Ever want to try your luck making your own Christmas music? Now you can. Webster Hall Records has come up with "U-Sing-It Christmas" that allows you to record your own voice on nine previously recorded tracks and e-mail them to your friends. The "U-Sing-It Christmas" CD contains a program that allows you to load a mixing board onto your PC. You don't have to go online and do a ton of downloads to get the right equipment. All you need is this CD. From there you can replace the pre-recorded vocals and instruments with your own voice and instruments, if you wish. Pop-up lyrics — karaoke style — and a do-it-yourself reverb and effects control, allows you to mix your own music. — S.I.

JUANITA ULLOA; "Paz y Alegria" (Ulloa Productions)

Ulloa is a Yale graduate who was born in Mexico. She has served as an ambassador for Peru and Mexico. She has also recorded six CDs. Her latest is a collection of Christmas songs; the title means "Peace and Joy." Renditions of traditional songs such as "O Holy Night" ("Noche Inmortal") and "Silent Night" ("Noche de Paz") are mixed well with "Canto a la Paz" ("Song for Peace") and the traditional carol from Spain, "Fum Fum Fum." This little album is a nice change of pace from the over-produced commercialized music that's been released over the past decade. — S.I.

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Christmas Angels" (Capitol)

It doesn't get any more country than Amber Dotson's twangy, steel-guitar version of "Blue Christmas," which kicks off this collection. But just when you think you have it pegged as a traditional country album, along comes Allison Krauss's bluegrass "Shimmy Down the Chimney," Bethany Dillon's jazzy "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and Deana Carter's "Boogie Woogie Santa," which conjures up visions of the jitterbug. And you realize that the defining characteristic here is not genre but gender. These are all females with strong voices, who also have country leanings but not necessarily total commitment. Other contributors are Jamie O'Neal, Jennifer Hanson, Cyndi Thomson, Nichole Nordeman, Suzy Bogguss and Tanya Tucker. — C.W.

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Elton John's Christmas Party" (Hear Music/Universal)

Captain Fantastic has assumed control. Yes, Elton John has selected a mix of his favorite renditions of Christmas songs for your listening pleasure. This CD features John's own "Step Into Christmas," El Vez's version of "Feliz Navidad," the Ronette's "Frosty the Snowman" and the Flaming Lips' "A Change at Christmas (Say It Isn't So)." British singer Joss Stone teams up with John on "Calling It Christmas," the Pretenders' "2000 Miles" and Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run." Surprises include OutKast's "Playa's Ball" and the Band's "Christmas Must Be Tonight." The addition of the Ventures' "Jingle Bell Rock" is nothing short of flamboyant genius. — S.I.