As the leaves are almost gone from the trees, it's time to trod out the old holiday music from your collection. Every year, new music comes out, but people tend to go with the classics. But there was a time when Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" was a new song, and no one can predict which of today's new Christmas songs will be tomorrow's classics.

Here is a brief guide to holiday music, including CDs you ought to have and CDs you might want to get.

Top New Holiday Albums for 2009

Bob Dylan: Christmas in the Heart
The buzz in the musical world this year is Bob Dylan's new album of Christmas classics. Dylan never ceases to surprise his audience, and this record of 15 classic songs is no exception. The line-up includes such staples as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Here Comes Santa Claus," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and "Christmas Island." This could be one of those annual favorites, or it could be quickly forgotten. Regardless, Dylan has donated all profits from the album in perpetuity to three charities that feed the hungry.

Tori Amos: Midwinter Graces
Known for her original music style and fiercely loyal fans, American songwriter Tori Amos has a new album of "winter songs." Some are original compositions, and some are Christmas classics, but this CD would make a good give to any lover of alternative rock.

Sting: If on a Winter's Night...
The former lead singer of the Police ventures into the holiday music market with this collection of traditional British carols and lullabies, performed with many guest musicians and traditional instruments. This record should keep you warm by the fire.

Jackson 5: Ultimate Christmas Collection
This CD is a reissue of the original 1970 Jackson 5 Christmas album made at the height of their popularity, plus many extra tracks, including a previously unreleased Michael Jackson Christmas song. A great gift for any fan of the late, great King of Pop.

Neil Diamond: A Cherry Cherry Christmas
This is the third holiday album by the master American songwriter. The title song makes references to many of his past hits. Sweet!

Andrea Bocelli: My Christmas
This is the popular Italian tenor's first holiday album, soon to be featured on an upcoming PBS special. It's a terrific gift idea for any fan of classical music and opera.

Irish Tenors: Irish Tenors Christmas
Another artist well known to PBS viewers, this trio of Irish tenors is making their Christmas music debut with this sure to be popular collection.

Sugarland: Gold and Green
The popular country music duo has released their first Christmas album. It includes traditional classics plus five original songs that are sure to be future classics.

Straight No Chaser: Christmas Cheers
The popular a capella group from Indiana is sure to make a lasting impression with this collection of Christmas melodies performed in their unique way.

Michael McDonald: This Christmas
Grey-haired, blue-eyed soul singer Michael McDonald releases his third Christmas collection.

David Archuleta: Christmas from the Heart
Not to be outdone by Bob Dylan, this new face has released his second studio album as a collection of Christmas songs, including a duet with Charice. The kids will love it!

Various Artists: Maybe This Christmas
This year's alternative rock Christmas music collection features songs by Coldplay, Vanessa Carlton, Bright Eyes, Jack Johnson, and Loreena McKennitt. Tis the season of something for everyone.

Top Classic Holiday Albums

Bing Crosby: White Christmas
Chances are, you probably already have this holiday record. But isn't it about time you replaced that worn-out CD?

Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording of the CBS Television Special
Heart-warming holiday jazz that should be a staple in any record collection.

Frank Sinatra: A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra
Ol' Blue Eyes recorded many holiday songs, but this 1957 collection is the best.

Ella Fitzgerald: Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas
A classic collection from one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.

Elvis Presley: Elvis' Christmas Album
Few Christmas records are more memorable than this, and few have sold more copies over the years.

They Might Be Giants: They Might Be Giants in Holidayland
This short collection (only 5 songs) is a kid-friendly holiday classic from one of the giants of alternative rock.

Various Artists: Motown Christmas
Christmas. Motown. Nothing more needs to be said!

Various Artists: A Very Special Christmas
Proceeds from this excellent collection of holiday music benefits the Special Olympics.

Barbra Streisand: Christmas Album
This 1967 classic has been a perennial favorite for many years.

Nat King Cole: The Christmas Song
Simply unforgettable. A must have!

Tony Bennett: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album
This is one of the essential collections from one of the all-time great song stylists.

Johnny Mathis: The Christmas Music of Johnny Mathis: A Personal Collection
This is a greatest holiday hits collection from one of the sweetest voices of the sixties.

Andy Williams: The Andy Williams Christmas Album
Another classic from the classic generation of American song stylists. Released in 1963, it includes "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," sung the way it should be, as only Andy could sing it.

Dean Martin: Christmas with Dino
Another collection of classic Christmas songs that every holiday hearth should have.

David Benoit: Christmastime
If you like Vince Guaraldi (Peanuts), you'll love this collection of piano Christmas songs.

Sarah McLachlan: Wintersong
One of the best holiday albums from recent years, the Canadian singer covers traditional classics as well as modern stand-bys such as "Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon, all performed in McLachlan adult contemporary folk style. An essential holiday record.