6 Best Christmas Carol CDs: From TransSiberian Orchestra to Enya

The snow is dusting the ground, and the cold snap of ice is in the wind. It's the time of year we start migrating home to see our families and sit by the fire, prepare wonderful meals, and celebrate Christmas. Nothing will put you in the mood for holiday cheer better than the perfect CD; here are reviews of six of the best CDs and for whom each one is perfect!

Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas

This is one of the best selling albums of all time, and with good reason. Mariah Carey was one of the first pop stars to mix her famous pipes with classic carols and a few new songs, like the ultra famous track, "All I Want for Christmas is You". It's a perennial pop song with a holiday twist, and every year it goes flying off the shelves without fail. The CD is rounded out by other tracks such as a triumphant version of "O Holy Night", and "Joy to the World" with a little dance in its rhythm. Carey's CD remains so popular because it's an all around pleaser--its a little bit pop, a hefty dose of tradition, a little dash of flavor all mixed with Carey's considerable singing talents. If you need a good all around holiday CD (background party music, driving music, or even something to listen to while you cook dinner) this is a great disc. As a present, however, it's not ideal; just about everyone already owns it.

Michael Buble, Let it Snow

Michael Buble's voice is a sultry jazz croon, and hearing him lend his own special magic to classics like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "White Christmas" is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and snuggly with just the right touch of romance. Like all jazz, this is a classic go-to choice for all dinner parties, and it makes a gorgeous musical centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. The only problem with this disc, however, is that its extraordinarily short, only encompassing five songs.

TransSiberian Orchestra, Christmas Eve and Other Stories

This is an incredible gift for a die hard music fan that still likes to join in the holiday cheer. The TSO is long renowned for their complicated and beautiful music; this CD remains a triumph for them because each song progresses as part of a musical story, creating an opus of Christmas celebration that moves from the rocking and emotional beginning to the triumphant and all encompassing finish. This is not background music and it isn't party fare, but it is something that a real music connisseur will appreciate.

Various Artists, Ultimate Christmas 2

For the young people on your list who are dying to see the stogey classics reinvented with a poppy twist, this is the perfect present. Contributors range from Kelly Clarkson to Whitney Houston to R. Kelly, and the songs themselves are classics with a fresh perspective. There's a little more soul, a little more heart, and definitely a little more pop. All of the artists are talented and perform songs that are well suited to their individual strengths, making it a powerhouse CD for the pop star in all of us.

Bing Crosby, White Christmas

There can be no mention of Christmas music without this epic album. For so many people, this album and the movie it refers to will always epitomize Christmas. The velvet sound of Bing Crosby's voice as he begins to croon "White Christmas" will forever be associated with a bright blue twinkle in the eye, resplendent snowfall, and the unique splendor of dreams coming true and people uniting in the Christmas spirit. This is a beautiful, special album, and will always make a thoughtful holiday gift.

Enya, And Winter Came

This is a brand new release, and it comes into a market that is overflowing with beautiful and haunting female singers singing holiday tunes. Destiny's Child, Kristin Chenoweth (of the Broadway Musical Wicked), Amy Grant, Faith Hill, and many, many other talented women all sing timeless renditions of the classics, but Enya's new release redefines the word classic. Her ethereal voice will raise goosebumps on your arms while still being comforting, relaxing, and timelessly beautiful. Best of all, this is new, so chances are the lucky people on your Christmas list won't have it yet.

Once you've found the perfect CD, load it up on the iPod or feed it into the stereo for an instant blast of holiday cheer. Merry Christmas Everyone!