As I was going through my Christmas CD collection, I was struck by how many Christmas albums are produced by non-Christians. In fact, I think Kenny G said once, when asked why he did a Christmas album, that it was because the music was beautiful in and of itself.

For some reason, this holiday … above all others … has inspired the most music (to my knowledge). Christmas music comes in the form of songs to be sung by many and songs to be sung by one. I comes in the from of serious classical symphonies and whimsical spoofs sung by cats and dogs.

Throughout the season, you can hear the familiar chords of Christmas music over the air waves and in department stores. Music forms the background against which everything else takes place to make the Christmas season different from all others. Christmas music plays such a significant role that during the entire season, other popular music temporarily disappears from many radio stations. That may be the reason for all the different types of Christmas music – sacred, secular, popular and traditional – that have emerged throughout the years.

Popular and secular renditions of Christmas music has been developed by musical artists and performers who ‘make over’ classic styles of Christmas music with their own personal touch. One reason for popular covers of Christmas songs may be because regular popular music is not heard during the holiday season so pop musicians and artists do Christmas music to keep their voices always in earshot of their fans and the general audience.

It could also be that they want to capitalize on the popularity of Christmas music. (Yes, greed plays an ever increasing role in this holiday, sad to say.) In fact, Dr. Elmo has a song on his album, Dr. Elmo’s Twisted Christmas, called “Christmas Millionaire” that is about just that.

Whatever the reason, it has become a trend for popular musical artists to release new Christmas or holiday music albums during the season. Since variety is the spice of life, it means there are more variations of secular, sacred, classical or traditional and popular renditions of Christmas music that can be heard. You can have a Celtic Christmas, a Classical Christmas or even a Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas. Heck, if you like, you can be serenaded by cats and dogs “singing” Christmas staples.

Music at Christmas time is important to create the right mood. The prevalence of Christmas music is what helps to create the special holiday type of feeling or spirit that is present everywhere and among everyone. Everyone has particular Christmas songs and carols that are favorites, maybe for the melody, the lyrics or because they are reminders of special memories.

The most popular Christmas song is said to be ‘White Christmas,’ which is popular even in warm and tropical climates where people sing of ‘dreaming of a White Christmas,’ which, in reality, they probably wouldn’t want. Other popular Christmas songs and carols are: ‘Away in a Manger,’ which tells the Nativity story in song; ‘O Holy Night,’ ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Joy to the World,’ ‘Hark the Herald Angels‘ and ‘Angels We Have Heard on High‘.

All of those songs are sacred and are all about the story of Jesus’ birth. Of note also is Handel’s majestic ‘Hallelujah Chorus,’ which is a favorite that choirs like to sing because of the splendor embodied in the music.

Nat King Cole’s ‘Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire (The Christmas Song)‘ is a classical favorite. It defies categorization as it isn’t sacred but is also not considered secular like a song such as ‘Sleigh Ride.’

Among secular Christmas songs, there are also funny ones such as ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus‘ (I personally LOVE John Mellencamp’s cover of that song) and ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ which got its start as part of an advertising campaign for Montgomery Ward.

The availability of a wide Christmas music selection makes it possible to choose ones for different occasions, such as for general use at home, for a fun or informal party or for a formal dinner. As an example, selections can be made to create the right mood at the start of a party, followed by more lively music when the party is in full swing, and then selections to slow down the pace when the party is nearing its end.

It’s also important to note that professional groups such as choirs, symphonies and orchestras will also record performances of Christmas music on albums. For the very serious and critical music aficionados, these albums will provide wonderful listening pleasure and also make good Christmas presents. Listening to music from those groups is also a way of enjoying their performances if doesn’t get the opportunity to attend a live concert by the professional group. Whatever selections of Christmas music are made however, it’s likely that it will create a festive mood and spirit among all who hear or are listening to the music.

Yesterday, I discussed some tips for doing your Christmas shopping online. Today, I’ll talk about shopping at brick and mortar stores, starting with … the mall.

To maximize Christmas shopping at the mall, you’ll need to know the differences between the various department stores. Find out which stores have certain exclusive brands (if you are looking for a particular brand), as well as which stores are moderately priced and which are more upscale. (This will help you with your budget.)

Although large department stores are the cornerstones of a mall, there are also all the specialty standalone stores and spinoff store branches at the mall. If you live in an area with more than one mall, find out which mall has which stores before heading out so you won’t waste time and gas.

And, for gift shopping, the standalone kiosks can be a good choice. In fact, the number of these kiosks often multiplies during the Christmas season as gift-focused ones set up shop. These kiosks are more likely to carry one-of-a kind and unique items, which can even provide or inspire ideas for Christmas presents.

When shopping for Christmas at the mall, you need to keep in mind what you can realistically find there. Malls are a good place to find home and household items, books, music and movies, electronics, sports gear and shoes. You’ll probably have to look elsewhere if you’re looking for more exotic gifts.

Oh! and don’t forget the Outlet or Factory Malls! You can often find good deals at these places. But be careful … just because it is an outlet or factory store, does not guarantee you a low price anymore. Retailers have started taking advantage of this shopping mindset and may actually price there wares equal to or greater than what you can find in a regular store.

One final place to consider for Christmas shopping is downtown businesses. They are usually small and intimate, have unique offerings and offer more personalized assistance. Although downtown businesses are also likely to be crowded at Christmas time, there likely will be less of a crush of people like that found at malls.

What is Christmas shopping to you? A fun way to pass the time or a necessary evil? Or maybe its a bit of both … depending on who you’re shopping for and where you’re shopping.

The sights and sounds of Christmas at the local mall can be both fun and annoying. There are the the pretty and sparkly and sometimes whimsical decorations. And then there are the really annoying lines, irritable people and sometimes the lack of just the right gift.

Of course, these days you don’t really have to leave your home to do the Christmas shopping. You can sit in the comfort of your home (or office, as the case may be) and order your gifts online.

And, when shopping online, you don’t have to limit yourself to the major retailers such as Amazon, WalMart, Target or Macy’s. Many smaller and boutique shops also sell their wares via the Internet. So one thing you can avoid by shopping online is not finding the right gift … if one exists, you can find someone selling it online.

Another advantage of shopping online? Comparison shopping. There are plenty of “shop bots” that will compare prices of various items across several stores. My husband always does his initial shopping online … does the product and price research on the Internet and only then decides whether the best place to purchase his coveted item is online or in the store.

Of course, the caveat of doing your Christmas shopping online is that you need to pay attention to whether an item is in stock and the cut off date for shipping. Will you be shipping to yourself, wrapping and then shipping to someone else? Your lead time, then, becomes even greater.

Yes, some online retailers offer gift wrapping. But as the recipient of these gift wrapping services, the quality of the wrapping is pretty lame.