Like Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera never met a melissmatic phrase (that gospel-like elongation of syllables) that she couldn't love. And she deploys more than her share throughout this 11-song holiday disc. Her excessive style is best-suited to "Merry Christmas, Baby"--complete with a surprise cameo by Dr. John. When she isn't blowing out her chords with embarrassing emoting, at times, Aguilera sounds like she's shouting. Still, you know that if you don't get this for your teenaged fan, it's you who will get that lump of coal in your stocking. --Martin Keller
