Wrapping: Studio-posed portrait of Boyle, wrapped up in neutral-toned knitwear and white fur trim, contrasting bizarrely with un-Christmassy choice of black nail polish. Sleeve notes have all the words for anyone who fancies doing a duet.

Style: Warming and atmospheric, easy listening, festive songs without the glitz.

Content: Twelve unadorned Christmas carols and songs including Hark! The Herald Angels Sings, In the Bleak Midwinter, Little Drummer Boy (featuring The Overtones) and O Come, All Ye Faithful (duet with Elvis Presley) along with the Lord’s Prayer, When A Child is Born (duet with Johnny Mathis), and I’ll be Home for Christmas to the final Miracle Hymn.

'Tis the reason to be jolly: Boyle is polished, stays true to the classic renditions of Christmas favourites, with a virtual duet with the late Elvis providing a refreshing take on an iconic song.

Scrooge moan: That black nail polish.

White Christmas? Warm, background music for Christmas gatherings.

Blue Christmas? Nothing to depress or offend here, with all the traditional festive favourites and a dose of Christmas joy.

Stocking or shocking? Will delight the devoted, and please anyone of a certain age who wants to escape the usual jangly, glitzy, re-makes.