If gloomy winter weather is getting you down, there is really no better balm than the sunny California sounds of the Beach Boys.

Has there ever been a more maudlin song that included lyrics like, “Christmastime is here/Happiness and cheer”?  For me, this album perfectly sums up the holidays with its mixture of joy and bitter sweet nostalgia.

This is the album that I most associate with the holiday season since I probably heard it over 80 times while growing up. The classic titular song that starts, “chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” still manages to put a lump in my throat every time.

This is one of the funnest, jazziest holiday albums around. Ella Fitzgerald belts out classics from the raucous “Jingle Bells” to the wistful “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve.” Highly recommended.

If you’re looking to make it a blue Christmas, look no further than The King. This album is one half rockin’, one half bluesy gospel and all great.

Christmas albums do not get any funkier than this. You cannot go wrong with James Brown.

Make it a Rat Pack Christmas with the jazzy, loungey vocal stylings of one Frank Sinatra.

The Staple Singers are well known for their R&B hits of the late 60s and early 70s, but prior to that, they were a really groovy gospel group. The Staple sisters all have wonderful voices, but it’s Pops Staples work on the steel guitar that really makes these gospel tunes something special.

Like the Beach Boys, the Ventures are sure to cheer any listener up on a gloomy day with their swinging surf-rock melodies.

Nearly two hours of holiday music from the likes of the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye. Put your dancing shoes on and enjoy!