I've been making holiday mixtapes as gifts for years. They've evolved into two distinct themes: that warm and fuzzy feeling the holidays can bring and the darker, more stressful and confused condition that can too easily befall us during this time of year. Which camp do you fall into?

Here's wishing you a safe and restful holiday season. I've included this year's two mixes below. Enjoy!

Christmas Presence 08

Warm & Cozy Holiday Tunes

Listen (via Opentape)

1. The Merriest - Various Artists

2. Christmas Time Is Here - Ivy

3. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Death Cab For Cutie

4. Sleigh Ride/Santa Claus' Party - Ferrante & Teicher / Les Baxter

5. You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch - Fareed Haque

6. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - Ella Fitzgerald

7. Winter Wonderland - Goldfrapp

8. Christmas Night In Harlem - Louis Armstrong

9. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Pink Martini

10. Jingle Bells - Dean Martin

11. Baby, It's Cold Outside - Al Hirt and Ann Margaret

12. Frosty The Snowman - Esquivel

13. Carol of the Bells - Outputmessage

14. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Les Brown And His Band Of Renown

15. Christmas Don't Be Late - Rosie Thomas

16. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Catie Curtis and Rose Polenzan

17. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year ( A Shift Remix) - Andy Williams

Holidazed & Confused 08

The Other Side of Christmas

Listen (via Opentape)

1. Super Jingle Bros. - Doctor Octoroc

2. Naughty Naughty Xmas - Danger Danger

3. Snow Ogre - PostPrior

4. Dead By X'Mas - Hanoi Rocks

5. I Hate Christmas Parties - Relient K

6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Banks Soundtech Steel Orchestra

7. Christmas in Hell - Pennywise

8. Merry Christmas from the Family - Jill Sobule

9. Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin' - Mack Rice

10. Me And Mrs. Claus - Bob Rivers

11. Christmas Medley