Make Your Own Holiday Compilation CDs - Page 2

Part of: Spirit of the Holidays 2008

Next, you will need software for burning MP3 files onto a disk. Most media players already include burning capabilities, so if you already use iTunes, Windows Media Player, Real Player, or another compatible program, they are more than adequate for your needs.

Now comes the fun but challenging part: selecting the track lists. Since Christmas music comes in so many different styles and genres, it should be relatively easy to customize track lists to individual musical tastes. However, if you do not possess an extensive music collection, you may want to stick with the crowd-pleasing Christmas carols that everyone loves.

Once you finish burning your music, design some festive CD labels and covers. If you want to create labels quickly, simply use templates and graphics included with your labeling software. Unleash your artistic side and design a label, insert, or booklet from scratch; free clip art and images are available on the Internet. To locate these items, do a Google Image search to find graphics. Make sure your printer contains plenty of ink, whether you are using a laser or ink jet printer. To reduce waste, test-print on regular paper to ensure that your labels will print correctly. Sometimes printer calibration is needed to adjust the printing to specific labels; label software usually provides instructions for this task.

Now, present your custom-made Christmas CDs to your friends and family, and watch them be amazed by your time and effort! You have given them a meaningful, yet inexpensive, present that they will cherish for years to come. Isn't that what the holiday season is about?

Need inspiration? Below are some sample compilations suited to different musical tastes. All songs are available on iTunes and other online music stores. Obviously this is just a small taste of the Christmas music available, but the following lists may help get you started.

(Classic) Rock the Christmas Tree!

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Article Author: Kit O'Toole

Kit O'Toole is a lifelong music enthusiast who maintains a music blog, Listen to the Band. In addition, she is the internet columnist and a contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine. She also holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology.

Visit Kit O'Toole's author pageKit O'Toole's Blog

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