No matter where you are, every Christmas calls for music to get you in the mood. Sometimes the usual Christmas songs can become repetitive, so here is a list of some refreshing, new albums released just this year.

Wrapped in Red by: Kelly Clarkson

If you’re looking for a pop album paired with some great vocals, Clarkson’s Wrapped in Red album is for you. This 14-track CD features some traditional Christmas music including “Baby, Its Cold Outside,” “Run Run Rudolph” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as well as several original pieces. Reba and Trisha Yearwood also join Clarkson in “Silent Night”—a track with more of a country feel. Overall, this album includes traditional Christmas sing-a-longs with a modern twist.

Home for Christmas by: Susan Boyle

Who could forget Susan Boyle’s 2009 Britain’s Got Talent audition? Since she sang a flawless version of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables, Boyle has been recording her second Christmas album that was released earlier this year. Home for Christmas features music with a classical feel and is a selection the entire family will enjoy. One of the most sought-after songs on the album is “O Come All Ye Faithful,” which features recordings from none other than Elvis Presley. The revamped version of the song is not only a blast from the past but also a charity single for Save the Children United Kingdom, a non-profit that helps children in 120 countries worldwide, and the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation in the United States.

Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas by: The Robertson Family

The Robertson family not only owns a multi-million dollar Duck Commander sporting empire but also now has a full-length Christmas album. Well-known country singers such as Allison Krauss, George Strait, Josh Turner and Luke Bryan join the Robertson’s in a comedic and entertaining album that any true southern family can enjoy. With song names including “Hairy Christmas,” "Ragin’ Cajun Redneck Christmas” and “Camouflage and Christmas Lights,” you are sure to be amused. Those looking for some humor in their Christmas music should definitely pick up a copy!

A Mary Christmas by: Mary J. Blige

It comes as no surprise that this hip-hop icon’s first Christmas album hit number 23 on the United States’ Billboard 200 on the first week it was released. Blige’s A Mary Christmas includes a diverse selection of music with several different influences. The track list includes traditional songs like “Little Drummer Boy,” but also a French-influenced song, “Petit Papa Noel” and the Spanish song “Noche De Paz” featuring Marc Anthony. Blige’s vocal ability coupled with some magnificent collaborations make for one of the best Christmas albums to come out in the past few years.

Christmas Songs by: Bad Religion

If you’re anything like me, you’re not too partial to classical Christmas music. As a fan of punk rock, I was excited to hear about Bad Religion’s Christmas Songs. This album features well-known Christmas songs with an alternative twist. My favorite song from the album is “American Jesus,” mixed by Andy Wallace, a Christmas-themed song that sounds more like something you’d hear on the radio year-round. This album contains upbeat Christmas music and it is something I definitely recommend.

The King’s Gift by: Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins is another well-known artist to release his first Christmas album this year. For Adkins, this album is a departure from his usual country compositions to a Celtic feel. Although this album is not in his usual genre, Adkins succeeds in making the music soothing, lively and joyful. Most of the songs are more modernized versions of older Christmas songs, which make for a refreshing track list. This album has received some of the best reviews this year so be sure to check it out.

Whatever you decide to listen to this Christmas, remember the reason for the season and enjoy your time away from the stress of college. Have a safe and warm Winter Break and I cannot wait to see you all again mid-January!