Jim Cosgrove, aka "Mr. Stinky Feet," loves to make children smile. The Kansas City-based entertainer has traveled around the country doing just that, and this CD will add to his happy repertoire with songs about Harold, the angel who can't sing, Phlegmwick the Elf, the trial of waiting for the holiday and other original numbers. There are some old standards, as well, and an international flavor with steel drums, Celtic instruments and Spanish lyrics on various numbers. — C.W.

MICHAEL DOWDLE; "Twenty-Five Beloved Carols of Christmas" (Sounds of Zion)

Put Michael Dowdle in a room with an acoustic guitar and magic happens. In recent years Dowdle and his guitar have recorded a series of "Twenty-five Beloved ..." albums, using some of his favorite hymns and children's songs. Now he turns to Christmas with a collection of carols that, as he says, "deal with the sacred nature of this holiday." Included are "O Holy Night," "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," "Stars Were Gleaming," "The Coventry Carol" and "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Although they are guitar solos, Dowdle varies the tempo, the key, the style and even provides additional background, so there is a lot of variety. His little blurb on each carol, telling of its history or its particular significance to him, also adds to the overall depth. — C.W.

JOHN FLUKER; "J Is for Joy" (It's a Fluke Music).

John Fluker is billed as a "potent brew of vocalist, musician, songwriter, producer, arranger and teacher." In addition to all that, he serves as Gladys Knight's music director and has toured internationally as a pianist/vocalist. So, when it comes to making a joyful noise, he knows what he's doing. This R&B/gospel collection is upbeat and uplifting. Fluker takes traditional carols and makes them his own. His original "Follow the Brightest Star" also has a nice message. Included are four instrumental versions of the carols, which add a nice mellowing finish. — C.W.

KIRBY HEYBOURNE; "Merry White Tree in the Night" (Inspia Media)

Kirby Heybourne has made a name for himself on the movie screen and in recent years has also proved to be a talented musician. When he and producer Nathan DeVore decided to do this Christmas album, their only requirement was that it be nontraditional, and that's what you get, even though a few traditional carols are thrown into the mix. Heybourne gives them a mellow, ethereal tone that is fully in keeping with such original songs as "Wassail and Apple Pie," a tribute to his mother; "Snow Falls Down," a treatise on giving; and "Alleluia," which celebrates family. — C.W.