American Idol - The Great Holiday Classics

If the tunes of Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard and Kelly Clarkson fill your heart with joy, you've probably already added this collection of "holiday classics" to your cd collection. While Justin Guarini recently lost his recording contract, you can still hear him on this album, singing "I'll Be Home for Christmas." (Of course he will! Now that his label doesn't want him, we're guessing he doesn't have anyplace else to go.) Get the CD

Various Artists - The Big 80's Christmas

If you grew up during the '80s, these songs will take you back to the good old days when David Bowie sang "Little Drummer Boy" and The Ramones proved even punks catch the holiday spirit with "Merry Christmas (I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight)." See if you still know all the words to The Waitresses' "Christmas Wrapping," and flash back to a simpler time when all you wanted for Christmas was a Snoopy Snow-Cone Machine and some sparkly leg warmers. Get the CD

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen - Cool Yule

This CD is worth buying just to see the looks on your coworkers' faces when you crank up "Swingle Bells" at the holiday office party. Featuring Mary-Kate, Ashley and several of their more vocally-talented friends, the album includes a wide selection of old favorites as well as the strangely catchy original "I Do Believe It's Christmas Eve." Get the CD

Various Artists - Radio Disney Holiday Jams 2

Radio Disney's second Christmas compilation mixes classics by Johnny Mathis and Burl Ives with modern holiday hits. Highlights include "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" by the A*Teens and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by the Jackson 5. If this album fills your heart with Christmas, check out Holiday Jams 1 for more of the same. Get the CD

Destiny's Child - 8 Days of Christmas

"Silver Bells" aren't good enough for you? This Destiny's Child album has the answer -- "Platinum Bells." The independent women's Christmas album offers similarly-updated versions of other holiday hits. Twelve days of Christmas always did seem like a bit much... Get the CD

Various Artists - Now That's What I Call Christmas!

This two disk compilation has enough classics and new hits to keep you, your mom, your baby sister and your Aunt Gertrude filled with holiday spirit and rockin' beats. Bing and Britney, Elvis and Joe, Ella and Elmo... You'll feel nostalgic yet up to date with this surefire winner. (It even includes "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid!) Get the CD

Christina Aguilera - My Kind of Christmas

She already had an English album and a Spanish album, so a Christmas album was inevitable. It's got "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Oh Holy Night," and the original tracks "Christmas Time," "This Year," and the provocatively titled "Xtina's Xmas." Surprisingly, considering her crossover attempts, she didn't include any Spanglish tracks like "Feliz Navidad." You've gotta love "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire) (Thunderpuss 2000 Version)," a trance/techno version of the Christmas favorite. Get the CD

Various Artists - Platinum Christmas

So you don't want to commit to one pop star's Christmas album? You just can't bear the thought of listening to 98 Degrees do versions of every freaking Christmas song ever? This compilation is for you. Since the long list of pop acts includes Christina and Britney, and Backstreet and 'N Sync, this CD can make everybody happy. There will be no more fighting, only peace on earth and good pop music for all. Get the CD

'N Sync - Home For Christmas

A few years ago when this five-some of teen dreams were just a tad skinnier and free of hair dye and rhinestones, they released this Christmas album. Don't expect it to sound as rockin' and flashy as their latest CD, but do expect tender renditions of "The First Noel" and "The Christmas Song." Original tracks include "Under My Tree," "Kiss Me At Midnight," and "I Never Knew The Meaning of Christmas." Get the CD

Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas

Back when she wore more clothes, Mariah Carey released this album of Christmas tracks that my sister continues to play endlessly. With a nice set of holiday standards like "Silent Night" and 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town," this is a safe choice for the holidays. If you want something more recent, you can always go for the unofficial Mariah-clone -- Christina Aguilera, above. Get the CD

98 Degrees - This Christmas

Come on girls. We know why you really like this hot boy group...so why would you want to buy a Christmas album that only has pictures of them all covered up in sweaters and jackets? As with most of the other pop CD's this has the two traditional covers "The Christmas Song" and "Oh Holy Night." (We know everyone picks the latter track just so they get a chance to belt out that part about "Can't you hear... the angels' voices, OH!!!") Get the CD

Jewel - A Holiday Collection

Jewel's holiday album features "Ave Maria," "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as well as a special Christmas version of her song "Hands." Who will save your soul this Christmas? Only Jewel really knows... Get the CD