By By Madeline Kerins

1. The Beach Boys-Christmas With The Beach Boys:”Little Saint Nick” is absolutely a classic Christmas song, and the rest of the album is pretty damn sweet as well.

2. Various Artists-Reggae Pulse 4: Christmas Songs:You haven’t experienced Christmas until you’ve heard “Frosty the Snowman” accompanied by steel drums. As if it could get more amazing, reggae group The Tamlins cover “Last Christmas” by George Michael. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

3. Various Artists-Now That’s What I Call Christmas! The Signature Collection:Though this compilation does have its low points-i.e. the inclusion of B2K-it has a fantastic mix of classic and contemporary Christmas favorites with artists ranging from Elton John and Mariah Carey to Burl Ives, the king of Christmas tunes. Let’s not forget the favorite, “Feliz Navidad,” the original version by Josi Feliciano. Perfection.

4. Various Artists-American Idol: The Great Holiday Classics:Okay, okay, okay-it’s understood. Everything related to American Idol is probably the most embarrassing thing to admit to liking, let alone including on a Top 5 list, but Kelly Clarkson’s version of “My Grown up Christmas List” is absolutely beautiful.

5. Various Artists-A Very Special Christmas:U2’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” should be one of everyone’s favorite Christmas songs, and if it isn’t well, you better modify your list. The rest of this disc is packed with great late ’80s/early ’90s artists, including Bon Jovi, Madonna, and a cover of “Winter Wonderland” by the Eurhythmics.