Wrapping: Nick and assorted possible friends/family, plus girl in Santa suit, plus big dog.

Style: The usual Nick Lowe exemplars of good taste, with festive songs touched by country, rock and jazz.

Content: Twelve songs, some classics of the season, a great gospel opener in Children Go Where I Send Thee, some wry contributions from Mr Lowe, such as the excellent Christmas At The Airport, and a stellar collaboration with Ry Cooder, A Dollar Short Of Happy.

Tis the reason to be jolly: Just about everything is right about this album, which stays just the right side of cheesy and is a worthy edition to the once-a-year collection.

Scrooge moan: Nothing to report here.

White Christmas? No, but there is a Ska version of Silent Night.

Blue Christmas? Nothing depressing here at all, just a few ironic twinkles.

Stocking or shocking? This would be a good present for anyone with taste running through their veins.