What are the holidays without those festive get-togethers for families, friends and eggnog? ...A lot quieter and a bit less tipsy, really. But for most of us, the season of giving and getting wouldn't be the same without parties that bring us all together in front of roaring fireplaces and inedible fruitcake.
No party is complete without holiday music spinning on the CD player. What kind of tunes you choose for your holiday party can depend on the mood or style of the event itself. Oh, sure, you can just slap some Mannheim Steamroller in the stereo and let 'er rip. But if you're looking for just the proper beat, you can go in plenty of directions.
Traditional
� The classic A Christmas Festival With Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops supplies a generous selection from the legendary conductor, including the definitive "Sleigh Ride."
� Bing Crosby's White Christmas.
� The Voice of Christmas: The Complete Decca Christmas Songbook is a sweeping collection (with three versions of White Christmas!) that will free you from fiddling with the stereo for much of the night.
Up-to-date
� Amy Grant's A Christmas Album mixes standards with original songs.
� A Very Special Christmas includes holiday songs from the likes of Sting, Sheryl Crow, Tom Petty and Snoop Dogg (we kid you not). What's more, the proceeds for these albums go to the Special Olympics, which is the real gift here.
Laid-back
� The Carpenters' two-CD Christmas Collection, with nearly every holiday song in creation, is perfect for a mellow, intimate fete.
� Kenny G's' jazzed-out Faith: A Holiday Album includes poignant, passionate versions of "Ave Maria" and "Auld Lang Syne."
Country
� George Strait's Merry Christmas Wherever You Are includes a surprisingly lively rendition of "All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)."
� It's hard to go wrong with Garth Brooks' instant classic Magic of Christmas or Tinsel Tunes, a twangy compilation of seasonal favorites done bluegrass-style.
Kids (or those who think they are)
� The soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas should appeal to children of all ages.
� For something completely different (i.e., warped), Blame It on Christmas, Vol. 1 puts a very wacky spin on chestnuts such as "We Three Kings" ("We Three Bings") and "Joy to the World" ("Joy to the Third World").
� Adam Sandler's What the Hell Happened to Me? includes the inspired "The Chanukah Song," a few tunes that are rated X�and not for Xmas.
