Five Must-Have Christmas CDs

Don't you just love getting into the Christmas spirit? I know I do. Everything about the holiday is perfect, from the great food, presents, and warm conversation between friends and family. So when does your holiday spirit officially begin? I'd like to think that it begins, not with reruns of Home Alone and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but with the tradition of putting up your Christmas tree. Decorating the tree and listening to a great CD is the perfect way to start your holidays. Here are five CDs that you must add to your collection:

1. Christmas with The Rat Pack: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr.
What's not to like about The Rat Pack? If you're wanting to create the warm mood of sitting by a fireplace while the snow is falling outside then this is the CD to do it. It's also the ultimate Christmas with cocktails CD. This boozy holiday compilation features three of the most legendary and recognizable voices singing about roasting chestnuts, sleigh bells, and snow falling. The CD is a twenty one track delight that brings one back to the old days. Sammy Davis Jr. rattles off a great rendition of "Jingle Bells" and while Frank and Dino contribute to the majority of the CD. Some songs that are sure to get an eggnog in your hand and a joy in your heart are Martins, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and Frank's, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." If you're looking to slow the mood down and relax in front of the fireplace then put it on track seven, which is the classic Martin tune "Silver Bells." There are many unreleased rarities on this CD from Dean's holiday specials such as "Marshmallow World." Something tells me that The Rat Pack shared more than just a few cups of holiday spirit on this album!

2. The Beach Boys' Christmas Album
While most people associate holiday music with the likes of Elvis, Frank Sinatra, or Dean Martin, The Beach Boy's Christmas album tackles the holiday season and succeeds brilliantly. The Southern California summertime feel of the album is a surprisingly fresh approach to holiday music and redefines the parameters for a classic Christmas album. Brian Wilson's voice is well suited for this type of music, and the album delivers unique renditions of classics such as "White Christmas" to "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." The group adds a few additional instruments to the album like a xylophone and bells to add warmth and a little Christmas authenticity. My favorite song on the album is "Auld Lang Syne" which really lets us hear the beautiful harmonies from the group.

3. Barenaked for the Holidays:Barenaked Ladies
What's Christmas without lots of laughing and hearty sing-a-longs? The Barenaked Ladies are sure to do that with this 2004 release. This Christmas album features many holiday favorites with a few collaborations with Michael Buble and Sarah McLachlan. Few bands can do a better job at taking old classic Christmas jingles and turning them into a new level of obnoxiousness. They take tunes like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Do they Know It's Christmas" and turn into the kind of hit that made "One Week" so popular. All of the tracks are well polished, and the entire holiday album evokes a cheery and fun-filled spirit. This is a novelty CD at its best.

4. Christmas Album:Elvis Presley
This could arguably be the finest rock and roll Christmas album of all time. If you're looking for a CD that will have you moving and shaking around the Christmas tree then go out and buy this album. First of all, you know that when you're buying an Elvis Presley record that it will be of great quality and will not disappoint. This is especially true with this CD. This CD was originally recorded in 1957 at the height of his success and it's evident here with his variety of vocal styles. Whether it's the slow carol "Silent Night" or "Here Comes Santa Claus" you can clearly see that Elvis is the master of Christmas cheer. The track on the album that steals the show is "White Christmas" and it will make you want to cuddle along side a loved one in front of a crackling fireplace. Some of the best tracks on the album, however, are originals and written specifically for this release such as "Blue Christmas." This CD belongs in any Christmas stocking or in your CD player when it comes time to decorating the tree.

5. Home Alone Christmas:Home Alone Soundtrack
This CD is actually the soundtrack to one of the most successful holiday films ever made. Unlike the other CDs I have mentioned, this one is not from one artist but has contributions from several different artists. It's a great way to keep the holiday sounds in your home fresh and different between each track. The variety here is fascinating, with tracks from TLC, Alan Jackson, John Williams to Tom Petty and Lisa Fisher. The tracks "Christmas All Over Again" by Tom Petty and "Please Come Home For Christmas" by Southside Johnny Lyons provide a more rock and roll and non-traditional side to the CD.They are both truly enjoyable songs on different levels. If you loved the film, then you'll love this soundtrack.