Forget fruitcake and Ferrero Rocher. A festive mixed CD—packed with music that won’t make you toss your Christmas cookies—is the ultimate hostess gift. Don’t be surprised, however, if the party turns a little more naughty than nice.

“Father Christmas,” The Kinks, Billboard Rock ’n’ Roll Christmas
Let the classic Brit band invade your Christmas party.

“Someday at Christmas,” Stevie Wonder, Someday at Christmas
Hark! The herald angels are no match for Stevie’s signature soul.

“The Christmas Song,” The Raveonettes, The OC Mix 3: Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah
The holidays get a little hipper with The OC’s cross-holiday crowd-pleaser.

“Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas,” The Staple Singers, The Ultimate Staple Singers: A Family Affair
The first family of Motown gets hip to the holiday spirit.

“Spotlight on Christmas,” Rufus Wainwright, Maybe This Christmas, Too
Festive flamboyance at its best.

“Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight),” The Ramones, Christmas With the Kranks Rock the halls! The boys add a little hardcore to the holidays. (Joey's revised solo version is a bit more mellow.)

“Little St. Nick,” The Beach Boys, The Beach Boys Christmas Album
Baby it is cold outside! Let the boys of summer put a little sunshine in your stocking.

“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” Jackson 5, The Jackson 5 Christmas Album
No wonder Michael has so many issues!

“Fairytale of New York,” The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl, The Best of the Pogues
Grab a glass of spiked eggnog and sway along to this boozed up Christmas ballad.

“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” U2, A Very Special Christmas
No real surprise that Bono lent his pipes to a Christmas album benefiting the Special Olympics. Looks like someone wants to be the new Santa.

“Sleigh Ride,” The Ronettes, A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector
A bell-ringer from what is arguably the best holiday album ever.

“2,000 Miles,” The Pretenders, The Pretenders Greatest Hits
Slow things down—and locate the nearest mistletoe. Chrissie Hynde at her Christmassy best.