-word pieces by Cash, including a reading of the Christmas story from the Bible.

Over the years, "The Christmas Spirit" has been reissued several times, including a remastered version in 1992. It continues to be a beloved Christmas album and a staple of the holiday season.