Wrapping: Serene and poised black-and-white SuBo is living proof that absolutely everyone can scrub up well with a bit of effort.

Content: Seven traditional winter melodies and three more secular songs of inspiration: Lou Reed’s Perfect Day, Crowded House’s Don’t Dream It’s Over and Leonard Cohen’s ubiquitous Hallelujah.

Style: Haunting melancholy in Susan’s voice is her greatest asset, still surprising cynics with its depth and clarity.

’Tis the reason to be jolly? Underlying strength but sadness in her singing add to belief that Ms Boyle has been stranger to frivolity and joviality for far too many years.

Scrooge moan: It would be churlish to be nasty about Susan Boyle. Let’s be nice for Christmas.

White Christmas? No, but after Silent Night on her debut album, she now does The First Noel, Away In A Manger and O Holy Night.

Blue Christmas? Some would rather say uplifting and inspirational, but don’t expect to find Susan Boyle kissing Santa Claus.

Stocking or shocking? She still seems uncomfortable with fame, but under guidance of producer Steve Mac delivers something on a par with Karen Carpenter.