A lot of choices come with the holiday season. Real tree or fake. Eggnog or hot chocolate. Fruitcake or "for God's sake, keep that disgusting fruitcake away from me." Some of the choices are relatively easier to make than others.

One of the most daunting choices — the one that usually ends up as one of the season's biggest battles — is music. There are so many different styles and genres of music, choosing just one to satisfy the entire family is about as appealing as the parking lot at the mall during the final week before Christmas.

Everyone has his or her own specific tastes and preferences when it comes to music — that's kind of the beauty of music. Music catagories have become so vastly diverse, people often define themselves and their attitudes through the music they chose to listen to. But when it comes to the holidays, everything seems to get kind of confusing. Holiday music can be a bit constraining at best, and doesn't exactly seem to offer a world of available options. As wonderfully festive as your mom's Kenny G. Christmas album may be, it may not quite cut it for the younger generation. And likewise, as equally "festive" as you may find the punk rock version of "Silent Night" you and your friend cut in his garage last November, the decibel level might just be a bit more than Grandma can handle.

Luckily, there are a lot more options out there than the average holiday-goer may be aware. From classic rock to pop divas, the Christmas spirit has touched a lot of musicians over the years, prompting them to use their gift of song to spread a little holiday cheer.

Here is a look at a few different styles of holiday music. From the big names to the lesser-known bands, the holiday season seems to affect just about everybody. And with all the love, there should be at least one album we can all agree on ... right?

Frank Sinatra — A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra

When you think of artists commonly associated with Christmas music, the name Frank Sinatra doesn't immediately come to mind. Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey, even Alvin and the Chipmunks ... the mere mention of these artists stirs images of tinsel-wrapped Christmas trees and family gatherings around the fireplace. Mention of the name Frank Sinatra, however, calls to mind visions of ladies and liquor. However, Ol' Blue Eyes' album, "A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra," proves that even he isn't too cool for Christmas. Gone are the moody lyrics of the heartbroken loner. Instead, a jovial Frank sings catchy tunes such as "Jingle Bells," "Mistletoe and Holly" and "White Christmas." He even adds a Sinatra-spin to the holidays with the catchy original "Christmas Waltz." In combination with the other singles on this 14 track album, Frank Sinatra's "Jolly Christmas" provides a heartwarming holiday listening experience. Seriously, Frank Sinatra and Christmas carols — how can you possibly go wrong?

Mike Richard

They Might Be Giants — Holiday Land

This album is a compilation of holiday songs They Might Be Giants have produced over the past several years. "Santa's Beard" is a broken-hearted tune of a man who watches helplessly as Santa steals his girlfriend. "Feast of Lights" was originally written for a Hanukkah compilation in 1999, but made its way onto Holiday Land as well. "Careless Santa," a song about Santa foiling a bank robbing scheme, was originally recorded with John Flansburgh's side project Mono Puff. A traditional German version of "O Tannenbaum" was originally recorded in 1993 during a sound check for the band's first live line-up at a high school in Hollywood, California. The album is nothing spectacular, but it is sweet and funny, and it is a nice addition to a holiday collection.

Tom O'Connell

Mariah Carey — Merry Christmas

Destined to become a holiday classic, Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas combines gospel grace with lively beats capable of pleasing almost every Christmas music fan. With original tracks and holiday favorites, Merry Christmas is a solid representation of what contemporary Christmas music can be. The catchiest song on the album, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," combines Carey's impressive vocal range with fun pop-style lyrics. The album's final track, "Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child," merges traditional lyrics with strong backup support. Carey's Christmas album may have been released in 1994, but it's certainly still in style.

Maureen Smithe

Lynyrd Skynyrd — Christmas Time Again

Planning on celebrating Christmas in an old roadhouse in Alabama? If so, check out Lynryd Skynyrd's Christmas Time Again. The semi-cheesy album features Johnny Vant Zant, the younger brother of Skynyrd's original vocalist, as well as Gary Rossington on guitar. 38 Special makes a guest appearance on a hard rock rendition of "Hallelujah, It's Christmas" and Charlie Daniels performs a bluesy jingle of the classic "Santa Claus is Coming To Town." Skynyrd covers many traditional favorites like "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer," but also show their Southern roots by playing the gritty jam "Santa's Messin' With the Kid" and the soulful "Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'." All in all, Skynyrd shows a softer, cheerier side for this Christmas album. If hard rock and blues is on your Christmas list, this album is a good investment.

Mike Schmuhl

Squirrel Nut Zippers — Christmas Caravan

There are songs and albums constantly played during the Christmas season, most involving Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby. For those who desire a different sound this Christmas, the Squirrel Nut Zippers' Christmas Caravan is an album to buy. Offering a unique brand of swing, jazz, country and Cajun, the Squirrel Nut Zippers create an original sound for the holidays. Old classics as well as originals are among the songs on the album. The band tackles the standard "Winter Weather" as well as "Sleigh Ride," giving the latter a more swinging ending than what most Christmas shoppers are accustomed to hearing. Alongside the standards are originals, such as "Gift of the Magi," a country song telling the O. Henry story, and "A Johnny Ace Christmas," a eulogy for the R&B musician who killed himself on Christmas Eve during a Russian Roulette game. Any weary, sleep-deprived college student can relate to the song "I'm Coming Home For Christmas" during finals. Basically, Christmas Caravan is something different. If you are at a mall and are tired of hearing "White Christmas" over and over, reach for the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Liam Farrell

Destiny's Child — 8 Days of Christmas

Destiny's Child's 8 Days of Christmas is nothing like the holiday classic whose moniker it calls upon. This tuneful trio may top the charts with regular pop music, but their first Christmas release is bound to stay on the racks if listeners follow any good sense. In what could possibly be the most materialistic, self-indulgent, narcissistic holiday music release in the history of holiday releases, 8 Days of Christmas does nothing more than pump up Kelly, Beyonce, and Michelle's egos. Tracks such as "Platinum Bells" (in reference to the holiday classic Silver Bells) gives the girls the opportunity to call themselves "living dolls." Worse off, their rendition of "Silent Night" sounds just like the noises made by the animals who accompanied Jesus in the manger. Don't ruin the holiday spirit by playing this album.

Maureen Smithe

Elvis — White Christmas

White Christmas is unique blend of young and old Elvis. The first half of the album, recorded in 1957, swings with jazzy rock 'n' roll interpretations of songs like "Santa Claus is Back In Town" and "Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me." Young Elvis also takes the time to shows off his vocal strength in the slow, traditional arrangements of songs like "White Christmas" and "Silent Night." The second half of Elvis' Christmas experience is a journey through 1970s' soft rock. Recorded in 1971, Elvis bellows out tunes like "Winter Wonderland," "I'll Be Home on Christmas Day" and "On a Snowy Christmas Night." Between classic songs and a few originals, this album has it all – a young, swinging Elvis, an old, soft rock Elvis and a ton of unique songs that true fans of "the King" can not afford to miss out on.

Sam Derheimer

The Chipmunks — Greatest Christmas Hits

OK, so the voices are annoying, the lyrics are childish and the musical arrangements … well, let's just say real chipmunks could probably produce better music, but who doesn't get a little sentimental when they hear Alvin shout "Me, I want a ho-lahoop!" in "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)." This is what Christmas is all about. The Chipmunks' Christmas music has been a fast favorite of little kids for decades. It's hard not to crack a smile as these ridiculous voices belt out classic Christmas tunes like "Deck the Halls," "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and "Frosty the Snowman" as Dave, their human father-figure, is continuously forced to reprimand Alvin for going overboard with just about everything he does. Annoying after awhile, yes. But a true Christmas classic, absolutely.

Sam Derheimer

Harry Connick Jr. — When My Heart Finds Christmas

Harry Connick should have been around in the 1940s. This smooth-voiced crooner would have been a perfect fit in The Rat Pack. When My Heart Finds Christmas is Connick's first holiday album, and he handles the Christmas season playfully and respectfully. Half the songs are traditional, with orchestra ensembles, while others have more of a jazz feeling to them. Children's songs like "Rudolph" and "Silver Bells" are balanced well against more mature songs like "When My Heart Finds Christmas" and "This Christmas," a song that gets a boost from guest saxophone Branford Marsalis. Connick seems better when he's at a faster pace, because it brings out his goofy side, but that doesn't mean he can't be serious. The best song on the album is a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night." With orchestral and chorale accompaniment, Connick creates a timeless version of this holiday classic. Good for kids and adults, When My Heart Finds Christmas is great Christmas cocktail party music.

Tom O'Connell

TRL — MTV TRL Christmas

 Forget two front teeth — all you want for Christmas is Carson Daly. But since that's not going to happen, you might want to settle for the new TRL Christmas album. This collection of new and old hits from Christina Aguilera, blink-182, Willa Ford, a'NSYNC, LFO and more will certainly fulfill any 13-year old girl's wish. However, it's only real value is a chance at wining a trip to New York City by finding a Golden Ticket within the CD case. Let's face it, hearing "I Wanna Be Bad" Willa Ford tell Santa to "Gimme Gimme Gimme" doesn't exactly put anyone in the Holiday Spirit. And it's safe to say, Christina Aguilera's version of "Angels We Have Heard On High" would only be pleasant if you are high. The record does have a few solid tracks, however. Weezer's version of "The Christmas Song" gives this old classic a fresh face and a new hard rock sound. 'NSYNC's ballad "I Don't Wanna Spend One More Christmas Without You" has Justin Timberlake singing lead vocals while his bandmates provide harmonious background melodies. The album concludes with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's rendition of "Christmas Canon," which is by far, the best track on the album. It's safe to say many of the TRL artists featured on this album could take a lesson or two from the musicians of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in delivering a song that truly captures the Christmas spirit.

Laura Rompf

• Christmas music for every taste