Granted gift giving, tree trimming and egg nog drinking help create the yule-tide glee of the holiday season, but the music is truly the highlight of it all. The perfect Christmas CD can be the warmth you need to heat up on a cold day, whether with family or a special someone. Check out our picks for the Top 5 Contemporary R&B Christmas Albums that you must have:

1. “Snowflakes”- Toni Braxton
Regardless of her financial woes, Toni Braxton can sing. The alto-voiced singer’s 2001 Christmas cd, was a collection of covers (“Christmas Time is Here” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”) and original tunes penned by Babyface, and her then husband Keri Lewis, which included the smooth, “This Time Next Year” and “Christmas in Jamaica” featuring Shaggy.

2. “Merry Christmas”- Mariah Carey

Yes Mariah got a lot of attention for last year’s Merry Christmas II,  but her first holiday album, Merry Christmas, is the true classic. Released in 1994, the project has sold over 12 million copies worldwide—making it the biggest selling Christmas album of all time—and yielded the hits “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Joy to the World,” and the ballad “Miss You Most (At Christmas Time).”

3. “8 Days of Christmas”- Destiny’s Child

Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle released a solid Christmas album that garnered some major endorsements for them. Following the messy break-ups and departures of former members, Letoya Luckett, Latavia Roberson, and Farrah Franklin; the trio released 8 Days of Christmas in 2001, selling over 500,000 copies in the U.S alone. Each girl has a featured solo on the album, but of course Beyonce’s acoustic rendition of “Silent Night” reigns supreme.

4. “This is Christmas”- Luther Vandross

Little has to be said about Luther Vandross‘ 1994 album, This is Christmas. The late singer, known for his smooth baritone, created beautiful interpretations of ” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “O’ Come All Ye Faithful”, and “My Favorite Things”. The album also features a string of original tunes that easily stand alongside the traditional cuts.

5. “Christmas with Babyface”- Babyface

Known for churning out hits for a slew of other acts, Babyface outdid himself on his 1998 holiday album, Christmas with Babyface. His cover of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” will send chills up your spine as you sit infront of the fireplace.

Think there is a Christmas album that should be a must have? Let us know in the comments section below.

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